Looking for a fun weekend activity or the perfect way to show off your piece of paradise?
1. Destination playgrounds
We have 135 playgrounds throughout the region but our destination parks stand out from the rest.
If you haven’t checked them out yet, make it your New Year’s Resolution to tick off this ‘round-the-region list:
- Boreham Park (Avenell Heights)
- Christsen Park (Bargara)
- Millenium Park (Childers)
- Gin Gin Recreation Reserve
- Southhead Parklands (Burnett Heads)
Get more info on our parks finder.
Avenell Street, Avenell Heights.
Millennium Park, Childers.
2. Free movies
Our amazing community-owned theatre the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre puts on a showstopping program every quarter.
In each season we include a free movie.
The dates for 2025 are 16 and 23 April, 18 June, 9 July, 13 August, 24 September, 12 November and 17 December.
The next two are the school holiday film Runt and Book Club: The Next Chapter.
Sign up to our newsletter for program releases or check out the latest program.
3. Library learning
Libraries are more than just books (but let’s be honest, libraries are pretty great for access to free books too).
Libraries across the region offer sessions to help seniors learn more about technology or to entertain kids in interest areas like gaming and robotics.
Find out more on the website, search the catalogue or find an upcoming event.
Joshua McCullough with a 3D printed vase.
4. Free fitness fun
Each year Council offers free fitness sessions in parks, pools and facilities across the region through the popular Be Active, Be Alive program.
In 2025 the program is set to run through February and March.
5. Community events
Whether it’s the iconic Childers Festival and Taste Bundaberg markets, celebrating Australia Day or Pageant of Lights, Council hosts a range of free-to-attend and much-loved community events.
Check out what’s on here.
6. Visit the zoo
Alexandra Park Zoo was established in 1911 and is one of Queensland’s oldest continuously running zoological facilities.
Today it features a range of native animals alongside cotton-top tamarins.
Even better, it’s free entry and located right next to a wonderful park.
Find out more.
7. Botanic Gardens
From flowering blooms and meandering walks to areas of interest like the rare fruit orchard, there is plenty to discover at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, located on the corner of Mount Perry Road and Young Street, Bundaberg North.
Read more about the attractions within, seasonal highlights and its history here.
You can also read features on the Chinese Gardens and Japanese Gardens.
8. Keeping connected
Council operates two neighbourhood centres in Childers and Gin Gin which offer a range of activities and events which support and facilitate social and cultural connection within the community.
9. Nature walks
Enjoy bird watching, photography, picnicking and bush walking at 12 natural areas across the region.
Many of the reserves offer walks from less than 1 km in length up to 4 km.
From the wetlands at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park, spotting a platypus in Meadowvale, the flowing waters of Stockyard Creek within Russo Nature Park to the sandy tracks in the Wallum Heath at Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve, there’s plenty to discover.
Find more in our park finder.
10. Exceptional exhibitions
We have two galleries in Bundaberg and Childers which have a range of high-quality exhibitions on display.
From supporting the local arts community to hosting first-class touring exhibitions, entry to the gallery spaces are free and well worth a visit.
Be sure to keep an eye on the program releases by signing up to our newsletter and check out the latest program here.
Photo: Sabrina Lauriston Photography.
Thanks for reading about our list of 10 free Council activities!
