Discover rural Australia

Childers, Queensland, is an off-the-beaten-track destination with a lot to offer

Set in the heart of the Bundaberg fruit bowl region, and on the main Bruce Highway, Childers is located midway between major cities of Brisbane and Rockhampton, and tourist meccas of Rainbow Beach and Agnes Water/1770. It is a great place to stop and chill for a few days to experience the Australian countryside without going hours inland.

The historic sugar cane growing town is lined with trees and historic buildings and has plenty of reasons to spend a few days exploring some hidden treasures. First stop is Childers Eco-lodge, a brand new hostel on a country property ten minutes from town. Designed for eco-friendly living, the 28 acre property offers a taste of country life with native birdlife, farm animals, a bushwalk, harvest work and day trips. Choose from a 4 bed dorm or double room and heaps of onsite facilities - relax in a hammock under the trees, sit around the campfire under the stars, spot native wildlife and feed the farm animals.

Something not to be missed over summer is a Turtle Encounter… Mon Repos Turtle Rookery is one of the few places Loggerhead, Green and Flat Back turtles come ashore to nest (November to January) and baby turtles hatch (January – March). You get up close and have the chance to touch the eggs or baby turtles! Childers Eco-lodge runs evening trips out to see this amazing event complete with transport, tickets for the ranger guided Encounter, a gourmet icecream and a cool drink.

For more close encounters with Australian wildlife, Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo has shows throughout the day including koala encounters, a snake show, reptile handling, croc feeding and kangaroo feeding.

Spend a couple of hours surrounded by bright Australian native parrots and birds at Flying High Bird Sanctuary, Australia’s largest free-flight aviary, plus meet their Tasmanian devil and huge endangered Cassowary bird.

Get creative and do an Aboriginal Art Workshop using traditional dot painting with a twist – paint 2 x A4 aboriginal artworks in 3D. Put on the 3D glasses and see your animals jump off the canvas! A fun half day workshop with acclaimed artist Roger Saunders held onsite at Childers Eco-lodge.

For people who like to taste the local produce you can follow the wine trail to 4 local wineries, and top it off with a divine locally handmade Mammino icecream – speciality flavours include local macadamia nuts.

All these activities can be arranged at Childers Eco-lodge at exclusively discounted prices.

So take a break from the urban hustle and bustle for a while and embrace all what rural Australia has to offer. You'll be amazed at its potential: Australia is all about nature and wildlife!

Book your bed in Childers using the form below and enjoy the outback!