Bundy Boy Dies in Tragic Plane Crash In Italy But His Spirit Lives On

It’s always tragic to mourn the loss of remarkable people who have truly made a difference, not only in our community but in the world. But often, their contributions live on and that’s something we should always be grateful for. Among these people was aviator, Bert Hinkler who died in a tragic plane crash in the Apennine mountains in Italy on 7^th January 1933. Bert had been attempting a record flight to Australia on this final fateful flight.

A true pioneer, we have always believed that Bert’s incredible spirit was worth celebrating. To revive the local legend and legacy he left behind and to celebrate the pioneering spirit, we have created a place where we can all come together, dream together, celebrate together and create unforgettable memories – Bert’s Restaurant & Bar, located in the heart of Bundaberg.

Bert’s early life

Bert Hinkler was born on 8^th December 1892 right here in Bundaberg, Queensland. He was an aviator and inventor who made significant contributions to the aviation industry. Even in his younger years, Bert always knew that he wanted to fly. His love for flight began with his admiration of birds as he watched them take off into the skies. He curiously followed the inventions of the Wright brothers and vigorously learned as much as he could about aviation.

Bert had many recognitions and awards under his belt. He not only built his own aircraft, but Bert Hinkler was the first person to fly solo from England to Australia and the very first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Before he took his first solo flight, Bert had waited for over 10 years to do so. When he finally did undertake the challenging journey, he smashed the world record which had been set by the Smith brothers in 1919. Over the years, Bert established himself as a solo pilot and navigator with a number of long-distance flights and air races. He went on to become one of the greatest aviators in Australian history. 

His death

Sadly, the life of this impeccable inventor came to an end on 7^th January 1933 when he was killed in an air crash in the Apennine mountains in Italy. At the point of this crash, Bert was attempting a record flight to Australia. 

Australian ambassador to Italy, Mike Rann, right, lays the Australian flag on the occasion of the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the Australian aviator Bert Hinkler in Castel San Niccolò near Arezzo, Tuscany, central Italy, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. The pilot died in an accident 1933 and for decades it has been unclear where he exactly fell, but thanks to discovery of new photos and the effort of local researchers it was possible to find the crash point on the Pratomagno mountain, in Arezzo province. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia) (The Associated Press)

His spirit lives on

Bert’s story is unique and, to this day, is still told in Bundaberg in form of memorials and even a museum dedicated to Bert’s life and work, The Hinkler Hall of Aviation.

While these are fascinating places to learn about his life and the legacy he left behind, we envisioned something that was more alive. So, to revive the local legend and to celebrate his pioneering spirit, we have created a place where we can all come together, dream together, celebrate together and create unforgettable memories together. That’s how Bert’s Restaurant & Bar was born. Located in the heart of Bundaberg, it’s the perfect place to celebrate life and bring out the pioneers in all of us. A place where Bert’s lives on.

Enjoy worldly cuisine, as well as an exceptional selection of local and international wines in great atmosphere and forget about the world for a while. The classic selection of cocktails adds to the 1920’s feel and invites you on a journey back in time.

For the full menu selection, visit the Bert’s menu page.

There are many incredible lessons to be learned from the life of our Bundaberg inventor. But the greatest lesson of all is to continue our quest to become the best version of ourselves and to never stop dreaming. Who would have thought that a young boy from Bundaberg with an obsession for flying would one day prove himself as one of the world’s greatest aviators?

Bert’s in Bundaberg