Welcome to the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum
Step back in time and revisit the history of Bundaberg and its people. View our extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia kindly donated to our museum from Bundaberg families and establishments. Here at the museum you will find yourself immersed in days past with displays set up to show how different everyday places and items used to look. We have recreated settings of a hospital, a general store, a jail, a school room, a theatre, a bank, a bedroom/nursery, a drawing room and a kitchen/dining room. We have displays on the pioneer days of Bundaberg, war days, sport in Bundaberg and on different work industries in Bundaberg such as transport and shipping along with so much more.
The Bundaberg and District Historical Museum's collection began as being housed in "Normanby House, the home of the former president of our museum society, Mrs Agnes Baker MBE in 1967. From here the museum moved to the Tafe Building which was a small building in behind the School of Arts in before moving up into the top floor of the School Arts Building in . Finally in it moved to where it stands today in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.
The Bundaberg and District Historical Museum's collection began as being housed in "Normanby House, the home of the former president of our museum society, Mrs Agnes Baker MBE in 1967. From here the museum moved to the Tafe Building which was a small building in behind the School of Arts in before moving up into the top floor of the School Arts Building in . Finally in it moved to where it stands today in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.
Short History of Bundaberg
On April 1st 1847, James Charles Burnett, a Surveyor from Sydney, stood at the Eastern end of the area now known as Central Bundaberg after sailing down the River. He returned to Sydney briefly before returning to the area and sailing up the River from Bundaberg Port to the Bingera Crossing. Upon his return to Sydney the New South Wales Governor at the time, Sir Charles Fitzroy, named his discovery the River Burnett on September 7th 1847.
On December 25th 1866, John Steuart was camped near the present site of the North Bundaberg Railway Station looking for timber. He returned with his brother Gavin in February 1867 and they became co-founders of Bundaberg City north of the River.
It wasn't until July 30th 1867 that a man named Thomas Watson built the first inhabited house in North Bundaberg. He was later joined by his wife and daughter who were for sometime the only white women/ inhabitants in Bundaberg.
Over the years Bundaberg grew to become a multi-cultural town with settlers from all over the world.
Bundaberg started out as a rural population but as that began to grow so too did the inner township with stores, hotels and other industries being established to fulfil the needs of the community.
Bundaberg was declared a City on November 20th 1913 and by January 1st 1918 it had become a Greater City with the area expanding to cover portions of Gooburrum, Woongarra and Barolin Shires, all of which are now defunct.
Bundaberg is now known for its well known namesake export, Bundaberg Rum and is the business centre for a major sugar cane growing area. The City is also a major tourism gateway for inland National Parks and to the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef and some of Eastern Australia's resort islands.
On December 25th 1866, John Steuart was camped near the present site of the North Bundaberg Railway Station looking for timber. He returned with his brother Gavin in February 1867 and they became co-founders of Bundaberg City north of the River.
It wasn't until July 30th 1867 that a man named Thomas Watson built the first inhabited house in North Bundaberg. He was later joined by his wife and daughter who were for sometime the only white women/ inhabitants in Bundaberg.
Over the years Bundaberg grew to become a multi-cultural town with settlers from all over the world.
Bundaberg started out as a rural population but as that began to grow so too did the inner township with stores, hotels and other industries being established to fulfil the needs of the community.
Bundaberg was declared a City on November 20th 1913 and by January 1st 1918 it had become a Greater City with the area expanding to cover portions of Gooburrum, Woongarra and Barolin Shires, all of which are now defunct.
Bundaberg is now known for its well known namesake export, Bundaberg Rum and is the business centre for a major sugar cane growing area. The City is also a major tourism gateway for inland National Parks and to the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef and some of Eastern Australia's resort islands.
Opening Hours Prices
Monday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (Commonwealth Govt. Seniors & Groups) Concession: $7.00
Tuesday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Adults: $9.00
Wednesday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Children: $5.00
Thursday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Family (2 Adults + 1 Child): $21.00
Friday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (2 Adults + 2 Children): $24.00
Saturday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (2 Adults + 3 Children): $28.00
Sunday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (1 Adult + 2 Children): $16.00
Any extra children / seniors / adults will be added at usual entry fees.
Children Under School age: Free of Charge
We also offer discounted group rates for tour groups and school groups. Please contact us in regards to all group bookings and we will be happy to assist.
Tuesday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Adults: $9.00
Wednesday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Children: $5.00
Thursday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Family (2 Adults + 1 Child): $21.00
Friday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (2 Adults + 2 Children): $24.00
Saturday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (2 Adults + 3 Children): $28.00
Sunday: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm (1 Adult + 2 Children): $16.00
Any extra children / seniors / adults will be added at usual entry fees.
Children Under School age: Free of Charge
We also offer discounted group rates for tour groups and school groups. Please contact us in regards to all group bookings and we will be happy to assist.