Just 4hrs drive North of Brisbane, Bundaberg, the town the turtles call home, is shining a light on its connection to country and great care for the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Milbi Festival 2022 features 10-days filled with vibrant Indigenous experiences, foodie events, arts, culture, and all things turtles.

Held annually between October 28 - 6 November, Bundaberg Regional Council's Milbi Festival honors the Indigenous history of the region and the importance of the Milbi (local Taribelang language for 'turtle').

With the program now live and tickets due to go on sale September 30th, Bundaberg Regional Councils Arts, Culture and Events spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said “From cultural experiences to free family fun, Milbi Festival provides unique and meaningful opportunities to connect community and culture and celebrate this incredible place we call home”.

 ARIA-nominated Indigenous artist, Emily Wurramara will headline the launch of the festivities on Friday 28th October, during a relaxed afternoon held seaside pairing together traditional performances, a welcome to country and sunset smoking ceremony.

The region's artisan distillery and award-winning gin-making family, Kalki Moon Distilling, are also paying homage to the region where their botanical blends are made. Releasing their bespoke 5-year anniversary gin, designed in collaboration with local modern Indigenous artist and proud Kalkadoon woman Cher'nee Sutton. Paying tribute to Kalki Moon's journey and connection to Country, visitors can immerse themselves in a behind-the-scenes Q&A session, gaining raw insight into the artwork and carefully crafted bottle, with a few tastings along the way.

Crowd favourite, Tucker + Tunes, will be back with renewed earthy beats and native flavours in the tranquil surrounds of Bundaberg Botanic Garden and historical Fairymead House with Australian artist, Kim Churchill making an appearance straight off the back of his European Summer Tour.

Join Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours as they take you on a journey across the region, sharing language, traditional skills, bush treats and visiting sacred sites of significance to the Taribelang Bunda people who have lived on Country for over 60,000 years. Guided by their Elders, this unique introduction to the region's rich Aboriginal culture and history of Bundaberg is a perfect addition to the Milbi celebrations.

And if that's not enough to get you planning your trip, adding to the lineup of more than 20+ events is the Milbi Gala Ball, Sunset Eats + Beats at Ballistic Bargara, Tangaroa ReefClean Beach Clean Up, curated stories from First Nations people, and passionate guided experiences led by the researchers and rangers of Australia's largest conservation beach for nesting loggerhead turtles at Mon Repos, plus more!

With free and ticketed events on offer, Milbi Festival welcomes everyone to come and celebrate culture, arts, and turtles.

Visit http://www.milbifestival.com.au for all the details.