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A Croquet-Lover’s Guide to the Wide Bay

Discover the Wide Bay on a Croquet Road Trip

Croquet-lover's guide: On a road trip in the Wide Bay area of Queensland.

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LOOKING for a unique way to venture through Queensland’s Wide Bay region during the cooler months of the year (May to August)?

Why not plan a self-drive adventure around the genteel sport with this croquet-lover’s guide? It’s a delightful twist that promises to provide local insights into must-see tourist destinations beyond the glossy brochures.

Whether you’re a croquet novice or a seasoned player, the focus is on fun and exploration. Picture yourself amidst stunning coastal landscapes, where every mallet swing is a step towards uncovering the area’s rich heritage.

Within the Wide Bay region, you will find welcoming croquet communities at Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg, and Childers.

This itinerary lets you customise your route based on your preferences, whether you fly or take a train, then hire a car, or drive. It also ensures plenty of time to explore must-visit tourist spots in the stunning Wide Bay region during your winter croquet holiday.

CROQUET: A BRIEF HISTORY
ALICE IN CROQUETLAND

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Road, Rail, Air: Your Gateways to Wide Bay Adventures

  • If you’re driving along the Bruce Highway from the south, your Wide Bay winter holiday begins in Maryborough. You continue to Hervey Bay and then head to Childers and Bundaberg. Conversely, if you’re arriving from the north, your route starts in Bundaberg. Explore the Burnett area before driving south to Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
  • Queensland Rail’s regular services connect you to stations at Maryborough West and/or Bundaberg. At Maryborough West, hop on a Rail Bus that takes you into the heart of the city, where car hire options await. For details, visit Queensland Rail Travel.
  • Hervey Bay Airport has regular Jetstar and Qantas flights connecting Hervey Bay to Brisbane and Sydney. Jetstar is also introducing a Melbourne route starting on June 20, 2024. For details, visit Hervey Bay Airport Airlines.
  • Bundaberg Regional Airport is serviced by Qantaslink, Link Airways, and Bonza Airline. Qantaslink provides 38 weekly services connecting Bundaberg to Brisbane, while Link Airways offers six services per week on the same route. For details, visit Bundaberg Regional Airport.

The route you choose will vary based on your starting point, while the duration of your stay at each destination will hinge on your croquet schedule and sightseeing preferences. To streamline your trip-planning process, consider using helpful tools like the RACQ Trip Planner online. With its user-friendly interface, RACQ Trip Planner is an ideal starting point among the trip-planning options available.

Read on to learn about the Wide Bay croquet clubs, where visitors can enjoy games and discover some highlights of the region’s top attractions.

Heads-up: While we outline an ideal day at each spot, you might consider extending your stay at each location for a richer holiday experience! It’s also advisable to reach out to the croquet clubs in advance to check your visit aligns with their schedule, which may include local, regional, state, and national tournaments.

Croquet & Beyond: Discover the Wide Bay’s Best

Hervey Bay

Croquet lovers on a road trip in the Wide Bay area of Queensland.

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Best explored by car, with easy parking near the club and plenty of cafés along the Esplanade.

 

BARREL N VINE: WHERE ITALIAN FOOD MEETS COASTAL VIBES

Venture further: Hervey Bay is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island). Join a guided tour or rent a 4WD to explore the world’s largest sand island. Spend the next days exploring the island’s wonders, including Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, and the Maheno shipwreck. Camping options are available for those seeking an immersive experience in nature. For details, visit K’gari. To book a barge, visit Sealink.

Hervey Bay Whale Festival: Experience unparalleled whale watching from July to October as thousands of humpback whales pause in its tranquil waters during migration. Unlike other stops, these majestic creatures linger, allowing for intimate encounters. The annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival celebrates this unique bond, emphasizing ocean conservation and the region’s diverse marine life. Click the link above for details.

Maryborough

Croquet lovers on a road trip in the Wide Bay area of Queensland.

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Around a 25–30 minute drive from Hervey Bay — perfect for a relaxed half-day croquet-and-heritage outing.

MARYBOROUGH DINING: OUR BEST FOODIE FINDS

Venture further: The Fraser Coast hinterland offers an escape from the beaten path. Explore historic hotels and towns, including the birthplace of the macadamia nut. At the heart of the southern hinterland lies the Mary River, offering breathtaking scenery, serene picnic spots, and ideal conditions for kayaking, camping, and fishing. Don’t miss Tiaro’s old-fashioned pub fare or for history buffs, a visit to Tiaro and Bauple is a must. Cap off your adventure with a visit to Utopia Rock Pools and the Brooweena Museum and Historical Village.

