Explore Bundaberg’s history with 75+ rare and historic photos

Bundaberg is a city with a rich history that combines the stories of its First Nations people, early European settlers, and its development into an agricultural powerhouse. Take a walk through history in this historic gallery.

Historic Bundaberg

Nestled along the Burnett River, Bundaberg is a city with a rich history that combines the stories of its First Nations people, early European settlers, and its development into a sugar-industry powerhouse.

According to the Gurang Land Council, the land that is now Bundaberg has long been home to the Taribelang, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai peoples.

These traditional owners protected the region’s diverse landscapes, including the Woongarra Scrub rainforest and Barolin Plains grasslands, which provided abundant resources.

The Queensland State Archives say the first British explorer to survey the area was John Charles Burnett who charted the Burnett River in 1847.

Grafton newspaper The Daily Examiner published an article in 1937 describing the story of the region, explaining that British settlement began in the late 1840s with farmers like Gregory Blaxland Jr and William Forster establishing sheep stations named Pandemonium and Purgatory.

Conflict and displacement ensued as native bushland was cleared that disrupted traditional food sources and led to violent clashes.

Bundaberg Regional Library historical collections say the foundations of Bundaberg as a town were laid in the late 1860s when loggers John and Gavin Stewart established the Woondooma property on the Burnett Rivers northern banks.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s “History of Bundaberg” explains the official town site was surveyed in 1869 and named Bundaberg, the Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours’ website explains ‘Bunda’ means people, and the Saxon word ‘burg’ means town.

The newspaper Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser published a story on May 12, 1870 saying “a sale of land at the new township on the Lower Burnett, Bundaberg, was held at the Land Office yesterday”, with strong attendance and selling 66 plots of land, which marked the birth of the future city.

The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre states Bundaberg’s identity became entwined with sugar production in the 1870s due to the fertile soil and government incentives for sugarcane farming.

The region’s first sugar mill was established in 1872 and by the 1880s, Bundaberg was a major player in Australia’s sugar industry.

However, this success came at a human cost when South Sea islanders, some forcibly brought to Queensland through the practice of blackbirding, laboured under harsh conditions in the sugar fields.

Despite their significant contributions, their exploitation left a lasting scar on Bundaberg’s history.

The Bundaberg Tourism website says as Bundaberg expanded, it became a hub of industry and culture with the construction of sugar refineries, rum distilleries, and railways that fast-tracked its economy – while landmarks such as the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Bert Hinkler’s aviation achievements brought national recognition.

The Bureau of Meteorology flood archives states the region also experienced challenges that tested the resilience of its community such as the devastating floods in 1875, 1890, 1893, 1942, 1954, 1971, 2010, and 2013.

Today, Bundaberg is a vibrant city that blends its historical roots with contemporary charm.

Its parks, historic buildings, and attractions like the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Mon Repos Turtle Centre draw visitors from around the globe.

See the photo gallery below to explore Bundaberg’s history through a collection of 75+ photos that showcases the events, landmarks, and moments that have shaped our vibrant community.

Mon Repos Homestead, 1884. A coastal retreat built by Augustus Barton, named Mon Repos (My Rest) as a getaway for his family. Source: Unknown

Tantitha Street Floods, 1890. Floodwaters submerge Tantitha Street in Bundaberg, showcasing the challenges of early settlement life. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, ca. 1890. A snapshot of Bourbong Street, Bundaberg’s central thoroughfare during the late 19th century. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Bourbon Street, Bundaberg, 1890s. A glimpse of Bourbon Street as captured in the Mobsby Collection. Source: Fryer Library, University of Queensland

Arrival of South Sea islanders, 1895. South Sea islanders disembark from a ship in Bundaberg, contributing to the region’s sugarcane industry. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Wallaville Mill, 1896. Built on the Burnett River, Wallaville Mill was a key part of the local sugar industry and collectively operated by local farmers. Source: Queensland Agricultural Journal, Fryer Library, University of Queensland

Railway Bridge on Bingera Plantation, 1897. A critical infrastructure piece for Bingera Plantation, showcasing the scale of Bundaberg’s thriving sugar industry. Source: Queensland Agricultural Journal, Fryer Library, University of Queensland

Bingera Sugar House, 1897. Part of the Bingera Plantation, an token of Bundaberg’s agricultural achievements in sugar production. Source: Queensland Agricultural Journal, Fryer Library, University of Queensland

Eight Hour Day Procession, ca. 1898. A celebration of workers’ rights parading through Bundaberg’s main street. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Queen’s Theatre Interior, 1900. Built in 1888, Queen’s Theatre hosted meetings, dances, and Bundaberg’s first movie screenings in 1905. Source: Queensland State Archives

