Bundaberg's History

During 1867, timbergetters and co-founders of Bundaberg, John and Gavin Steuart, camped on a site later occupied by North Bundaberg Railway Station. Thomas Watson, the first farmer arrived later in the Year. In 1868, Samuel Johnston erected a sawmill on the north bank of the Burnett River, downstream from the Steuart and Watson holdings. Timber, Bundaberg's first industry, was established. Surveyor J C Thompson and his assistant, A D Edwards, surveyed, laid out and named Bundaberg in 1870. By 1872, the population of the township and immediate district was about 200.

Timber supplies ran short and a new industry, maize (corn) production was established. Returns were excellent until pests and disease devastated the industry in the late 1870s.

Experimental sugarcane growing followed and a sugar industry grew. A number of mills operated in the City, most being small juice mills, extracting juice only, the remainder were complete sugar mills; that is, extracting juice and processing the production of juice mills and manufacturing raw sugar. Juice was delivered to sugar mills via an underground system of pipes, with tanker-carrying barges being used on the Burnett River. The early sugar industry was supported by plantations, some belonging to mill owners, and employing Kanaka labour.

Local government came into being during 1873 with the establishment of the Bundaberg Progress Committee. In 1881, Bundaberg was gazetted a municipality and a Municipal Council was elected. Bundaberg was gazetted a town during 1902 and a City in 1913. During this four-decade period newspapers were established; government departments (customs, police, courts, post and telegraph etc) opened offices, education and ecclesiastical were needs met, the railway arrived and parliamentary representation was achieved. In the Town Reach of the Burnett River a port was built (in the late 1950s this was moved to the mouth of the river), health and hospitals received attention and cultural and recreational activities were being enjoyed by the community.

Most labouring work available during this period was on a casual basis, chiefly farming, railway maintenance and stevedoring. Light industries such as blacksmithing, coach building, boat building, sawmilling etc prospered. Today, this prosperity is reflected in distilling, sugar production, cane harvesting equipment manufacturing, engineering and allied industries, fishing, light aircraft manufacturing, plastics production, other major industrial enterprises, farming, food and beverage, manufacture and supply as well as tourism.

Although the Great Depression caused many problems in the years between the two world wars. Bundaberg City Council embarked on two major and progressive projects. During 1928, all City streets were sealed with bitumen, with Bundaberg being the first non-metropolitan Queensland town or City to use special surfacing equipment and bitumen imported from Trinadad.

The second project was the construction of a sewerage system. Except for one small area, the City was sewered when World War II broke out. In this work, Bundaberg was one of, if not the most progressive, town or City in Queensland.

At the beginning of World War Two Bundaberg's population totalled 13,000.

Bundaberg has a rapidly expanding tourism industry and is marketed as the Southern Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. In season whale-watchers are catered for with day tours from August to mid October. Backpacking tourists contribute greatly to the City's economy.

Bundaberg has an abundance of attractive parks, gardens and sporting complexes - at last count 121. Salter Oval has a Sheffield Shield rated cricket pitch and a newly constructed national-standard grandstand. Kendall's Flat Junior Cricket complex is the largest and highest rated of its kind outside Brisbane. Bundaberg boasts the most equable climate of any Australian town or City. In this capacity, the City is ranked fifth in the world.

Tilt train services to Brisbane, excellent air transport, bus services, an attractive Central Business District, major shopping complexes, both public & private hospitals, a progressive City Council, educational facilities from pre-school to university, and multi-cultural activities, all provide life and leisure necessities. Bundaberg, with a population of approximately 46,500 and growing, is often the choice of young families and retired people seeking life-style alternatives.

Parks

BUSS PARK: Originally a School Reserve, with Bundaberg's first colonial public school opening in 1875. When the school was relocated the area became a Market Reserve for public use. Bundaberg City Council named the area Buss Park during the early 1930s, commemorating the community contributions of the Buss family, turning it into a garden display. Buss Park features a sundial, a Bert Hinkler Memorial, a tribute to Lt Matthew Flinders, RN, and the Historic Landmark of Agricultural Engineering plaque, dedicated to the role Bundaberg played in the development of mechanical sugarcane harvesters. Cnr Bourbong and Maryborough Sts

QUEEN'S PARK: Originally the south bank Botanical Garden Reserve; gazetted as such on January 3, 1873. In its original state the area was tall timber/transitional scrub, merging into pine scrub, ie., sub-tropical rainforest. As a consequence, many tree species native to both environments are found today in Queen's Park. Bundaberg City Council maintains the park, providing public access by foot and vehicle. Cleared sites are set aside for BBQ facilities, playground/adventure areas and a zoo. This presents Queen's Park in a semi-natural state, as close as is possible, considering the area is a recreational park. Accessible via Hope and Garden Streets, leading into Scenic Drive

