In contrast to the increasingly frazzled and sometimes brusque behaviour visitors can encounter in overtouristed destinations such as Paris and Venice, the sunny Queenslander is always ready to offer a genuine smile when, shockingly for Sydneysiders especially, they acknowledge strangers with a “Hello!” in the street rather than looking away or staying glued to their phones while expecting other people to move out of their way.  No one looks at their phones when walking in Australia’s rum capital.

At home at Takalvan Motel.

Proud of its roots, the country’s largest maker of rum and rum products sports the city’s name on its own.  Bundaberg Rum is famous worldwide for the high quality of its well-known product, but not many people know that it makes a tasty range of liquid treats beyond its mainstay.  For example, a selection of fancifully flavoured liqueurs enchants the tastebuds with creative tastes, such as coffee and chocolate, banana and toffee, and salted caramel.  These exceptional products are not sold in retail outlets, which may explain the general public’s lack of awareness.  Those in the know, however, are fully aware that the entire range of Bundaberg Rum’s products can be purchased directly from the company online or, more enjoyably, in person at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Bundaberg’s main attraction.  A well-organised operation, the distillery provides visitors with tours of the facility, including an exciting museum and tastings of the products.

Where to stay in Bundaberg?  To the uninitiated, a cursory Google research reveals little difference between accommodation options.

Hinkler Hall Of Aviation.

What Google does not reflect is personality.  In that regard, Bundaberg’s Takalvan Motel is undoubtedly a winner thanks to the tireless efforts of ebullient general manager Noelene Wilson and her dedicated staff.  With decades of experience and an inspiring personality, Noelene sees that Takalvan Motel offers comfortable and immaculately clean accommodation.  The in-house restaurant is also run by the indefatigable Ms Wilson, who readily dons a chef’s apron to make her famous creamy garlic prawns.

Takalvan Motel is a favourite place for travellers and the rotation of doctors and nurses from elsewhere to work in the city’s medical facilities.  All 35 units have car spaces, ideal in spread-out Bundaberg, where a car is almost indispensable for getting around a city where even the parking is friendly.  Bundaberg Regional Airport, owned by the local council, offers 30 minutes of free parking and very reasonable rates for extended periods.

Bundaberg Botanic Garden Chinese garden.

Despite distances within Bundaberg, Takalvan Motel’s convenient location allows walking into the CBD and nearby places such as Alexandra Park, where a small zoo is home to lucky creatures lovingly looked after by dedicated staff.  The emus are incredibly majestic; up close, the unusual sound of the emu, similar to the rhythmic beating of a drum, is a revelation for city dwellers more used to the rhythmic beating of a jackhammer.

For those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, taxis and Uber are readily available to reach other points of interest, such as the beautiful Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and the interesting Hinkler Hall Of Aviation. The 608 bus that runs to the beautiful beach in Bargara stops one block from Takalvan Motel, making the short ride effortless for a day by the sea in a friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Luxury comes in many forms beyond gold taps and nightly turndown service.  A genuine welcome and demonstration of friendliness can mean a lot to a tired traveller more accustomed to the corporate “passport and credit card” greeting at some five-star Reception desks.  Although Bundaberg lacks an Eiffel Tower, a Grand Canal, or an Empire State Building, what it does offer is a respite from the sounds of traffic, smells of rubbish trucks, and crowds of people in large cities and replaces them with calming birdsong, fragrant vegetation, and wide-open spaces to remind us that not every place requires a timed entry ticket to enjoy a holiday.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

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