Bundaberg in the Wild Bay region of Queensland doesn’t immediately jump out as must-visit spot for those craving culinary experiences, yet it is fast becoming a gastronomic hub not only due to its food offering and local produce but its distilleries too. It’s something being dubbed ‘tipple tourism’ in some circles.

“We have seen a shift from people wanting to visit landmarks to people wanting to immerse themselves in rich experiences,” says Duncan Littler, Operations and Brand Manager for Bundaberg Rum. As the man who heads up the distilleries’ rum visitor experience, he believes the area is finally being recognised as one of Australia’s premier foodie destinations. “30 per cent of Australia’s fresh produce grown in the region,” he says excitedly.

Bundaberg’s famous Rum Distillery, set to the cities east, is Australia’s original craft distillery and dates back to 1888. Proud of its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients to create award winning rums, the makers have developed a nose for crafting distinct flavour profiles that can only be recognised as from the Bundaberg region.

They have received nods in all the right places from both national and international award bodies including the title of World’s Best Rum. They have also bagged the Gold ribbon for Best Distillery, Brewery or Wine Experience in Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards.

“There is no rum in the world that tastes like Bundaberg Rum which is something we are incredibly proud of. This is the result of us owning our process from start to finish at our single estate distillery,” explains Littler. “It is a process we have now been refining for over 130 years.”

In addition to being known as a food and drink paradise, Bundaberg is also becoming known as a thriving Great Barrier Reef destination with trips to Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot islands leaving daily. An $18 million investment in further developing Bundaberg’s turtle breeding at the Mon Repo turtle centre is also bringing people into the area, plus an $8.5 million investment in the distillery itself has meant the long standing Australian brand is also keeping up with the times.

“We’re offering a rum experience, where you can mix your own,” says Littler. “And we’ll give you two bottles; one to keep and one to drink. Plus, we’ll keep your recipe on file should you ever need a refill.”

Bundaberg Rum isn’t the only distillery in the region, nor is it the only one worth a visit. Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing and Waterview Distilling are both worth a trip. Whilst Kalki Moon specialises in gins, vodkas and liqueurs, Waterview serves up their own take on “grog and lolly water”.

There are also many food spots worth checking out during your visit, including local favourites Oodies and Grunske’s for hearty burgers and uncomplicated seafood. Don’t forget to drop into Tinaberries to buy strawberries right from the farm (June – Sep) and be sure to take in a late breakfast at Delicious favourite Indulge Café, a joint that continues to do a roaring trade some 13 years after it first opened.