Historical photos of Bundaberg brought back to life with colour

They were the good old days. The times when local icon Buss Park had gates, a trip to the Bundaberg Show was the epitome of glamour and locals played music to celebrate life in times of war. Take a look back at some of Bundaberg’s most iconic old photos brought back to life with modern technology.

Bundaberg’s history is a rich and interesting one, filled with familiar faces of yesteryear and landmarks that still exist to this day, albeit in a slightly different form.

The NewsMail has taken a selection of classic historical photos from the region, using modern technology to add a hint of colour, breathing life back into the memories.

Take a look at the images below:

Staff from Bundaberg Hospital

Classic beauty abounded back in the day, and these lovely ladies from the hospital are proof of that.

The Grand Hotel team

The Grand Hotel has made it through some big changes in the world. This snap was taken in 1912 – the year the sinking of the Titanic made global headlines and the Republic of China was formed.

A trip to the Bundaberg Show

The Bundy Show has long been a big event on the region’s calendar, but in days gone by it was considered a very big event to get dressed up to the nines for.

East Bundaberg back in the day

This graceful lady posed in East Bundaberg, easily 100 or more years ago.

A visit from the PM

Over the years, a number of PMs have visited the Rum City. In 1953, it was Robert Menzies and his family who were given a civil reception.

Buss Park had gates

It’s the jewel in the crown of Bundaberg’s CBD. But few would remember that Buss Park once had gates.

A day at the office in the 1950s

Smiling faces abound in the office room of grocery wholesalers Campbell and Amos.

Celebrating patriotism in war

War is a harrowing thing, but these locals were willing to lift spirits with some music on Bourbong St.

Part of the Garnett Laffan Collection in the state library, this image shows a patriotic fete held on Bourbong St some time during World War II. Band members, including Garnett Laffan pictured playing the piano accordion, play on the back of a truck. Picture: Bundaberg Regional Libraries.

The showgrounds from the air

There were no drones back in the day, so someone had to jump in a plane to capture this photo of the Bundaberg Showgrounds in the 1930s.

Bundy’s beloved Cafe Royal

Many locals have a tale to tell about the Lathouras family and their popular milk and snack bar.

The original image in its charming black and white.