*As seen in The Logbook
Quite different to noisy city accommodation and located in a tranquil semi-rural estate, Bluegrass BnB is still only a six minute drive from the nearby city of Bundaberg. Established in mid 2015 by wife and husband team Simone and Shane, this comfy bed and breakfast is an opportunity for guests to be able to enjoy the busy excitement of the city before escaping to the peaceful countryside.
THE SETTING
Offering two comfortable rooms with modern neutral décor, surrounded by an abundance of birdlife and enjoying visits from the odd kangaroo, Bluegrass has been a very popular operation since opening. This success proves that you don’t need much experience in hospitality to run a successful site as long as you have the right mindset and customer service.
Simone reveals that previously she was a former radio announcer and primary school teacher and Shane was a mechanic and service manager. When they started, they actually had no experience in this industry and had to learn as they went along.
“We had a huge rumpus room off Shane’s workshop that my teenage son was using,” she explains, “He decided to move back into the house so we had this great space that we thought would make a great little Bed and Breakfast.”
After a few renovations they opened for business with no real expectations. But it was not long before they were overwhelmed by the response. It was then that they decided to convert Shane’s workshop into the second room which is the King family room and opened in February 2019. This also enabled Simone to quit her former job and run the Bed and Breakfast full time.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Simone explains that as relationships form the basis of their business, customer service is what makes a good BnB. By providing a warm welcoming environment for guests it encourages them to return and to tell others. This simple philosophy works, as can be seen by the wonderful reviews that they’ve received online in the short time that they have been fully opened.
SHOWING INTEREST AND PAYING ATTENTION
Simone says that she always takes the time to talk to their guests about their travels because she is fascinated by stories of where they’ve been and where they’re going. She also makes sure that they have everything that a guest needs for their stay and is happy to offer advice about places to go and things to do in their region.
THE AREA AND THINGS TO DO
Bundaberg is the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef which is one of the major attractions of Australia. Daily tours are available to Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. Bundaberg (Mon Repos) also supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the Eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific Region (turtle season runs from November till March). The Whale migration also passes by from June to November.
“We are located a little over an hour’s drive from Fraser Island which is the largest Sand Island in the world,” Simone highlights, “Bundaberg is also home to the world famous “Bundaberg Rum” and “Bundaberg Brewed Gingerbeer”, both of which have tours on a daily basis!”
PRICE. Queen Room $105.00 AUD, King Room $119.00 AUD per night which includes a continental breakfast.
EMAIL: bluegrassbnb@yahoo.com.au
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/bluegrassbnb