Festivals: The annual Mary Poppins Festival in June/July celebrates the magic of storytelling. Set in the beautiful Queens Park and heritage streetscapes, reminiscent of the Mary Poppins stories, this event delights people of all ages with Poppins-inspired activities. Meanwhile, the Relish Food & Wine Festival in June offers a culinary adventure in the Portside Precinct and Queen’s Park, featuring local cuisine, celebrity chefs, gourmet tastings, and live music. Visitors can also explore regional wineries and indulge in the finest seasonal produce of the Fraser Coast.

Travel tip
Planning to visit more than one club on your trip? Having your own wheels makes it easy to explore the croquet trail across the Wide Bay, plus all the lovely stops in between. I’ll soon be recommending a trusted hire-car partner for visitors to the region.

Bundaberg

Croquet lovers on a road trip in the Wide Bay area of Queensland.

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Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from Hervey Bay, taking you through classic Queensland sugarcane country.

Venture further: Explore the eco-paradise of Lady Elliot Island, renowned for its plentiful manta rays, turtles, and pristine coral reefs. Nestled 80 kilometres from Bundaberg, this coral cay offers a wildlife-rich retreat sans spa treatments or phone signals. Dive into an immersive eco-experience focused on snorkelling, scuba diving, and relaxation. You’ll need an airfare to get there, but it’s worth exploring.

Taste Bundaberg Festival: Don’t miss the 10-day culinary extravaganza of the Taste Bundaberg Festival in late August. Indulge in authentic flavours sourced from the region’s bountiful farmlands and pristine coastline, celebrating the dedication of local farmers, distillers, brewers, fishermen, and graziers. With a tasty menu of events to suit every palate, from banquets to barbecues, this festival promises to delight food enthusiasts. For details, visit Taste Bundaberg Festival.

Childers

Venture further: Embark on a self-driving winery tour where you can sample a variety of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Childers region.

  • Hill of Promise Winery: Visitors are invited to savour handcrafted wines made from locally grown fruit in a charming, family-owned vineyard setting.
  • Ohana Winery & Exotic Fruits: This family-owned winery specialises in producing wines from a variety of exotic fruits grown on their property, offering visitors a unique tasting experience.
  • Vintner’s Secret Vineyard: Situated in Childers, Vintner’s Secret Vineyard produces a range of wines from grapes grown on their estate, with a focus on crafting high-quality, handcrafted wines.

Childers Multicultural Festival: This annual event on the last weekend in July celebrates the cultural diversity of the region and typically features live music and performances, market stalls selling arts and crafts, delicious food from around the world, and family-friendly activities. The festival attracts visitors from near and far and is a celebration of community spirit and cultural exchange in Childers. For details, visit the Childers Multicultural Festival.

Wrapping up your Croquet-Lover’s Guide to the Wide Bay

As your self-drive adventure through Queensland’s Wide Bay region comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the memories made and the experiences shared.

From the historic streets of Maryborough, Childers, and Bundaberg to the pristine beaches of Lady Elliot Island and K’gari, this journey has offered a glimpse into the diverse beauty and rich culture of Australia’s Sunshine State.

And who could forget the delightful detours for croquet games, adding a touch of elegance to your exploration? Until next time, happy travels!

Croquet-lover's Guide: On a road trip in the Wide Bay area of Queensland.

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Planning a visit to the Wide Bay?

These travel partners can help make your Fraser Coast trip easier:

Accommodation
→ Oaks Hotels & Resorts – comfortable places to stay across Queensland

Car Hire
→ Avis Car Rentals – explore the Fraser Coast at your own pace

Travel Insurance
→ AllClear Travel Insurance – cover for Australian and international travellers

Travel Gear
→ BagSmart – practical organisers and travel accessories

Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Jocelyn Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Alice in Croquetland: Adapting to the Queen’s Unusual Games

What can Alice’s curious croquet match teach us?

Most of us have been in situations where we have had to adapt to new and challenging circumstances.

We can say the same for Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, an 1865 English novel by Lewis Carrol, when she faces the Queen of Heart’s version of croquet.

While she had encountered many curious creatures and wacky situations, she never imagined she’d have trouble playing croquet.

But when the Queen of Hearts, the main antagonist, introduces Alice to the peculiar version of the game played in that world, she struggles to adjust.

The uneven ground, the live hedgehogs as balls, and the live flamingos as mallets, not to mention the ever-changing arches (known today as hoops) made of playing cards, made the game quite a challenge.

