Milbi Festival Sunset Launch
Milbi Festival 2021 begins with a smoking ceremony as the sun sets over the beach. X Factor winner Dami Im will headline the sunset launch along with a welcome to country and traditional performances.
The Dead Puppet Society March of the Reef performance, food vendors and local musicians will entertain the crowds into the evening.
Date: Friday 29 October
Time: 4.30 - 6.30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Nielson Park Beach, Bargara
Milbi at the Lighthouse
Showstopping entertainment and family fun is the order of the day for Milbi at the Lighthouse. Alex Lloyd and Ash Grunwald headline the festival inspired line-up, accompanied by fire dancers, local artists, roving entertainers and stilt walkers.
Artisan market stalls featuring local and handmade items will meld with interactive activities and amusement rides. Enjoy something to eat from one of the many food vendors or bring a picnic to enjoy in the shade. A licenced bar will be operating.
Date: Saturday 30 October
Time: 11am - 9pm
Cost: Gold coin donation at the gate
Location: Jack Norgate Oval, Burnett Heads
An Intimate Evening with Gail Mabo
Join curator and artist Gail Mabo for an exclusive event in the stunning surrounds of the Legacy: Reflections on Mabo exhibition at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. Enjoy a glass of wine and delectable bush tucker inspired canapes, while you listen to Gail speak about her father, Eddie Koiko Mabo, a passionate campaigner for Indigenous Land Rights, and the man behind the landmark Native Title Act.
As co-curator of Legacy: Reflections on Mabo Gail will also take guests on a private tour of the exhibition and discuss how each of the 25 Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in this exhibition has responded to an aspect of Eddie Mabo that they were drawn to, whether it was his life, politics, activism, or legacy.
This is going to be an unforgettable evening of art and conversation with a taste of bush tucker. It’s an event not to be missed! Ticket price includes canapes and two drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks are no cost.
Date: Saturday 30 October
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $80 | includes canapes and drinks package | 18+ event
Location: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, 1 Barolin St
In Conversation: Artist Talk with Gail Mabo
Join Gallery Director Rebecca McDuff in conversation with Gail Mabo about the outstanding Legacy: Reflections on Mabo exhibition at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
In this free and informative event, Gail will speak about her role as co-curator of the exhibition, and the process of bringing together 25 Indigenous and non-indigenous artists to celebrate the historic achievements of her father, Eddie Koiki Mabo.
Date: Sunday 31 October
Time: 10.30 - 11.30am
Cost: Free, bookings essential
Location: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, 1 Barolin St
Milbi Tucker + Tunes
The sounds of Busby Marou and the flavours of traditional, native produce will delight the senses at this laidback and unique event. With historic Fairymead House as your backdrop relax on rolling green lawns and soak up the tranquillity of Bundaberg’s glorious Botanic Gardens as you enjoy your hamper.
Casual seating, including chairs, picnic tables and picnic rugs will be available. This is a licenced event with drinks available for purchase on the day.
Date: Sunday 31 October
Time: 2 - 6pm
Cost: $89 | includes food hamper. Drinks available for purchase.
Location: Fairymead House back garden, Thornhill St
David Gulpilil Film Retrospective
This year marks fifty years since movie audiences first experienced the onscreen talent and charisma of one of Australia’s greatest actors, David Gulpilil AM. As an actor, dancer, storyteller, educator and painter, Yolngu man David Gulpilil’s place in the history of Australian film can’t be overstated. A film festival held over five days, choose to watch one or all of these incredible films.
- Walkabout | Rated M, 101 mins
- My Name is Gulpilil | Rated M, 120 mins
- Ten Canoes | Rated M, 92 mins
- Storm Boy | Rated G, 88 mins
- The Tracker | Rated M, 98 mins
Date: Sunday 31 October - Thursday 4 November
Time: 10am and 6.30pm daily, plus 4pm Sunday 31 October
Cost: $10 each screening | $30 five-session pass
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong St
Milbi Tours
Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tour
The Taribelang people have been in the Bundaberg Region for over 60,000 years, with stories passed down from Elders of sacred sites across the region. Join Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours to immerse yourself in the richness of our country and culture. Your tour hosts, guided by our Elders past and present, will share with you places of cultural significance, traditional skills and language, in a half day interpretive tour of the Bundaberg Region. An Indigenous-inspired morning tea will be provided.
Date: Monday 1, Thursday 4 and Saturday 6 November
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: Adult $59 | Pensioner $49 | Child $39
Location: 53 Perry Street, North Bundaberg
Wetlands Walk
Explore the wetlands of Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park during a one hour morning walk with Council’s Natural Areas team and Nev Cappell from BirdLife Bundaberg. Learn about the many birds and animals that call the unique wetlands of Baldwin Swamp home.
Date: Tuesday 2 November
Time: 8 - 9am
Cost: Free
Location: Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park
Rockpool Ramble
Discover your local rocky shore from the perspective of your experienced naturalist guide. Head out for a rockpool ramble and learn more about the marine life that call the Bargara coastline home.
