Perched on a ridge to the south of Bundaberg, Childers is a small rural town on the Bruce Highway, the main route connecting Brisbane and Cairns. It was originally inhabited by the Dundaburra people before the arrival of Europeans in the 1850s and the establishment of pastoral properties. Since the late 19th century, sugar has been the town’s main agricultural crop.
Things to do in Childers
Take a step back in time at the Childers Historical Complex, which comprises a former post office, a school building and early cottages. Admire the vintage steam locomotives on display, together with antique cars and motorbikes. Don’t miss Baker’s Military & Memorabilia Museum or the Old Pharmacy Museum, which exhibits early dental, photographic and pharmacy equipment.
A short drive west of Childers is the Flying High Bird Park, which boasts the largest free-flight aviary in Australia. It’s home to more than 2,000 birds, including regent parrots, harlequin macaws and raptors, as well as koalas, emus and kangaroos. During a visit, you can learn about the park's captive breeding program, which helps to release native birds into the wild.
On the other side of Childers is the Snakes Downunder Reptile Park, which provides a habitat for reptiles in addition to amphibians and marsupials. You can get up close to reticulated pythons, coastal taipans and king brown snakes, as well as common death adders and bearded dragons. Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are on display, together with native turtles and tree kangaroos.
Getting around Childers
Childers is around 40 minutes’ drive from Bundaberg and Bundaberg Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia. Buses connect to Childers and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.