BUNDABERG BOTANIC GARDENS: In 1881, approximately 46 ha surrounding lagoons at North Bundaberg, was gazetted as a Camping Reserve. Later, areas were resumed for a Railway reserve and a School reserve. The remaining land was gazetted as a Botanical Gardens Reserve. Today, 27.4 ha have been planted with a mixture of exotic and native shrubs and trees as well a variety of rainforest trees and flora. Plants, trees and lagoons attract at least 114 bird species. Incorporated in the setting are childrens' playgrounds, picnic tables, shelter sheds, electric BBQ's, toilet facilities and boardwalks over lagoons with viewing decks. Mt Perry Rd, North Bundaberg

BALDWIN SWAMP: (Incorporating LAKE ELLEN and the BY WASH FUN AND FITNESS PARK): Almost 58 ha of wetlands located within 2.5 km of the Bundaberg GPO, named after the pioneering Baldwin family. Baldwin Swamp is predominately given over to paper-barked tea-trees, sedge and reed and swamp grass. The transition vegetation is a mix of paper-barks, dry vine scrub with a fern understorey and a vine-covered canopy. Over 140 bird species have been recorded. Mammals include ringtail and bushtail possums, short-nosed bandicoots, echidnas and bats. Trails and boardwalks lead through the swamp. Seating, tables BBQ facilities are provided. East Bundaberg; accessible from Que Hee, Totten, George and Bell Sts

Many other parks are situated throughout the Bundaberg area.

Historical Structures

BUNDABERG CIVIC CENTRE - BUNDABERG CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS: The building was opened during 1962. The City coat of arms displayed on the building was adopted at this time. The site was previously occupied by the City's fire station and later broadcasting station 4BU. Bourbong St:

MONCRIEFF THEATRE: Originally OLYMPIA AIRDOME, an open air theatre built in 1920. It was enclosed as the OLYMPIA THEATRE in 1955, refurbished as the CREST THEATRE in 1973 and reconstructed as the Moncrieff Theatre during 1985-87. See guide for information on live shows and movies. Bourbong St

BUNDABERG RAILWAY STATION: Built in early 1888, for the completion of the railway from Maryborough (eventually Brisbane). McLean St

SCHOOL OF ARTS BUILDING: (Heritage listed) Built during 1888-89. Listed with the National Trust. Has housed at various times a subscription library, reading rooms, museum and art gallery. Bundaberg's first technical college was housed in the building. Bourbong St

BUNDABERG POST OFFICE: (Heritage listed) When postal and telegraph services merged in 1879, they were transferred to a timber building located on the present site. Today's brick and plaster Post Office opened in 1890. Between 1892 and 1925, the upper floor was occupied by the Australian terminal of a French Movement-Qld/NSW Government marine cable linking Australia with Europe via North America. Cnr Bourbong and Barolin Sts

NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK: (Heritage listed) Built in 1891 as the Commercial Banking Co of Sydney premises. Little change has been made to the building. The premises have held a National Trust classification since 1982. The original stables still stand at the rear of the building. The building was sold into private hands in August, 1996. Cnr Maryborough and Bourbong Sts

COMMERCIAL BUILDING: Until 1968, this building was the WINTERGARDEN MOVIE THEATRE, opened early in 1929. A few months later it screened the first "talking picture" to come to the City. Part of the lavish stage structure can still be seen. Cnr Maryborough and Woongarra Sts;

BUNDABERG POLICE STATION: This station was completed on August 11, 1996. The building, Bundaberg's most expensive to date, was completed at a cost of $7,290,000. The ground floor of the station is 1900 sq m in area and there are two floors, with an ancillary building at the rear. The watch house contains 9 cells, 1 observation cell and 1 padded cell; eventually the watch house will have the capacity to house 17-20 prisoners. Other features include electronically controlled doors, sound-proof interview rooms, wheelchair access, forensic laboratories, office space and a large co-ordinating room for situations requiring Emergency Services. Bourbong St

COMMERCIAL BUILDING: Formerly Bundaberg's first brick constructed theatre, built in 1888 as the QUEEN'S THEATRE. It was used for public meetings, dances and balls and screened Bundaberg's first movies (1905), music festivals, boxing matches and exhibitions, concerts, skating etc. Bourbong St.

