Uncover the Bundaberg Region’s unique stories as part of this year’s Australian Heritage Festival.

On from Saturday 18 April to Monday 18 May, Australian Heritage Festival is a nationwide celebration co-ordinated by the National Trust, with ‘Change’ the theme of this year’s event.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s Heritage Festival Program includes community and Council events that invite residents and visitors to explore the region’s heritage and share stories about days gone by.

Olympia Theatre, Bundaberg, 1960, Picture Bundaberg BRN 173041, Nash, R.W., donor.

Olympia Theatre, Bundaberg, 1960, Picture Bundaberg BRN 173041, Nash, R.W., donor.

North Bundaberg Railway Station Museum Open Day

Visit North Bundaberg Railway Station Museum to discover the history of Bundaberg’s first railway station.

From the historic station building and platform to the assortment of railway relics, this museum has everything for the railway enthusiast to enjoy.

Organised by Bundaberg North Railway Museum.

Saturdays 18 April, 2 May, 9 May and 16 May

9 am - 2 pm

28 Station Street, Bundaberg North

Celebrating 100 Years of Hinkler House

Celebrate the centenary of Bert Hinkler’s English home, 'Mon Repos'. Built in Southampton, United Kingdom in 1926 and later relocated brick‑by‑brick to Bundaberg, Australia, the house stands as a testament to innovation and community spirit.

Explore this modest home on a self‑guided tour and discover the lives of Bert and Nance, along with the remarkable community effort that saved 'Mon Repos' and brought it to Australian shores.

Daily 18 April to 18 May
9 am - 3 pm
Hinkler Hall Of Aviation, Mount Perry Road, Bundaberg

'History in your Hands' Art Exhibition

Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group invite the community to come on a journey through the Bundaberg Region with artist Marilyn Murray and her exhibition 'History in Your Hands.'

This intimate collection of miniature paintings gathers the heritage of our beautiful region into the palm of your hand - small works that honour the buildings, details, and crafted textures that shape our sense of space.

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group and artist Marilyn Murray.

Opening event: Saturday 18 April
3.30 - 5.30 pm

Exhibition: 19 to 24 April
10 am - 2 pm
Bundaberg School of Arts

Free, no booking required

Moncrieff Backstage Tours

Step behind the curtain and discover what brings live performances to life at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.

Led by Theatre Operations Manager, this engaging and immersive experience offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how a theatre operates.

Please note: Attendees will be required to walk up several flights of stairs. Please take this into consideration when booking.

Monday 20 April, Tuesday 21 April and Wednesday 22 April
10 - 11 am
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

Bundaberg Historical Museum

Visit the Bundaberg Historical Museum at the Botanical Gardens. In the theme of ‘change’, step back in time and revisit the history of Bundaberg and its people.

View an extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia kindly donated to the museum from Bundaberg families and establishments.

Organised by Bundaberg and District Historical Museum.

Tuesdays 21 April, 28 April, 5 May and 12 May

9.30 am - 2.30 pm

Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, 6 Mount Perry Rd, Bundaberg North

The Story of Hinkler House: A 100 Year Legacy

Enjoy a guided tour celebrating Hinkler’s legacy and the remarkable journey of his 1926 Southampton home, relocated to Bundaberg in 1983.

Discover a century of history, innovation and community spirit as you explore the story of Hinkler House from its origins in England to its life today as a memorial museum, followed by tea and ANZAC biscuits

Thursdays 23 April and 30 April
9.30 - 11 am
Hinkler Hall Of Aviation, Mount Perry Road, Bundaberg

Doug Rattray films and other local history videos

View rare films of Bundaberg's local history, including footage created by Doug Rattray, a former councillor at Bundaberg City Council, theatre owner and keen cameraman who captured major events in Bundaberg.

From footage of Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1954 to the Railway Picnics at Nielson Park, these videos feature the growth and change of Bundaberg.

Other local history videos will also be displayed from the library collection.

Come in, take a seat and enjoy!

Bundaberg Regional Library:
Thursday 23 April, Tuesday 28 April, Wednesday 6 May

10 am - 12 noon

Monday 11 May
2.30 - 4.30 pm
Gin Gin Library:
Wednesday 22 April
10 am - 12 pm
Thursday 30 April
1 - 3 pm

Free, no booking required

Isis Historical Society Pop-Up Exhibition

Marking its 50th anniversary, this exhibition traces the Isis District Historical Society’s beginnings in 1975 through to the opening of the Childers Historical Complex in 1988.

