Bundaberg businesses with a quirky factor
They’re the unique and colourful places that make Bundaberg just that little bit different. Favoured by adoring locals and eager tourists alike, these are 10 of Bundaberg’s most unique businesses.
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Sometimes, it’s the atmosphere of a place that makes it that much more special.
Regional cities are not always known for having an eclectic mix of lifestyle attractions, but Bundaberg proves you can have stunning beaches, historic spaces, beautiful farms and a distinctly urban charm all rolled into one.
With one of regional Queensland’s best kept secrets becoming a little less secret with every new NSW and Victorian licence plate that arrives into town, we took a deep dive into some of the most colourful, charming places in Bundaberg.
The Rum City’s boom isn’t just coincidence, however.
While the city experienced catastrophic flooding in 2013, at least one academic believes the event changed the mood in Bundaberg to one of positivity and growth.
And if this list of businesses is anything to go by, that garden is still growing.
Bert’s
Situated in the heart of the CBD, Bert’s is pure elegance.
Named in honour of Bundy‘s famous flyer Bert Hinkler, the bar and restaurant is fully decked out in elegant, classy, 1920s style grandeur.
Bert’s has recently expanded to offer a takeaway menu including fancy options like vegan beetroot wellington and stuffed squid.
The Library Bar
Jayden Baldwin, Stephen Browning and Jeremy Irwin had a unique idea for one of Bundaberg’s popular CBD spots.
The Library Bar is a cafe and book-swapping or reading library by day and a bar by evening.
“The bar was Steve’s idea, and the coffee shop was mine and Jeremy’s,” Mr Baldwin said.
“The idea was mainly to have the bookstore out the front and a hidden bar at the back but it’s since expanded into a whiskey bar with the coffee out the front.
“We just wanted to create a space where people could chill, and read a book in a nice environment with friends.”
The Paragon Theatre, Childers
Originally Gee’s Hall in 1908, the Paragon was converted to a theatre in 1927.
It offers classic films, live shows, group packages, private hires and an espresso bar.
The Paragon has gradually been restored over the past almost 14 years and will continue to be restored over the coming years.
The theatre is maintained in original vintage style.
Boon’s Crystals
When someone hears “regional city” they probably don’t think of healing crystals, but one local business has proven there’s big demand.
Michael Boon opened his crystal business and a little over a year later had to expand into a space three times bigger.
The young business owner offers a cafe service and the Targo Street business offers a crystal for every budget.
Orange Moose Dental
A dental clinic may seem an unusual addition to the list, but Hanno Venter‘s practice looks more like an art gallery than a medical office.
“The outside layout and location of the practice was an open canvas to do something really beautiful,” Mr Venter said.
“What it stands for and what it means, fits really well with Bundaberg and that's what we want our practice to be about as well.”
Mr Venter hired an internationally renowned artist to design the quirky murals.
Jakes Candy
For those with a sweet tooth, nothing’s better than an entire shop dedicated to lollies.
Jakes Candy, which offers everything from coconut ice to massive rainbow lollipops, is tucked away in the industrial area of Commercial Street, Svensson Heights.
Nature’s Emporium
Anyone walking past Nature's Emporium would know the familiar smell of incense and the relaxing music that accompanies it.
The alternative store has been open since 1992, offering a range of books and music “to soothe the soul”, sterling silver jewellery, timber carvings, essential oils and crystals.
Pinot and Picasso
The Pinot and Picasso business offers an arty vibe to Targo Street in the Bundaberg CBD.
Part of a chain, it offers locals the chance to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in the evening while they paint a picture they can take home.
Bundaberg Whiskey Club
Local men Tai Burgess and Shane Chung love whisky and that's why they’ve turned it into a not-so-risky business.
The Whiskey Club is a business that started up earlier this year, offering clients a range of world-class whiskey tastings on a three-monthly basis.
Cha Cha Chocolate
Right in the heart of the Bundaberg CBD sits Cha Cha Chocolate and if you had to guess you’d be right – it’s literally a store filled with chocolates from all over the world.
The Bourbong Street shop is known for its quirky and bright window displays that are often changed up depending on the festivities and holidays at the time.
The store is described as “a magical chocolate shop you just have to see for yourself”.
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