GRAND HOTEL: Thought to be the oldest commercial site in Bundaberg. Originally occupied in 1871, by Bundaberg's first hotel, the Commercial. The Grand Hotel was built in 1885. Cnr Targo and Bourbong Sts

EAST WATER TOWER: (Heritage listed) Built in 1902 as the first above-ground storage for the City's reticulated domestic water supply. Height 120 ft (36.6m); storage capacity 40,000 gals (180 kl); inside diameter 30 ft (9.2m); wall thickness varying from 4 ft 6 ins (112 cm) to 1 ft (25 cm). Cnr Sussex and Princess Sts, East Bundaberg

COMMERCIAL PREMISES: Originally built as the UNION BANK in 1910 or 1913 (records give both dates). After a merger with the Bank of Australasia in 1951, business was conducted as the ANZ Bank for many years. Has also housed a wine bar and bistro. Cnr Quay and Targo Sts

COMMERCIAL PREMISES: Originally built as QUEENSLAND NATIONAL BANK (QN) in 1887. Traded as such until 1977. Opened as QN Art Gallery and later as Fourteen Plus Boutique. Now houses a firm of Bundaberg solicitors. The interior has changed little. The huge vault is used for records storage. Cnr Quay and Targo Sts

JAMES CHARLES BURNETT WALKWAY: The Burnett River is named in honour of Assistant- Surveyor J C Burnett (1815-1854). During 1846-47, Burnett made three trips north from Brisbane with the purpose of mapping and exploring the course of that river. Floods forced a return to Brisbane during the first expedition. On the second the surveyor and party explored downstream to the future site of Bundaberg. For the third visit Burnett arrived by small, open boat and explored from the mouth of the river to today's Burnett River Traffic Bridge. As part of Bundaberg's Australian Bicentennial celebrations, Stage One (as far as the old ferry cutting) of the James Charles Burnett Walkway was officially opened. Stage Two, upstream to Alexandra Park was completed in 1994. Eventually, this riverside walkway will follow the surveyor/explorer's route along the riverbank from Queen's Park to the City. Eastern access river end of Targo St; mid access, old ferry cutting north of the Burnett River Traffic Bridge; western access, river end of Burrum St

SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL: (Heritage listed) Scene of Bundaberg's Anzac Day public ceremonies. The 7 ft 6 in (2.3m) high figure of an Australian World War One "Digger" on a polished red granite column was sculptured in the famous marble region of Carrara (Italy). The granite came from Orange, NSW. General Birdwood, the Anzac leader at Gallipoli, laid the foundation stone in May, 1920. Major-General C H (later Sir Charles) Brand, a member of a Bundaberg district family, unveiled the memorial in July, 1921. Intersection of Bourbong and Barolin Sts

FIRST COURT HOUSE: Built in 1882. With the opening of a new Court House in 1958, the police moved into the old Court House and the building served as a police station until 1996. The builidng is now converted to the 'Jailbreakers' Backpackers. Cnr Quay and Maryborough Sts

SECOND COURT HOUSE: Plans for this building were announced in February, 1956. The Cost of construction was £120,000. The Bundaberg Court transferred to the building during 1958 and now occupies the upper floor. Lands Department and Justice Department occupy the ground floor. Quay St

FIRST BUNDABERG STATE HIGH SCHOOL: This brick and cement building on the south bank of the Burnett River was built in 1891 as a Bundaberg Sugar Experiment Station laboratory. During 1912, the City's first high school opened in the building. Since 1921, the building has been used by the Department of Works, now Q-Build. Quay St

LINDEN CLINIC: Built during 1913 as the home and surgery of Doctor Egmont Schmidt. A capsule containing money and newspapers of the time was placed in one of the walls. Doctor Schmidt's art collection, left to the citizens of Bundaberg, forms the nucleus of the city's art collection. Cnr Woongarra and Barolin Sts

BUNDABERG DISTRICT TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD LTD. - HINKLER GLIDER MUSEUM: The centre was opened by Ald C J Nielsen, Mayor of Bundaberg, on May 1, 1983. The foundation stone also commemorates the 50th Anniversary of world acclaimed Bundaberg aviator, Squadron-Leader Herbert John Louis (Bert) Hinkler, AFC, DSM. The museum section houses a full-scale replica of a glider built by Bert Hinkler in 1912. Using the original glider he conducted experimental flights after launching himself and glider from sand dunes located at Mon Repos Beach. Cnr Bourbong and Mulgrave Sts; Ph: 4152 2333 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days

BUNDABERG BASE HOSPITAL: The original hospital erected on the site during 1880-81, was little more than a four-room cottage with kitchen and a separate ward for Kanakas. The nucleus of the present hospital complex was opened by the Governor of Queensland, Sir William McGregor on July 9, 1914. Over the years, the Bundaberg Base Hospital has grown into the major medical centre in the Wide Bay/Burnett region. Bourbong St