It celebrates the volunteers, traditions and local history that have shaped the region, and highlights the ongoing commitment to “preserving our past for the future”.

28 April to 3 May
Weekdays 9 am - 4 pm
Weekends 9 am - 1 pm
Childers Arts Space, 72 Churchill Street, Childers

Free, no booking required

Waterloo Hall Dance

Head bush for a night of fun and dance at the historic Waterloo Hall.

Boogie the night away with beginner line dancing lessons from The Childers Country Line Dancers, performances by local musical talent The Fiddlesticks over a BBQ dinner, drinks and dessert from the hall bar and one of Bundy's home grown musicians "The Other Bloke" playing some of the greatest hits of all time!

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group and Waterloo Hall.

Saturday 2 May
5 - 11.55 pm
122 Waterloo Hall Rd, Waterloo

Childers Heritage Day

Celebrate the 5th annual Childers Heritage Day, coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the Isis District Historical Society Inc.

Visit historic town buildings open to the public. Enjoy walking tours led by local historians. See blacksmith, leatherwork, button lace making and other artisan displays at Childers Historical Complex, along with the Great War Living History Group and the Wide Bay Historic Machinery Club.

Organised by Scott Stedman, Isis District Historical Society.

Saturday 9 May
9.30 am - 1 pm
Childers Historical Complex and multiple sites around Childers

Commemorative Installation Trail Artist Talk

Celebrate the relaunch of the Commemorative Installation Trail, a collection of ten site‑specific artworks by acclaimed artist Sam Di Mauro, thoughtfully embedded within the fabric of Childers Arts Space.

Originally installed over twenty years ago, these works honour the profound role the Childers community has played in the life of the historic Palace Hotel, constructed in 1902–1903.

The artist will take visitors through the themes of each installation, which respond to the original layout and character of the building.

Saturday 9 May
12.30 pm
Childers Arts Space

Free, no booking required

Bundaberg Municipal Band Mother's Day Concert

This free concert is simply the chance to sit back in the open air, enjoy some time with family and friends, listen to some music and have a little sing along.

Bring a chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of wonderful music on the banks of the river in Alexandra Park.

A raffle to raise funds for the band will also be held.

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group and Bundaberg Municipal Band.

Sunday 10 May
2 pm
Alexandra Park Rotunda, Quay Street, Bundaberg

Free, no booking required

Bundaberg General Cemetery Tours

Take a guided tour through the Bundaberg General Cemetery to learn about the history of the cemetery and some prominent people who helped to shape and change the Bundaberg Region.

Saturday 16 May
8.30 am and 4 pm
Meet at Hampson Street entry (close to corner with Takalvan Street)

QCWA Bundaberg Branch Tea and Scones

Qld Country Women's Association Bundaberg Branch will host a heritage display and history chat, along with tea and scones.

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group and Bundaberg QCWA.

Saturday 16 May
10 am
15 Quay Street, Bundaberg Central

Phone 4151 3503 for bookings

Tobacco Farm Tour and Gillens Creek Garden

Walk through the story of the farm, one of Bundaberg’s last tobacco growers in 1993.

Explore the original drying barns and baling sheds, now repurposed for a new chapter in farming and rural life.

Hat and closed in shoes recommended.

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group, Jane Marin and Gillen Creek Garden.

Sunday 17 May
10 am and 2 pm
323 Gordons Road, Alloway

Free, no booking required

Bundaberg CBD Heritage Walk

Bundaberg CBD Heritage Walk brings stories to life, guiding you through historic buildings, hidden details and the moments that shaped the region.

Organised by Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group and Bundaberg Tourism.

Virtual tour available online

Moncrieff Nostalgia Project

Moncrieff Entertainment Centre invites the community to share their memories and photographs for the Moncrieff Nostalgia Project.

The project includes a community survey to gather anecdotal memories from residents who have enjoyed the theatre throughout its long history.

The venue, located at 177 Bourbong St, has operated under many names over the years. 

  • Olympia Airdome
  • Olympia Theatre 
  • The Crest Cinema
  • The Moncrieff Theatre
  • The Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

If you've ever been to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, worked at the venue or performed on the stage, we want to hear from you!

Upper level of new Olympia Theatre, Bundaberg, 1956, Picture Bundaberg BRN 190178, Joan Watson collection.

Upper level of new Olympia Theatre, Bundaberg, 1956, Picture Bundaberg BRN 190178, Joan Watson collection.