Bundaberg
Flippers on, snorkel tightly secured, this was what I'd been waiting for - the chance to paddle into the emerald waters straight off the beach at Lady Elliot Island. No mucking about with boats, I just flop into the gentle, lapping ocean and discover the underwater marvels of the Bundaberg region's corals and the magical creatures that make it their home. (link to Dive into Bundaberg)
Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island are Bundaberg's two gems - unspoiled island getaways that have spectacular access to the southern Great Barrier Reef and offer diving and snorkelling experiences straight off the crunchy white sand of the beach.
Underwater wonders are a big part of the 'Bundy experience' but by no means the only adventure I was to find. Bundaberg is a surprise package waiting to be opened.
The city lies on the Burnett River. Situated 375km north of Brisbane, just under five hours drive, it's serviced by regular Qantaslink flights, as well as Tilt Train and coach services from Brisbane and Cairns.
Exploring the city centre, I find wide, boulevard-style streets, dotted with sometimes charming and more often grand historical buildings, testament to the days of sugar cane farming which made this region's fortunes.
While agriculture is still a mainstay, it's the world of natural wonders surrounding the town that draws visitors like me, people who want that 'up close and personal' hit with nature.
First port of call is the much anticipated turtle sanctuary at Mon Repos. About 15 minutes north of the town, one of nature's most fascinating spectacles is on show from November to March. The mighty flappers come ashore to lay their eggs, a sight in itself, but it is the hatching of young turtles and their return to the sea that is beyond brilliant. Each evening during the hatching season, hundreds of these cute little critters shoot off in all their newborn glory, dashing frantically for the ocean to start their tough journey to maturity.
Whale watching is the other natural wonder in this great location - from July to mid-October, humpback whales pass close to Bundaberg's coastline en route to the northern end of Fraser Island.
Sandy beaches and rocky coves dot the coastline. Bargara beach, 15 minutes drive from downtown Bundaberg, is a seaside township with safe, moderate surf. To the south of the beach (or just around the headland), I find Kelly's Beach. It has a safe swimming area called the Basin which is perfect for children, and a waterway designed to encourage bird life. Ducks, swans and other feathered creatures are part of this nature lover's paradise.
A great way to see the patchwork quilt patterns of the cane fields to the beaches and the ocean is to visit the Hummock lookout, between Bundaberg and Bargara. An extinct volcanic cone and the district's highest point, it offers 360-degree views of the area and coastline.
Woodgate Beach, around 40km south of town and stretching for some 20km, is the first surf beach north of the Sunshine Coast and a mecca for fishing. A national park backs on to the surf and the many walking tracks are a great way to discover the local flora and fauna. Birds (including emus), kangaroos, wallabies and reptiles inhabit the area.
All this activity has made me peckish and thankfully the Bundaberg/North Burnett region is renowned for its produce. It produces over 80 per cent of Australia's sweet potatoes, chillies, snow peas and soon will be the major source of macadamia nuts. Mangos, avocados, tomatoes and sugar cane are all synonymous with the destination.
With the Great Barrier Reef so close, tropical fish, prawns and scallops are served at local restaurants, including the ever-popular Grunskies by the River. Stalls at farm gates sell fresh local produce at bargain prices.
No trip to Bundy is complete without experiencing the Bundaberg Rum Bondstore, headquarters for Australia's best-selling spirit, and the Bundaberg Barrel, home to a refreshing range of sodas including the classically zingy ginger beer. Both showcase the production of these products and, more importantly, dish up a healthy dose of samples.
Bundaberg's favourite son is Bert Hinkler, one of the world's pioneer aviators who launched his first aircraft off the beach at Mon Repos in 1912. Hinkler has been honoured with one of the most captivating museums I've visited. The architecturally designed facility is in Bundaberg's Botanic Gardens, near the Southampton home that Hinkler designed and lived in from 1926 until his death in 1933. The home was moved from England to Australia brick by historic brick.
The Town of 1770 - so named after the visit of Lieutenant James Cook - is just over 120km north of Bundaberg. The area's white beaches and crystal clear waters have changed little since the day Cook landed in May 1770. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing and swimming and is quickly becoming one of Queensland's most popular getaways.