In the end, Alice came out victorious. What can we learn from her experience, especially as we navigate life’s difficulties? Let’s explore.

Alice in Croquetland - Illsutration

Messages in Alice’s croquet challenge

First, let’s talk about the terrain.

Alice in Croquetland - Illustration

Alice found the croquet ground in Wonderland extremely ridged, uneven, and unpredictable.

Every time she tried to aim for a particular arch or hoop, the ground would tilt or move, making it almost impossible to hit her target.

She also encountered strange creatures and plants that would pop up unexpectedly, adding to the chaos.

Doesn’t that sound like life sometimes?

We may have a plan or goal in mind, but the terrain of life can change in a flash.

The financial market may dip, health issues may arise, or family situations may shift.

Like Alice, we need to stay alert, flexible, and resourceful. We may need to change our plans or find alternative paths to our goals, but as long as we keep moving forward, we can still succeed.

 

Second, let’s talk about the equipment.

Alice in Croquetland - illustration of Alice playing croquet with a flamingo

Alice was surprised to find that the croquet balls were actually live hedgehogs, and the mallets were live flamingos.

She had to learn how to handle these unconventional tools and adjust her technique accordingly.

Our lives may also throw us some unexpected tools or challenges.

  • We may have to learn how to manage our finances with new investments or rules.
  • We may have to adapt to new technologies or industries if we want to keep working or volunteering.
  • We may have to find new hobbies or passions to fill our days.

Whatever it is, we need to keep an open mind and be willing to learn.

With practice and patience, we can become adept at using what we have.

 

Third, let’s talk about the rules.

The Queen of Hearts, as we know, was notorious for changing the rules of the game as she pleased.

Alice found this frustrating and unfair, but she also learned to be strategic and creative in her gameplay.

She used the unpredictable nature of the game to her advantage, anticipating the Queen’s next move and finding loopholes in the rules.

Our worlds may also come with unwritten or shifting rules.

  • We may have to navigate changing social expectations or cultural norms.
  • We may have to balance our own desires with the needs or expectations of our family or friends.
  • We may have to negotiate new roles or relationships in volunteer work or community organizations.

Again, like Alice, we need to be strategic, adaptable, and creative. We may not always agree with the rules, but we can still succeed within them.

 

Fourth and last, let’s talk about the arches (known today as hoops).

Alice in Croquetland - illustration of croquet

Ladies and gentlemen in vintage clothes, playing croquet against old English village view.

Various playing cards, which had a mind of their own (literally) formed the arches in Wonderland.

They would move, shrink, grow, or disappear at a whim, making it difficult for Alice and the other players to hit their targets.

But Alice soon realized that she didn’t have to hit the arches directly.

She could aim for nearby objects or creatures that would trigger the cards to move or adjust, creating a new opening for her.

Life may also present us with moving or disappearing arches.

  • We may have to redefine what success means to us.
  • We may have to let go of some goals or expectations that are no longer workable or fulfilling.
  • We may have to embrace new opportunities or challenges that we didn’t consider before.

Like Alice, we need to be creative, flexible, and willing to try different approaches. We may not always hit the bullseye, but we can still work towards our goals.

Embracing Change

Alice’s croquet challenge may seem like a silly or whimsical story, but it contains valuable lessons for us as we navigate our lives.

  • We need to stay alert and flexible in the face of changing terrains, equipment, and rules.
  • We need to be curious and willing to learn new things.
  • We need to be strategic and creative in our gameplay, using all the resources at our disposal. And,
  • We need to be adaptable and open-minded, finding new ways to hit our targets even when the arches move or disappear.

With these lessons in mind, we can play the game of life with confidence and joy. Who knows, we may even shout “Off with their heads!” at some point (figuratively, of course).

Alice in Croquetland - playing croquet today

Playing croquet in today’s world.

Want to find out about playing croquet in Australia?

Visit the Australian Croquet Association website and follow the links to find a club near you.

 

 

 

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Croquet: A great Way To Enjoy A Holiday

Croquet clubs make for great travel destinations

HAVE you ever played croquet? No?! Well, it’s definitely time to add it to your bucket list!

While visiting the Queensland city of Bundaberg, members of the Bundaberg Croquet Club introduced me to the classic game, and I have to say, it was a lot of fun.

The club members were friendly and happy to show me basic moves of the game that date back hundreds of years.

Bundaberg Croquet Club president Jennifer Lee said not only was croquet a lot of fun, but it was also the perfect addition to any holiday, whether in Bundaberg or anywhere else.

