Unlock the secrets of making rum
Journey into the heart of our working distillery.
Click here to Enter the DistilleryFermentation and Distillation
The process of making rum begins when the molasses is diluted with water, clarified, then diluted again, before being pumped into the fermentation tanks. A yeast strain - unique to Bundaberg Rum is added where it stays for 36 hours. The fermented molasses mixture is then pumped to the first distillation process.
1st Distillation
These are continuous distillation columns. The fermented liquid enters at the top of the column and flows down through level after level of horizontal trays. Steam is used to heat the liquid in the bottom of the column.
A steady stream of alcohol vapour emerges from the top of the column. The vapour is condensed and the resultant liquid is stored in a receiver until there is sufficient volume to be transferred into the pot still. This liquid is called low wines.
2nd Distillation
The pot still is really like a giant kettle. The low wines is transferred to the Pot Still and steam is used to heat the liquid in the bottom of the still, vapour leaves the pot still and is condensed, then transferred to the raw rum receiver. At the end of this we have immature rum - which then needs a bit of time before it is ready for bottling.
Pot Still
Column Still
Fermentation
Distillery Overview
Distillery Tour
In 1888, the first barrel of Bundaberg Rum literally rolled out of the production line. 110 years later, Bundaberg Rum, through its trials and tribulations, has gained recognition as one of Australia's famous Aussie spirits. In 1986 the Bundaberg Distilling Company appointed its first tour guide and demand soon saw the need to expand the tourist operation.
A guided tour will have you look, feel and taste your way through the making of the Famous Aussie Spirit. Starting with the raw material molasses, to the aromas of maturing spirit, your temptations will run high for a refreshing sample in the bar with a variety of Bundy mixes and Rum liqueur based drinks.
The Bond Store Visitor Centre
Visiting the Bundaberg Rum Distillery is an experience that is enjoyed most by adults. On the tour you will see, smell and taste your way through the rum production progress. You'll enjoy a video presentation, extensive tour, personal sampling, historical displays and opportunity to purchase merchandise and some unique souvenirs.
The Museum and Merchandise shop are open to the public.
Children are certainly welcome but there are no on-site children's activities outside of the tour.
The Visitor Centre and most of the tour route is accessible by wheelchair or walking frame. The use of motorised wheelchairs is more restricted due to the potential for ignition in highly flammable areas.
To help our foreign visitors, our notes are available in most common languages.
Group bookings of 15 or more are welcome by prior arrangement. The maximum group size is 50 people, less if the group consists mostly of children or visitors with special needs.
Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 - 20 mins early for your tour, especially for the last tour of the day and during school holiday periods.
A requirement of tour admission is that visitors must wear suitable clothing and fully enclosed foot wear as they are visiting an operating factory site. Shoe hire is available on site.
Unfortunately Flammable devices; matches and lighters, as well as any item with a battery including; watches, cameras, and mobile phones, pose a fire hazard to the Distillery and cannot be taken on tour. Lockers are provided free of charge to store these items whilst inside the Distillery on tour.
Distillery Tour Times
Distillery Schedule
The Distillery Tours are run ON the hour EVERY hour from
10:00AM - 3:00PM, Monday - Friday
10:00AM - 2:00PM, Saturday - Sunday & Public Holidays
For more information please contact us on either:
TEL: (07) 4131 2999
FAX: (07) 4131 2966
Distillery Directions
Bundaberg is situated approx 4 hours drive north of Brisbane travelling on the Bruce Highway.
QR Traveltrain offer a Tilt Train service to Bundaberg from Brisbane twice a day that takes approximately four hours.
