The Bundaberg Coast

Bundaberg Coast Family

From turtle conservation and gymnastics to storytime, playgroups and youth support, families across the Bundaberg Coast can find practical ways to learn, play and connect. Options extend through Bundaberg, Mon Repos, Childers and Gin Gin, with activities for babies, school-aged children, young people, parents and carers.

🌿 Nature, movement and school-age activities

Mon Repos Junior Turtle Ranger program

Young nature enthusiasts can explore Mon Repos Conservation Park and learn about marine turtles through this Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service school-holiday program. Sessions are offered during selected holidays for children aged 6–8 or 8–12. The program takes place at Mon Repos Turtle Centre, near Bargara and the Bundaberg Coast; fees apply and tickets must be booked online.

PCYC Bundaberg

Children can get moving through gymnastics and Little n Active, while older participants can explore a broad selection of youth programs. The Bundaberg branch’s offerings include Braking the Cycle, CHAMP, After Dark, Drop In, Team Up, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Youth Leadership Team and Cadet Club. Check the current timetable and program availability directly with PCYC before attending.

PCYC Bundaberg Fun Squad

For families managing work, school and holiday routines, Fun Squad provides outside-school-hours care in Civic Avenue, Bundaberg West. Care covers before and after school as well as school holidays and teacher-free days. Enrolments and bookings are managed through PCYC’s parent portal, where families can also check current fees and place availability.

📚 Early learning and playgroups

Bundaberg Regional Libraries First 5 Forever

Families with young children can share songs, stories and early learning activities at libraries across the region. Programs include Baby Rattle and Rhyme, Toddler Sing and Smile, and Learn and Play Storytime at Bundaberg Library. Childers Library offers Story Time, while Gin Gin Library hosts Story Play. Consult the library program information when choosing a session suited to your child.

Kidz in the Hood Playgroup

Parents, grandparents, carers and siblings are welcome at this supervised Bundaberg playgroup for children aged 0–5. It runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am in the playground at 111 Targo Street. Toys, swings and a sandpit give children room to play while accompanying adults meet other local families.

Childers Early Years Playgroup

Facilitated by Isis Child and Family Support, this free playgroup combines play experiences for babies and young children with morning tea and social connection for parents and carers. Sessions are held during school terms rather than school holidays. Confirm current dates with Childers Neighbourhood Centre before making plans.

Let’s Play Together

This free fortnightly Childers playgroup gives children time to play and parents an opportunity to connect. A qualified Child and Family Worker is available to discuss questions about child development, and guest speakers may attend when a particular topic is needed. Contact Childers Neighbourhood Centre for current session details.

🧩 Development, parenting and family support

Gin Gin Child and Family Support

Families with children aged 0–8 can seek free, confidential assistance from an Early Years and Family Support Worker. Parenting information and support may be provided by phone, at the Gin Gin centre, in the family home or through another service, with referrals to other agencies where appropriate. A fortnightly Wednesday Early Years Playgroup also creates a local point of connection.

BUSHkids Bundaberg

BUSHkids offers free allied health services for children and families through its Bundaberg centre, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and family health support. Its early childhood approach covers the Bundaberg Regional Council area and assists children under six with developmental delay, as well as children under nine with disability, alongside their families.

Peirson Services

Counselling, youth support and group programs are available for parents, carers, families, children and young people across the Bundaberg Region. Current program information includes Bringing Up Great Kids parenting courses and groups for primary-school-aged boys and girls. Families should speak with Peirson Services about registration, referrals and which pathway fits their circumstances.

IMPACT Community Services — Family & Youth Supports

IMPACT provides family, parenting and youth support in Bundaberg and surrounding service areas. Its family programs include Foundations for Life for at-risk women under 25 and their partners, Family Mental Health Support Services, Intensive Family Support, Parenting Support, and Pathways to Early Learning and Development. Contact the organisation to discuss program suitability and referral options rather than assuming eligibility.

CentacareCQ Family Support

Eligible families in Childers and Gin Gin can access free support when they have children or young people from unborn to 18. The service works with family structures including single-parent households, kinship carers, guardians and extended families. Sessions may address parenting, communication, conflict resolution, budgeting and practical household planning; confirm eligibility when booking.

🤝 Support for young people

Youth 360° — YMCA of Bundaberg

Young people aged 8–21 can access information, referrals and one-to-one support from a youth worker. The Bundaberg service assists those who may be disconnected from family, community, school or work, or who are at risk of homelessness. Support can include life-skills activities and involvement from family members or carers where appropriate.

headspace Bundaberg

Young people aged 12–25 can seek free, confidential early-intervention support for mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual and physical health, and work or study. Families and friends are welcome to be involved. A young person may self-refer by phone, email or in person, after which the referral is assessed for suitability.

✅ A few checks before you go

• Check ages and eligibility: age ranges and family circumstances differ, particularly for developmental, youth and family-support programs.
• Confirm the current session: holiday programs, term-time playgroups, library activities and PCYC classes may follow changing calendars.
• Ask about access needs: contact the provider before attending if your child needs adjustments, communication support or accessible facilities.
• Book where required: ticketed activities, care services and some support programs require advance booking, enrolment, registration or referral assessment.
• Clarify supervision and costs: check whether an adult must remain with the child and confirm current fees before committing.

📌 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Bundaberg Coast and surrounding region, you are warmly invited to add your details or update an existing listing so local families can find current, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on bundabergcoast.qld.guide.