Bundaberg School of Arts, 1900. A landmark institution that helped develop culture and education at the turn of the century. Source: Queensland Art Gallery

Labour Schooner ‘Sydney Belle’, 1900. The Sydney Belle was a vessel involved in transporting South Sea islanders, highlighting the history of blackbirding in Queensland. Source: State Library of Queensland

Eight Hour Day Celebration Floats, 1902. Three floats commemorate Eight Hour Day in a display of Bundaberg’s community spirit. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

View from Post Office Toward Bundaberg Distillery, 1905. A view highlighting Bundaberg’s iconic distillery from the post offices vantage point. Source: Queensland Art Gallery

South Sea islanders Cutting Cane, ca. 1906. South Sea islanders harvesting sugarcane in Bundaberg that were integral to the local economy. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, 1908. Bundaberg’s early ambulance services included a horse-drawn carriage for rapid response to emergencies. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Courthouse, ca. 1910. This courthouse and former police station on Quay Street operated from 1882 to 1997 and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1998. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Eight-Hour Day march, 1910. A celebration of workers’ rights in Bundaberg. Source: State Library of Queensland

View from The Hummock, Bundaberg, 1912. The Hummock is an extinct volcanic and now the site of Bert Hinkler’s memorial and Sir Anthony’s Rest, with a park opening in 1931. Source: Unknown

Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade building opening, ca. 1913. The new facility on Maryborough Street marked a milestone in Bundaberg’s healthcare. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Historic Bundaberg

Ready for school on horseback, ca. 1918. Two Bundaberg children with their horses, Trixie and Lassie, prepared for their school day. Source: State Library of Queensland

War memorial statue, ca. 1920. A tribute to Bundaberg’s fallen soldiers. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg High School, 1924. Established in 1912, the school relocated to Maryborough Street in 1921 and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2017. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Hospital, 1924. The original hospital, built in 1881, expanded over the years with wards for infectious diseases like typhoid. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Ambulance Brigade, 1925. Ambulance personnel and upgraded vehicles outside their new station in Bundaberg. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Distilling Co. Ltd., 1927. Producing rum and other spirits from sugar industry by-products, the distillery earned a reputation for quality and is an Australian favourite today. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Burnett River reach near Branyan, 1927. This area of Woongarra Shire was a hub for cane growing and dairy farming. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Bundaberg Railway Station, 1927. Opened in 1883, it became a key transport hub with connections to Brisbane and beyond. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Bundaberg Convent, 1927. The Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, known for its musical and academic achievements and overlooks Alexandra Park and the Burnett River. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Apple Tree Creek, 1927. A picturesque valley township between Bundaberg and Childers near the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Gin Gin, 1927. A key farming town in the Kolan Shire that’s surrounded by rich sugar industry farmland and a major route for motor traffic to the north. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

View of the Burnett River, Bingera, 1927. The river, about 200ft below the highest part of the plantation, supplied water for the company’s large irrigation plant since 1901 and was capable of lifting eight million gallons per day. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Bourbon Street looking west, Bundaberg, 1927. This thoroughfare was designed with wide streets intersecting at right angles and runs parallel to the river. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Bundaberg Fire Brigade, 1927. Formed in 1884 to combat disastrous fires, the brigade upgraded to a modern motor engine in 1923. The Central Station was built in 1917 and housed a superintendent with 14 men and complete equipment. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Moore Park, Bundaberg, 1927. A picturesque spot with beaches free from dangerous currents and a park featuring a lagoon, store, and spaces for surfing, bathing, and athletic events. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

The Central Post Office, 1927. This iconic building cost £10,000 to build and features a nearly 100ft tower offering splendid views. Located at Bourbon and Barolin Streets, it’s a hub for motor buses to suburbs and resorts. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Burnett Heads, 1927. A growing seaside resort at the Burnett River’s mouth that featured a lighthouse, pilot station, and facilities for fishing, bathing, and schooling. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Convent and School, Childers, 1927. Originally John Pizzey’s home, the site was converted into a convent in 1920 and expanded with a school in 1926 that taught 100 pupils from surrounding districts. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

Elliott River Heads, 1927. Known for its extensive beach and excellent fishing grounds, this seaside resort is about 12 miles from Bundaberg. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

W.E. Curtis, Auctioneers, Bundaberg, 1927. Founded by William Edward Curtis, this prominent firm specialised in land sales and fruit and produce auctions. Its Quay Street premises succumbed to a blaze circa 1964. Source: The Burnett and Isis Pictorial via Centre for the Government of Queensland

D.S. Norval, Butcher, Bundaberg, 1927. A local butcher serving Bundaberg’s community. Source: QLD Places

Bus travelling through a flooded street, Bundaberg, 1928. A sobering example of the region’s periodic flooding challenges. Source: State Library of Queensland

