U3A Network Qld State Conference

U3A Network Queensland State Conference


Break out of your Shell

U3A Network Queensland State Conference


U3A Network Qld State Conference Break out of your Shell

Optional Activities and Excursions

You can select these these optional events on registration.

Welcome Function 6.30-8.00pm Wed 15th May

Conference Dinner, 6.30pm Thursday 16th May

Bus Trip 9.30am Wednesday 15th May

River Walk and Breakfast 7.30am Friday 17th May


Other Sightseeing options

Bundaberg Barrell

Amandine Levendar Farm and Shop

Hinkler Hall of Aviation

Botanic Gardens

Alexandra Park and Zoo

Bundy Belle - Burnett River Cruise

Beaches

Lady Musgrave Island Tour

 

Welcome Function 6.30-8.00pm Wed 15th May

Cane Cutters Kitchen
Cane Cutters Kitchen

Cost $15 per head. To be held at the Cane Cutters Kitchen, 220 Bourbon St.

The Cane Cutters Kitchen is at the Sugar Country Motor Inn at 220 Bourbong St across the railway line from the railway station. It is the conference room for the Sugar Country Motor Inn. Finger food will be served and drinks will be available at the bar at members' expense. (see map for location).

Please indicate on your Registration if you will be attending.

 

 

Conference Dinner, 6.30pm Thursday 16th May

Venue: The Waves Sports Club, 1 Miller St Norville.

The Waves Sports Club
The Waves Sports Club
The Conference Dinner will be held at the same location as the conference - the multi award-winning club The Waves Sports Club, 1 Miller Street, Norville (see map for location).

The venue is single level with undercover parking with no time restrictions. The venue is a short drive from both the airport and the train station and many of the accommodation options suggested.

 

Bus Trip Wednesday departing 9.30am 15th May ($30)

Departs at 9.30am from The Waves, 1 Miller St. and returns between 3.45pm and 4.00pm.

As part of your introduction to the Bundaberg area, we have organised a bus trip to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. This venue was given the seal of approval by Prince Charles when he visited about 12 months ago. The cost of entry into the venue will be covered in the fee for the trip. There will be time for a rum tasting at the end of your tour. We will also be having a drive around the area with full commentary about the agriculture and some history of the area. You will have panoramic views of the area from our one and only hill, the Hummock. Lunch will be at the East Bundaberg Sports Club at your own expense.

The Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
In 1880, Bundaberg had 6 sugar mills in operation. Sugar grew well in the area due to the rich volcanic soil. By 1883, Bundaberg was producing one fifth of the entire colony's sugar output. Production of so much sugar caused a problem of what to do with the waste product from the process- molasses. Most of the molasses was pumped straight into the Burnett River. In 1885, Frederic Buss investigated the idea of turning the molasses into rum. In November 1888, the Bundaberg Distilling Company was officially incorporated. In 1961, the polar bear became the mascot to indicate that the rum could ward off the coldest chill. The area we will be visiting is the new area that was built after the British Company Diageo bought the company in 2000.

East Bundaberg Sports Club - Magpies

East Bundaberg Sports Club
East Bundaberg Sports Club
East Bundaberg Sports Club offers two areas for dining. The Hidden Palace Chinese Restaurant offers a choice of at least 15 meals served with fried rice or boiled rice and soup of the day or two spring rolls for $9.90. Service is quick and the meals are more than satisfying. If you don't eat Chinese, there is a bistro serving a variety of meals. Gluten free options are available. Lunch is at your own expense.

The Hummock

The Hummock
The Hummock
The Hummock was named The Sloping Hummock by Matthew Flinders in 1799. It is a low lying volcanic remnant that is responsible for the rich red soil of the area and the black basalt rocks at many of our beaches. Even though it is only 96m above sea level it offers good views over the whole area. You will be advised of many of the local spots while on the top of the hill. If you have the time, return and use the timber boardwalk that starts at Heathwood Park on Bowden St or go on the walking track at Maureen Schmidt Park that is best accessed from Finemore Cres.



 

River Walk and Breakfast, 7.30am Friday 17th May

Part of River Walk
Part of River Walk

Meet 7.30am at Alexandra Park rotunda. Walk along Riverway to River Cruz Cafe - 1.5km, easy half hour, small rise, boardwalk at cafe end - suitable for powered wheelchairs. River Cruz opens at 8am - has full breakfasts and coffee/snacks. Toilets are suitable for people with disabilities. Free wi-fi available. Walk back the same way, drive to The Waves and arrive at the conference at about 9.30. If not attending the conference you can explore the city from River Cruz. A local U3A member will be guiding the walk and can tell you anything you need to know!



 

Other Sightseeing Options

For other suggestions: Local Visitor Attractions


The Barrell
The Barrell

Bundaberg Barrel
Bundaberg's non-alcoholic ginger beer and other soft drinks aren't as famous as Bundy Rum, but they are very good. Visit the Barrel to take an audio tour of the small museum. Tastings are included and it's geared toward families.

 

Amandine Lavender Farm and Shop
Wander around the lavender patch, learn how to propagate lavender and buy a souvenir in the gift shop.

 

Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Mt Perry Rd. Bundaberg
This modern museum has multimedia exhibits, a flight simulator and informative displays chronicling the life of Bundaberg's famous son Bert Hinkler, who made the first solo flight between England and Australia in 1928.

 

Botanic Gardens
Located on Mt Perry Road on the city's northern outskirts, the Botanic Gardens sprawl over 27 hectares of land and feature a variety of 10,000 trees and shrubs. A magnificent lake, creating a habitat attracting up to 114 species of birds, is centre piece of the Botanic Gardens, while a wedding chapel, shaded picnic areas, themed boardwalks, Japanese gardens and children's playground enhance the appeal of one of Bundaberg's favourite lifestyle precincts. If you stay for Sunday you can take the Steam train for a ride around the Gardens ($4, no EFTPOS).

 

Alexandra Park and Zoo
Quay St Bundaberg
This lovely sprawling park with plenty of shady trees, flower beds and swathes of green lawn for a lazy picnic is located right beside the Burnett River. There's also a small zoo. If you are going on our walk on Friday morning, you will be departing from this park.

 

Bundy Belle
Bundy Belle
Bundy Belle - Burnett River Cruise
A 2.5 hour cruise on the Burnett River aboard the fully restored classic ferry, the gorgeous Bundy Belle.

 

Beaches
Along the coast line of Bundaberg you will find a dreamy stretch of sandy beaches, national parks and seaside holiday villages that beckons to be explored. Swim or fish at Elliott Heads, go diving off the rocks at Coral Cove, visit Moore Park Beach, soak up the Esplanade ambience of Bargara or visit Mon Repos turtle centre (closed on the weekend). The Coastal region of Bundaberg is sheltered by Fraser Island giving ideal conditions for family friendly beach holidays. There are good walking and cycling tracks along the coast: The Turtle Trail

 

Lady Musgrave Island Tour ($281 Adults, $198 Concession)

Lady Musgrave Island Tour
Lady Musgrave Island Tour
Plan a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island aboard a luxury catamaran to this 14 hectare coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the bird life above the water or swim with the turtles, manta rays and dolphins. There is also a glass bottom boat trip around sections of the reef.