“Whether playing on your own or with friends, croquet is a great way to enjoy leisurely days outdoors,” Jennifer said.

“It’s a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”

A Brief History of Croquet

Croquet has been around for centuries, having become popular in Europe in the 1800s.

Its roots can be found in Ireland. The name “crookey” comes from crook + oy ( hooked stick).

A Dutch folktale mentions how players would use an indoor clay court with football-sized wooden balls and one metal ring to play Beugelen or Maillette–two different games that emerged in Europe as well.

Introduced to England by John Jaques, the game of croquet became an instant hit with middle-class attendees at The Great Exhibition of 1851.

Croquet played an important role in the lives of Victorian aristocracy, with many wealthy individuals building courts within their expansive estates.

Over time, different variations of the game developed for different audiences.

For example, there are now games specifically designed for children and seniors.

Today, the game remains a popular game enjoyed by all ages, and it is still associated with elegance and refinement.

The Bundaberg Croquet Club at 29 Quay Street, Bundaberg West, is as busy today as it was when it was founded in 1900.

croquet - postcard scene

A card depicting a game of croquet on the beach, by Lucien Tanquerey, 1910-1919, Wikimedia Commons.

How to play

Croquet is typically played on a lawn or other open space and involves hitting balls with mallets through hoops.

The game is relatively easy to learn, but it takes practice to master.

The basic rules are as follows:

  • Each player starts with two balls, and the first player to get both balls through all the hoops wins the game.
  • There are many different ways to score points, and players can also knock other players’ balls out of bounds.

Court etiquette

Croquet is an engaging sport that requires skill, strategy, and tact.

Whether you’re an experienced player or a newcomer just learning the rules, it is important to be mindful of the proper etiquette when playing a game.

Some basic tips for maintaining good etiquette on the court include following the correct order of shots, staying alert during your opponent’s turns, and knowing how to give and receive compliments.

With these simple guidelines in mind, you can ensure that every game is enjoyable, both for yourself and everyone else on the court.

The benefits of playing croquet

Croquet is a recreational activity that offers a wealth of benefits.

First, the game requires players to exercise both their bodies and their minds.

Whether you are playing singles or doubles, Croquet requires you to balance, coordinate your movement, and think strategically in order to succeed.

No matter your age, skill level or fitness level, you can enjoy the sport at your own pace while exercising your body.

Additionally, Croquet is a sociable activity that encourages good sportsmanship and interaction between players.

How to get involved

If you’re looking to get started with this exciting game, there are several ways to get involved.

One option is to find a club in your area and sign up for lessons or training sessions.

Another way to learn about the game is by watching instructional videos online.

You could also use resources like books, magazines, and other Croquet-related materials to gain a deeper understanding of the game.

Pack a Croquet set for your next trip

When planning your next trip, consider packing a Croquet set along with your other supplies.

Croquet is a great game to play while travelling throughout Australia.

It’s a great way to meet new people and can be easily set up and played in a variety of locations, wherever there is open space in parks or open areas.

To set up the game, simply place the hoops in a square formation, with each hoop placed about seven yards apart.

The first player then hits the ball through all the hoops, in order, before returning to the start point and hitting the ball through the hoops again.

Just be sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated on those hot days.

croquet - modern equipment

Modern croquet equipment. Photo by Winnywinn, 2008, Wikimedia Commons.

Visit Bundaberg Croquet Club

And, if you’re passing through Bundaberg, be sure to visit the Bundaberg Croquet Club and meet the friendly members who are keen to introduce new people to the game.

Visitors can play a casual game for just $10.

President Jennifer Lee said local members were always happy to help beginners, so you’ll be up and playing in no time.

There is also a clubhouse, which makes for a perfect place to relax after playing. It’s also available to hire for events.

Croquet is also the perfect way to enjoy the Australian sunshine and take in the beautiful scenery near the Bundaberg Croquet Club, right next to the picturesque Burnett River.

Who knows, you might just get hooked on this historic game and make some wonderful new friends.

To find out more about the club visit https://www.croquetqld.org/clubs/wide-bay-burnett/bundaberg-croquet-club, phone (07) 4152 8472, or email bundaberg@croquetqld.org

croquet - card depicting children

A card depicting children playing Croquet. Photographer unknown. Source: University of British Columbia Library. Wikimedia Commons.

Published May 2022

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If you enjoyed this story, you might also enjoy reading:

A Croquet-lover’s Guide to Exploring the Wide Bay

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