After a relaxing lunch overlooking the bay and cricket practice, we watched the nightly spectacle of the large bats on their flight to find food. The colony of bats was huge and it was several minutes before finally disappearing into the distance.

Bundaberg region-find the Spirit.

Friday and we drove the 100 k’s to Bundaberg. Coming into the area there was the sign. Bundaberg Region Find the Spirit. I thought it was quite humorous. Well we found the spirit and did a tour and rum tasting after we had lunch at the little cafe there. Couldn’t say I’d recommend the lunch. A cold pre packaged sandwich that cost $10:50 which left us feeling hungry.

A stroll through Bundaberg Rum‘s story from its inception in 1888, it’s first bottle being produced in 1889.

A chat to Bundy Bear, always a must

And our tour began

There was a generous wine tasting at the end consisted of a liqueur tasting and a top shelf rum tasting of choice. After three shots I was glad that I wasn’t driving.

With our designated driver at the wheel we headed for the Bert Hinkler museum.

Bert Hinkler was born in Bundaberg. He was a pioneer Australian aviator and inventor. He was always fascinated by flight and designed and built early aircraft. He was the first person to fly solo from England to Australia, and the first person to fly solo across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Unfortunately the museum was just closing as we arrived at four.

Separated from the museum by a piece of manicured lawn was Mon Repos, Bert Hinkler’s house. The house Mon Repos was named after the beach in Bundaberg where Bert Hinkler tested his home made gliders. This house was the house that Bert lived in in Sholing, Southampton England for the last six years of his life. The house was due for demolition to make way for a housing estate and was rescued and brought to Bundaberg. Bert Hinkler died in Italy at the age of 39 during an attempt to break the flying record to Australia. His plane crashed into a mountainside in Pratomagno Italy and he was buried in Florence, Italy.

Finishing the day at Scarness Beach. A walk before dinner at the Beach House restaurant and a walk along Scarness Jetty after dinner.

From the jetty looking back at the Beach House Restaurant.