Whilst many areas within the queensland Bundaberg region have been impacted by the recent flooding event, most local tourism icons have remained relatively unscathed according to Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism (BNBT).

“Tourism icons such as the Mon Repos Turtle Experience, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands, the Bundaberg Rum Bondstore, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel, the various Childers wineries and many others are open for business as usual”, said BNBT Chair, Greg Barnes. Importantly, the number of breeding turtles returning to lay their eggs at Mon Repos have not been affected in the slightest and numbers are actually growing with some 239 of the ancient mariners having already returned to the largest loggerhead rookery on the east coast since the start of the current season.

Whilst recent media reports have accurately described the devastation that many communities and businesses have suffered as a result of the deluge of rain that fell on Boxing Day, they haven’t reported the fact that most tourism operations were able to continue on as normal or to quickly bounce back into full operation, he said.

“Perhaps the biggest impact on tourism operators has been the dramatic number of unnecessary cancellations for accommodation”, Barnes said. “As devastating as the floods have been for our local community, travellers should be aware that our airport, railway, highways and most local roads are open as usual and that we continue to offer visitors an incredible holiday experience at a most attractive time of the year,” he said.

“Bundaberg has always been regarded as a friendly and welcoming region with a lot to offer the traveller but as it recovers from the floods visitors to the region will stand in awe at the resilience of this incredible community.”