BUNDABERG RUM - THE AUSSIE SPIRIT!

The Bundaberg district produces one fifth of Queensland's sugar crop. Throughout the year the green mosaic of fields changes as the crop matures and is harvested. There are four mills in the region. Bundaberg Sugar operates three sugar mills near Bundaberg. Isis Central near Childers has tours for visitors. Milling of cane, known as the crush, continues from July to November.

One of the by-products of sugar milling is a sticky black syrup called molasses. The molasses from Millaquin Mill is piped next door to the Bundaberg Distilling Company, where the famous Bundaberg Rum is made. Bundaberg is unique in Australia as it is the only place where the entire range of sugar production activities occur; growing, milling, refining, research and distilling.

Bundaberg Rum is by far and away Australia's best selling spirit. Recognizing that there was great interest in seeing the process the company put in place a visitor centre where an explanatory video is shown prior to guided tours of the distillery. Visitors are shown the entire process from the molasses pit through to bottling. Enthusiasts marvel at the bond stores where over $200 million dollars worth of rum is maturing.

The pride of Bundaberg Rum's visitor operation is Spring Hill House. The plantation house was transported to its current site in 1991 and lovingly restored. It now houses a museum, souvenir store and bar where tour visitors can taste the Bundy product right on site.