Date & Time: Monday 1 November, 10.30 - 11.30am
Wednesday 3 November, 12 - 1pm
Friday 5 November, 3.15 - 4.15pm
Cost: $15pp
Location: Nielson Park Beach Surf Club
Citizen Scientist Snorkel Tour
Don your snorkels and join local Master Reef Guide Natalie Lobartolo in this underwater exploration of local reefs and marine creatures living just below the surface. Learn more about different coral species and the array of life they support. Discover simple ways in which you can become a citizen scientist and contribute to the ongoing monitoring of coral health along the region’s coastline.
Date: Sunday 7 November
Time: 7.30 - 11am
Cost: $40pp or $65pp including gear hire and morning tea
Location: Barolin Rocks
Story Walk Tours
Tales of murder, mystery and mayhem are uncovered in this one-hour walking tour of the Bundaberg CBD. Join our guides as they weave through laneways and buildings to uncover our fascinating past. Tickets essential!
Date: Saturday 6 November
Time: 10am and 11am
Cost: $15pp
Location: Depart from Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park
Milbi Kids in the Park
Join us at Lake Ellen for a shell-ebration designed especially for our youngest residents. Milbi Kids in the Park will feature free turtle themed activities for children aged up to 5 years, as we talk, read, sing and play. Find out more about our local freshwater turtles and join in the eye spy scavenger hunt adventure.
This event is proudly support by First 5 Forever, an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
Date: Monday 1 November
Time: 9.30 - 10.30am
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Ellen, Baldwin Swamp Environment Park
Turtle Hour
Residents and businesses are called on to flick the switch in support of the turtles for which the Bundaberg Region is world-renowned. Turtle Hour is now an annual event, given the ecological significance of turtles nesting in our region.
Anyone interested in being part of Turtle Hour can easily get involved. Simply turn off your lights from 7.30 – 8.30pm on 2 November 2021. The event is hosted in support of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Reducing Urban Glow initiative.
To find out more about what Council is doing to reduce urban glow, how you can get involved and to track light glow in our region, visit www.knowyourglow.com.au
Date: Tuesday 2 November
Time: 7.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online community event
Turtley Interactive
How much do you know about turtles? Do you know how special Mon Repos is? Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting populations in the South Pacific Region.
Learn from Dr Col Limpus, Chief Scientific Officer at the Department of Environment and Science. Hear about the unique journey marine turtles embark on from nesting to hatchling and the battle to survive in the big blue. Admission is free, however you will still need to register your attendance.
Date: Thursday 4 November
Time: 1 - 2.30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong St
Sunset Eats + Beats at Riverfeast
The Bundaberg Region’s marine history meets laidback beer garden vibes at this unique venue. Formerly a Marine College, the riverside precinct will come alive with entertainment and seafood inspired delights. Welcome in the weekend as the sun sets over the Burnett River with special guest entertainment Madison Kat.
Date: Friday 5 November
Time: 5 - 10pm
Cost: Free
Location: Riverfeast, 1A Scotland St
Milbi Gala Ball
Graceful dancers twirling across the dancefloor will emulate the movement of the ocean in this Under the Sea charity event. Ball gowns and bow ties will meld with the creatures of the deep as you step inside an extravagant underwater oasis.
Dine and dance the night away as you are entertained by comedian and 2014 Deadly Funny National Grand Final winner Steph Tisdell and 6-piece band Funky Monkeys. Participate in the fundraising raffle and auction held in support of the Sea Turtle Alliance and the important work the group does to protect our Milbi.
Date: Saturday 6 November
Time: Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start
Cost: $150 | includes canapes, two-course meal and drinks package. Premium drinks available for purchase on the night.
Location: Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre
Tangaroa Blue Beach Clean Up
Join the Tangaroa Blue Beach Clean Up and help prevent marine debris entering the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Help clean our beautiful beaches, leaving our natural areas pristine. Bring your friends and walk away knowing you’ve made a difference to the amount of pollution entering our ocean. No prior experience is necessary, our friendly team will assist you with everything you need to know on the day.
Please wear enclosed shoes, bring sun protection and your own refillable water bottle. All equipment and drinking water will be provided. This is a free COVID Safe event, therefore volunteers are required to register.
Date: Saturday 6 November
Time: 1 - 5pm
Cost: Free
Location: Elliott Heads Beach
Milbi at Mon Repos
Join us for the official launch of the turtle season! Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and is home to the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region.
Bundaberg Regional Council, together with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Gidarjil Development Corporation extend an invitation to celebrate the beginning of our turtle season with First Nations performances, yarns and bush tucker, showcasing the importance of the Milbi to our First Nations People and how the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and local community are integral to the conservation of the incredible marine species.
Date: Sunday 7 November
Time: 2 - 5pm
Cost: Free
Location: Mon Repos Turtle Centre, 141 Mon Repos Rd
Milbi Festival logo and elements created by artist and designer
Rachael Sarra (Goreng Goreng/Taribelang).
Built with Shorthand