rumtown_roaster

A gorgeous beachside town.The people are friendly, genuine and relaxed. I hope to come back here often. The only downside is limited number of dining options.

I lived here for two years not that long ago. I found not having a car a hassle as public transport exists but is not great. There are affluent pockets in this area but also commission houses and working-class areas too. There are good small stores and easy access (by car) to the rest of what Rocky has to offer.

I was hassled a couple of times walking home so I recommend caution if you happen to be walking alone at night. I am told by people who still live here that the situation has worsened.

Despite some affluent pockets, mostly working-class and retirement villages are in Bundaberg North. The new shopping centre has made life easier. My experience of growing up here was that the people were very friendly and down-to-earth. People look out for each other here.

People's comments about the run down, old fashioned houses apply a little to the people here too ... but that's not a bad thing. It's a little like the suburb time forgot and remember it with fondness.

I have lived here for most of my life. Bargara is a paradise for anyone looking for peace and quiet by the sea. Unfortunately it is VERY quiet ... all the shops are shut by 7pm so forget trying to get a takeaway after work. And sadly Bradlees is excellent for takeaway but other restaurants and cafes are not popular and for good reason. Having to drive into Bundaberg frequently for goods and services that you expect in a town of Bargara's size is inconvenient and expensive. Also, the internet available at Bargara is woeful and congested and there are currently no plans to upgrade the exchange ahead of the NBN ... which could take decades to reach here.

Fortunately Bargara does now have a small shopping centre and a gym (albeit one that closes early) ... it's about time there was a little investment and infrastructure to follow the population boom along the coastal strip.

As for pests, there are quite a few rats near the cafes and restaurants at Bauer Street and in the notorious 'turtle' that I personally would never let a child near (knowing what teenagers like doing in there at night!). There is also a substantial feral cat population around Rifle Range Beach.

The other big negative is that Bargara (and Bundaberg) are quite isolated when it comes to travelling. Flights only go to Brisbane and as Qantas/Sunstate have a monopoly the flights are very expensive.

It sounds like I'm talking it down but truly it's a paradise if you want the quiet life of fishing, walking on the beach and endless summers of perfect days ... but, like a lot of us locals you may eventually find it a little too quiet and move on.

I reckon when I'm 65 I'll be moving back here though!