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH: The original timber church on the site, facing Woongarra St, was built during 1875. A new brick and plaster church, facing Barolin St, was erected in 1888. This was reconstructed with the addition of transept and sanctuary in 1926. The church features beautiful stained-glass windows. Cnr Woongarra and Barolin Sts

CHRIST CHURCH: A English-style Gothic brick church with tower. The foundation stone was placed in 1920. Work resumed in 1923 and dedication took place in February, 1927. The building features huge oak doors and a choral pew. Cnr Maryborough and Woongarra Sts

CHURCH OF CHRIST: This building was erected in 1926. Handmade bricks were used throughout construction. When the congregation built a new church on a different site, the old church became a pharmacy, The Medicine Shop. Cnr Barolin and Woongarra Sts

ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH: (Formerly St Andrew's Presbyterian Church) The first church on this site was built in 1882. The foundation stone of the existing church, designed in a cross shape with a 71 ft (21 .6m) carillion tower, was laid in 1931. Dedication took place in September, 1932. Cnr Woongarra and Maryborough Sts

ST JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH: The original timber St John's Church was dedicated on Rogate Sunday, May 23, 1892. A parsonage was also erected. The existing St John's Church, featuring a tall copper-sheathed steeple topped with a neon cross, was completed during 1960. The front of the church features a huge, open bible with text. The original church was placed on high stumps and now forms the upper level of the Church Hall. On January 24, 1978, St John's Lutheran Primary School, located adjacent to the church, and accepted enrolments. Cnr Boundary and George Sts

KENNEDY BRIDGE: (Heritage listed) The existing bridge, replacing one of timber construction, was opened during 1899. The contract went to the same firm as the Burnett River Traffic Bridge builders. In fact, the single-span bridge is a replica of a span from the larger bridge. Crosses Bundaberg Creek. Junction of Bourbong St and Bourbong St East

TALLON BRIDGE: Bundaberg's newest bridge across the Burnett River was officially opened on Saturday, April 8, 1995. Thousands of people, including 400 runners, flocked to the southern approach as Premier, Wayne Goss, declared the $20m Tallon Bridge open. The structure was named to honour the enormous contribution to sport, especially cricket and hockey, made by the Tallon family. Southern approach off Bourbong St; northern approach off Hinkler Av

BURNETT RIVER TRAFFIC BRIDGE: Erected between 1889 and 1891 at a cost of 23,665 pounds. Much damage to construction and loss of two lives during a severe flood in 1890. Best viewed from Lion's Park, North Bundaberg; Opened during 1900, replacing a vehicular ferry service. The southern ferry cutting approach can still be seen, being slightly upstream from the southern approach to the bridge. Toll, one penny for pedestrians and three pence for vehicles was removed from January 1, 1913. Southern approach off Quay St; northern approach off Perry St

BUNDABERG ARTS CENTRE: Originally opened in 1902 as BUNDABERG CUSTOMS HOUSE. The building is of red brick and plaster construction - made by Fischer's Bricks in Bundaberg from a clay quarry and brick works once in production on the site of Salter Oval. During 1921, the COMMONWEALTH BANK moved into the premises and remained until 1978. During the bank's ownership the imposing outside of the building was altered to the detriment of the original architectural style. On March 3, 1980, BUNDABERG DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY opened in the old Customs House and remained there until BUNDABERG CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY opened in 1994. On September 18, 1995, $437,000 of refurbishing commenced and the building was officially opened as Bundaberg Arts Centre. Cnr Quay and Barolin Sts. Closed Mondays Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Walking distance 5 minutes) E-mail: artsc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au No admission charge

BURNETT HEADS LIGHTHOUSE: Built in 1873, this Historic Lighthouse was one of the first of its type in the colony of Queensland; a timber framed and cladded hexagonal shaped lighthouse. A lighthouse keeper, pilot and assistants were employed. Duties included rowing a whale boat out to direct boats through the heads, operating the lighthouse 24 hours a day, keeping the kerosene lamp lit during the night and exchanging flag signals with passing ships, also tending the beacons which guided shipping up the Burnett River. The light was converted to Acetylene Gas operation in 1932. Taken over from the State Government by the Commonwealth on the 1st of January 1916, the old lighthouse served the coast until 1972 when it was replaced by a taller concrete, automatic lighthouse with an adjoining power house, construction of which started in 1971. Recently restored, a joint working relationship between BACAS Training Ltd and Burnett Shire Council with State Government funding under the Community Jobs Plan, the former beacon portrays its significant role in the Maritime and Cultural Heritage of the local and regional areas as well as the State of Queensland. This lovingly restored Lighthouse is open the fourth Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Although ascent of the interior staircase is restricted for safety reasons, the aura of bygone days is evident. The pictorial history and written information is available and a member of the Association will be available to answer questions. Small admission charge.