Burnett River during a flood in Bundaberg, 1928. A scene capturing the river’s flooding impact on the region. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Rowing Club’s boathouse, 1928. Situated at the end of Quay Street on the Burnett River, this venue included an entertainment pavilion. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bundaberg Post Office and Returned Soldiers’ Statue, ca. 1933. Located on Bourbon Street, this landmark honours the community’s sacrifices. Source: QLD Places

Fire at Millaquin Distillery, 1936. This devastating event caused significant damage to the iconic distillery. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Millaquin Distillery fire, 1936. Another view of the catastrophic blaze at the distillery. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Fire at the Bundaberg Distillery, 1936. The dramatic event attracted onlookers to witness the destruction. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Millaquin Distillery destroyed by fire, Bundaberg, 1936. A devastating blaze that left significant damage to this iconic distillery. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Millaquin Distillery Fire Aftermath, 1936. A sombre scene as onlookers row their boats up the river to view the fire damage. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Dead fish floating in the river after the distillery fire, 1936. The environmental impact of the fire included contamination of the river. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Fish killed by spillage in the Millaquin Distillery fire, Bundaberg, 1936. A stark reminder of the fire’s devastating effect on the local ecosystem. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Opening Ceremony of the Methodist Church, 1937. A significant milestone in the city’s religious and community life. Source: State Library of Queensland

Perry Street, 1942 floods. A steam train passing through floodwaters that impacted the region during World War II. Source: Cal and Beth Toft Collection, Bundaberg Regional Council

Whittreds Bakery delivers bread during the 1942 floods. An example of community resilience as essential services continued. Source: Gaal Whittred Collection, Bundaberg Regional Council

Cortege for fallen American airmen at Bundaberg War Cemetery, 1948. A solemn tribute to in honour of an American airmen who died during service in World War II, and whose grave is now located at the Bundaberg War Cemetery. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Funeral procession for the Monto air crash victims, 1948. The community gathers to honour the lives lost in this tragic accident. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Beach-goers at Mon Repos during the 1950s. A snapshot of leisure that features broadbrimmed hats and elegant bathing suits. Source: Arthur McKenzie

Doug MacDonald’s taxi at the Bundaberg Post Office, late 1950s. A charming glimpse of Bundaberg life in the mid-20th century. Source: Contributed

Powerboat racing on the Burnett River, 1950s to early 1960s. A lively era of local sports and recreation. Source: Ray and Vickie Linderberg Photo Collection

Cane fire, 1965. A dramatic and essential practice in the local sugarcane industry to reduce pests, improve the cane quality and harvesting, and making it safer for workers. Source: QLD Places

Church of England, 1965. A landmark representing the city’s religious heritage. Source: QLD Places

Bourbong St, ca. 1970s. A thoroughfare showcasing the heart of Bundaberg in this era. Source: Queensland Places

Digger Street picnic in Svensson Heights, 1970. A community gathering showcasing local camaraderie. Source: QLD Places

Building the soccer field storage shed in Svensson Heights, 1970. Laying the groundwork for the future sports facility. Source: QLD Places

Digger Street soccer field work in Svensson Heights, 1970. Early developments of a key local recreational area. Source: QLD Places

Digger Street soccer field construction in Svensson Heights, 1970. Progress on creating a community sports hub. Source: QLD Places

Gasworks during flood, Bundaberg, 1971. A shocking image of buildings resilience among floodwaters. Source: QLD Places

Bundaberg Bridge during flood, 1971. A perspective of the river’s impact on local infrastructure. Source: QLD Places

George Street during flood, 1971. A snapshot of the widespread flooding that affected daily life. Source: QLD Places

Burnett River wharf in flood, 1971. A powerful reminder of the river’s force during severe rain weather. Source: QLD Places

Walla Street in flood, 1971. Floodwaters transform a familiar street into a waterway. Source: QLD Places

Saltwater Creek with boats, 1971. A serene yet telling image of Saltwater Creek where boats are seen amid the surrounding waters. Source: QLD Places

Dan Murphy’s on Targo Street in floodwaters, 2013. A stark depiction of the flood’s impact on businesses. Photo: Mike Knott, NewsMail

The Melbourne Hotel in floodwaters, 2013. A historic building submerged by the devastating event. Photo: Mike Knott, NewsMail

Caltex Service Station, 2013. The station did not reopen after the floods. Photo: Denise Goode

East Bundaberg Mill in flood water, 2013. An industrial site overtaken by excessive floodwater. Photo: Denise Goode

Trawler dropping in, 2013. A surreal sight as the vessel appears in unexpected surroundings. Source: Unknown

Dislodged house washed onto Queen Street by floodwaters, 2013. A poignant symbol of the flood’s destructive power. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland