We had no problems finding things to do in Childers, Queensland. In fact, this little inland town surprised us.
Having lived in central and north Queensland, I have passed through the town, often heading north or south. However, I have never stopped to explore this vibrant town.
We loved the vibe of Childers; the town oozes character and reminds us of how Queensland country towns used to be back in the day.
Nestled in the heart of Queensland, Childers beckons travellers from all over Australia with its vibrant landscapes, rich history, and a tapestry of attractions waiting to be discovered.
As you travel the red soil-lined roads leading to this quaint town, you’ll see beautiful scenery, but you’ll also sense the strength and bonding of the local community.
Where is Childers, QLD?
Childers is in the Bundaberg Region of Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 310 kilometres (about 193 miles) north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. Many caravanners stop at Childers on their trip from Brisbane to Cairns. It’s also easy to visit as a day trip from nearby Bundaberg or Hervey Bay.
Childers At A Glance
| Population | 1,584 (Census 2016) |
|---|---|
| Location | Bundaberg to Childers 51 km Hervey Bay to Childers 59 km Rockhampton to Childers 323 km Brisbane to Childers 322 km |
| Main Economy | Sugar cane, fruit, vegetables |
| Climate | |
| Summer Temperatures | 30℃ |
| Winter Temperatures | 22℃ |
| Average Rainy Days | 65 days |
History of Childers
Childers was founded in the 1850s as a small farm town with cattle and sugar cane. Over the years, it’s become a tourist destination with history, heritage and modern attractions.
For those who regularly watch the news, you’ll remember the tragic arson attack in 2000, when the backpackers’ hotel caught fire, resulting in the unfortunate death of 15 backpackers with many others injured.
The backpackers had come from various countries, adding to the international impact of the tragedy. The terrorist attack was later found to have been committed by a British man, Robert Paul Long, who was taking revenge for having been evicted earlier.
Childers became infamous after the attack. But despite the tragic incident, the town has managed to recover and rebuild.
The site of the arson attack has been transformed into a memorial, art gallery, and visitor information centre. The community has turned a tragic event into an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and a positive space transformation.
What To Do In Childers QLD
Heritage Walk Childers: A Stroll Through Time
Embracing the town’s rich history is on our list of ‘Childers’ things to do.’ Enjoy the heritage walk, which has 25 heritage-listed buildings that show the town’s evolution.
As you stroll through the three-block stretch of the main street, you’ll discover architectural gems like Lloyds’ Barber Shop, Childers Bakery, and the iconic Paragon Theatre.
Visit the Vistors’ Information Centre First
The Palace Backpackers Hotel that suffered the tragic attack has now been converted into the Childers Art Space & Visitor Information Centre and a museum to pay tribute to the lost lives. The museum is called The Palace Backpackers Museum and stands as a solemn yet moving reminder of the resilience of all those affected.
Upon entering the memorial, you’ll be greeted by the Visitors Information Centre, where you can ask questions about the town and learn about its history.
The Childers Art Space, CHARTS, is also in the hotel. CHARTS shows diverse artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations by local and visiting artists.
The Iconic Paragon Theatre
The Paragon Theatre, constructed in 1927 is the oldest surviving theatre in the town. The theatre is a marvel with its tropical climate-inspired design featuring high-level windows and intricate latticework.
If you want to experience the culture, attend an event here. The theatre hosts film nights and live performances and maintains a 1930s charm.
Other Things To Do In Childers – Visit Museums
Childers Pharmaceutical Museum
The Childers Pharmaceutical Museum is in the town’s centre and housed in an old store. It provides a fascinating glimpse into early medicine during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with numerous shelves adorned with rare specimens and mysterious potions. You can get a (paid) guided tour to learn in depth.
Childers Historical Complex
If you’re going as a family, you’ll enjoy travelling back in time to the Childers Historical Complex to the era of cottages and horse-drawn carriages. This outdoor museum features recreated buildings, steam locomotives, and a curated collection of period memorabilia.
Military & Memorabilia Museum
Surprisingly, the isolated town has one of the best collections of military memorabiles. What started as a hobby for Allan Baker grew into a military museum of over 26,000 items on display from 140 countries.
Allan now runs the museum with his family, and it grows with donations from visitors and other museums worldwide. You’ll find yourself happily immersed in the trinkets, photos and equipment from WWI, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and Gulf Wars, among others.
The museum has been described as one of the best private collections in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also one of the finest collections outside the war memorial in Canberra.
Check the times when you visit, as the museum only opens at certain times throughout the week.
Animal Attractions in Childers
You can connect with nature in Childers as there are many ethically run animal experiences.
Flying High Bird Park: Australia’s Largest Aviary
The Flying High Bird Park, boasting the title of Australia’s largest free-flight aviary, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Over 3000 birds, including those native to Australia, an exotic species, now call this netted exposure their home. The park isn’t limited to birds, though -it includes an outdoor area featuring kangaroos, emus, and even a Tasmanian devil.
Snakes Downunder Reptile Park
If you’re not afraid to get close to slithering snakes, the Snakes Downunder Reptile Park Childers will let you hold them! We passed on this however the kids from the local school visiting at the time did!
From snake shows to crocodile demonstrations, you can learn about Australia’s native reptiles from the knowledgeable staff. The place is also called ‘Snakes Alive Childers.’
I haven’t visited an animal park or zoo since living in Zimbabwe and witnessing animals in their natural habitats. However, we decided to visit this reptile park as its reputation is outstanding.
The park only houses animals that have either been born in captivity or were injured somehow. Typically, cars and domestic pets are their worst enemies.
Wineries: Taste Childers Winemaking Excellence
We visited both wineries. However, Hills of Promise was closed the day we called in.
Hills of Promise Winery Childers
Situated right on the highway, the Hills of Promise Winery is a boutique operation run by a local couple. While it’s not the biggest winery you’ve seen, they have excellent quality, offering tastings and insights into food pairings.
Vintner’s Secret Winery: Scenic Tastings
A paradise for photographers and filmmakers, Vintner’s Secret Winery furnishes a picturesque backdrop for tastings. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, it beckons you to savour the wine and the ambience. The setting also lends itself to wedding receptions.
Culinary Delights in Childers
Fruit Stall Hopping For Fresh Produce
Red soil along the roadside marks the entrance to Childers—a deep volcanic red, making a bold statement against the green fields of sugar cane and fruit trees.
This vibrant contrast sets the stage for a town that demands attention despite its modest population of fewer than 1500 people. The red soil is fertile with minerals and is the nurturing ground for an array of local produce.
Stroll through Childers vibrant fruit stall markets, where local farmers proudly display the fruits of their labour. The variety is impressive and tempting, from juicy mangoes to succulent strawberries.
What sets fruit stall hopping in Childers apart is the chance to connect with the people behind the produce. Engage in friendly conversations with the local growers passionate about their crops.
Learn about different fruit varieties, and even pick up some insider tips on selecting the best fruits. Savour the sweetness of freshly picked pineapples, revel in the juiciness of locally grown watermelons and experience the burst of flavours from handpicked berries.
Many stalls encourage sampling, allowing you to make choices about the fruits you’d like to take home.
A few tips for fruit stall hopping:
- Go early in the morning to get the best picks
- Bring your reusable bags to reduce litter
- It’s best to have cash on hand for stalls that don’t accept cards
Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream
Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream has been a local legend in Childers for over 25 years. They started as a humble macadamia nut roadside stand and grew to become famous for their delicious, homemade ice cream.
They craft delightful frozen treats. Starting as a humble macadamia nut roadside stand, Teena Mammino combined delicious macadamia nuts with her grandmother’s homemade ice cream.
It was an instant success; they have been selling these delicious treats ever since. Choose from one of the original macadamia nut flavours or one of their more traditional flavours, or even a sorbet!
Although Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream is available at the Paragon Theatre in the main street, it would be better to visit the shop that is now located at the Gold Club. This is where it all happens, and you’ll meet the owners who can recommend a flavour and chat with you about their history.
On the day we visited, Kev had the Rum Royale and I ate the chocolate ice cream.
Insane Caffeine: Coffee Beyond Boundaries
For coffee enthusiasts, Insane Caffeine, located at 79 Churchill St, is perfect. They roast their own house blend from Noosa! This modern café offers exceptional coffee and a menu that complements the caffeine experience.
The Peanut Van
This van on Thompson Street stocks various peanut products produced in Kingaroy (in South Queensland). Choose from various flavoured peanuts, including massaman curry, maple bacon, lime, and chilli.
You can even take home a jar of organic, locally grown, crunchy peanut paste. These locally produced peanuts’ distinct and rich flavour will surely delight your taste buds.
Childers QLD Pubs
Grand Hotel
Your journey through Childers is complete with experiencing the quaint charm of its pubs, and leading the list is the iconic Grand Hotel. Established in 1892, the pub has served cold beers, cosy quarters and entertainment for over a century.
The hotel is on the main street and has a drive-through bottleshop. The chef is a ‘wizard’ according to their website. The extensive menu showcases a blend of traditional pub fare and contemporary gastronomy.
Every dish celebrates local flavours, from hearty steaks to fresh seafood from nearby waters. Online reviews talk about the ‘real character’ of the place and the excellent taste. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive drinks menu featuring local craft beers and a curated wine list.
The Grand Hotel hosts regular events, from live music performances to themed parties. Align your visit with one of their events to experience the vibrant local energy that sweeps through the pub during these gatherings.
Federal Hotel
The Federal Hotel was built in 1907, according to the two-storey Federation style of the time. Situated on the main street (M1 Brice Highway), it’s lovingly called “The Feddy” by the locals.
Here the locals gather to catch up on the latest happenings and celebrate on festive occasions. They also have a kitchen with specific timings for lunch and dinner. Check the times on their website before you go!
The bar is well-stocked, with various beers, wines, and spirits on tap. Whether a beer lover or a fan of crafted cocktails, bartenders can mix up your favourite drinks. The beer garden provides a laid-back setting, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring Childers.
We ate dinner at the Feddy during our stay in Childers. Our meals were typical pub grub meals.
Nearby Places To Visit: Woodgate Beach
Woodgate Beach makes for a great day trip if you’re staying in Childers and want to get away for a bit. It’s a hidden beach with pristine shores. It’s famous for its long white sand stretches and is family-friendly and safe.
Water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular options for the more adventurous. The sunset view from the beach is fantastic, with orange, pink and purple streaking the sky. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a romantic evening, solo or with a partner.
Woodgate Beach is also a short day trip from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg.
*Hot Tip: Eat at the pub when you visit Woodgate. Not only do they have a great view, but they also have fish and chips. It’s one of the best pieces of fish we’ve had in our travels.
Where to Stay in Childers
Free Camping
Fortunately, the Grand Hotel allows caravanners and campers to stay free in their designated parking. Camping at the Grand Hotel is a unique experience that immerses you in the heart of Childers.
Wake up to the sounds of the town coming to life and enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of local attractions. Be kind enough to purchase something from the hotel in return for their courtesy!
Where We Stayed In Childers
We opted to stay at Iron Ridge Park when visiting Childers. We loved this hidden gem for many reasons.
- Large campsites
- Spotless amenities
- Teaming with wildlife
- Firepits on every campsite
- It is very peaceful and relaxing
- Only 15 minutes to Childers town centre
You can read our Facebook post here for more information.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, there are lots of things to do in Childers. It is an inviting town with pubs, nearby beaches, and diverse accommodations, creating a tapestry of experiences.
Whether you’re savouring a pint in the Grand Hotel, feeling the sand beneath your feet at Woodgate Beach, or exploring the town, Childers will leave its mark on your heart.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
