Sunnyside Sugar Plantation, Heritage site with dry-rubble wall in Bundaberg, Australia
Sunnyside Sugar Plantation is a colonial-era agricultural site in Bundaberg that preserves ruins and structures scattered across its grounds. The property features mature fig trees, a mapped cemetery, and a distinctive dry-rubble wall built from local volcanic rock along its northern edge.
The plantation was established in 1875 and added a juice mill within its first decade of operation. This mill connected directly to a nearby refinery through a dedicated pipeline, making it a key link in the region's sugar processing network.
The burial ground holds graves of South Sea Islander workers who shaped Queensland's sugar industry during the late 1800s. These burial sites tell the story of their lives and their role in building the region's agricultural foundations.
The grounds are accessible on foot and key sites like the cemetery and wall are easy to spot as you explore. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on warm days, as there is limited shade throughout the property.
The boundary wall was built by South Sea Islander workers using local volcanic rocks without mortar or binding material. This construction method reflects the workers' practical skills and their resourceful use of materials found on the land.
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