Image courtesy of visitfrasercoast.com
Hervey Bay can be found about 3.5 hours north of Brisbane. It is a popular spot for families and a great stopover on your road trip up the east coast. You will find a wide range of activities in Hervey Bay, from whale watching to visiting Fraser Island, which is UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
Hervey Bay has been a favourite of mine for years, we have been going up to Hervey Bay every year and have witnessed its popularity as a tourist destination grow over the years. There is a growing appeal for couples and solo travellers, as well as families who have holidayed there for decades.
Top Things to Do in Hervey Bay
We make this a regular stop with our family who live in the area. It is what we consider to be the best place in the world to view whales in their natural habitat so close to shore.
1. Whale watching
Whale watching is perhaps the most well-known thing about Hervey Bay. Whales are not only seen passing through Hervey Bay on their annual migration to the Great Barrier Reef, but they also stop by here for rest, play, and to entertain the human audience.
Operators must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding how close they bring the boats to animals. They also have to limit the distance the animals can be from the boat before they can start it again. They are so curious in the bay that we have had to delay our departures back to the marina on several occasions because they were busy looking at us and our boat.
Although we have been on many whale-watching trips, this is the one that we will be returning to.
What’s Included?
- Five-hour whale watching cruise
- Morning/afternoon tea (fresh fruit platter and cakes)
- Buffet lunch
- Filtered drinking water, loose-leaf tea, herbal tea, coffee and milo
- Multilingual crew (German, French, Spanish and Italian) to assist if limited with English
- Free Wi-Fi
2. Fraser Island
Fraser, the largest sand island in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a 123km long island that provides shelter for the Wide Bay coastline. There are many interesting things to do and see on this island. Discover rainforests that grow directly out of the sand, and swim in clear, crystal-clear lakes. Also, you can see amazing rainbow-coloured cliffs, and climb huge sand dunes.
Although there are no roads, you can drive your 4-wheeler on the interior tracks and beach or join a tour. You can also stay at several locations on the island, which offer a variety of activities and tours that allow you to explore this beautiful destination after the tourists have gone. The Kingfisher Bay Eco Resort won numerous tourism awards. It is located close to the ferry. Another popular option is the Eurong beach resort on the eastern side. This resort offers great value and budget options.
It is highly recommended to spend time on the island. It will take you several days to see everything, but a day tour is recommended. We took a 4-wheel-drive vehicle through the rainforest and along the beaches and saw huge goanna and wild dingo, as well as the clear crystal lakes. Then we went on to the colourful sand cliffs and saw the beautiful sandstone cliffs.
What’s Included?
- 90 Minutes Hervey Bay sunset cruise
- Sparkling wine and canapes on arrival
- Complimentary drinks – beer, wine, soft drinks
3. Urangan Pier
The Urangan Pier is perhaps the most important area of Hervey Bay. This historic pier was built in 1913 to transport cargo from rail to deepwater ships. It was originally over 1 km long and has since been completely restored. It is a popular spot for fishermen, and it offers great views. We tend to walk it every day when we’re in the area.
There are plenty of picnic areas and barbecues available. I love Sundaes ice cream shop at the Pier and Migaloo’s cafe for a quick caffeine fix after a long walk. Kitesurfers can be seen soaring high in the afternoon breeze. On the right tide, you can also weave along the sand bars, getting some distance from the shoreline while keeping your feet wet.
4. Sunrise at Dundowran Beach
Sunrise is always magical, especially if you can spot a turn in the east coast shoreline to allow you to see it above the water. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing many sunrises from Dundowran beach just north of Hervey Bay. It is one of my favourite spots.
This beach is protected by Fraser Island so it has calm water. The drop off is also very flat. Even though the tide is super fast, you can still wade quite a distance without getting too close to your knees. It’s worth adding a stop to your travel plan if you enjoy gliding in the shallow waters as the sun rises.
5. Get out and enjoy the bay
There are many options for those who prefer to be on the water, rather than just looking at it. You can choose to sail or explore the Great Sandy Strait or Fraser Island with a Jetski.
The Aquavue cafe is a beautiful spot to enjoy coffee and watch the world go by. You can also hire a Jetski or SUP, or catamarans, right at the beachfront. You can also take a guided Jetski tour, including one to Fraser Island.
Boat Harbour Marine, Urangan, offers fishing trips, cruises, and whale- and dolphin watching trips.
6. Botanic gardens
A short distance from the beach at Urangan, the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens offer a relaxing space for a few hours. You can relax by the fountain or explore the orchid house. You will find plants from all over the region in this section. There are also edible bush tucker and oriental gardens.
7. WetSide waterpark
For younger children, the water park offers a lot of entertainment with its large water area and free use. Parents can stop by the cafe to have a snack and there are water slides for $5 per 10 rides – that’s a cheap way to keep them entertained if you ask me!
8. Arkarra Lagoon
This lagoon and wetland area can be found at Dundowran Beach just north of Hervey Bay. Although the beach is stunning, the lagoons provide another area of interest. Birders love them for their diversity of wildlife and birds. The cafe is located on the site. It’s a great spot to take a stroll or bring a picnic to enjoy at the lagoon.
9.Torquay Beach & Reef
Torquay Beach is a great spot for a family-friendly day at the coast. It is flat and sandy and can be used for swimming or for water sports. There are parks and facilities. Shops and restaurants are located across the street. You can walk the boardwalks, take a picnic, or ride along the promenade. This is a great spot to fish from the jetty.
Just a few hundred meters off the coast is the Torquay shallow-water reef. The best place to snorkel is at Neilsons Park. The healthy reef that runs towards Gattakers Bay is only a metre in depth at low tide. It is home to corals, fish and other marine life.
10. Sunset over the water
There are many good alternatives to sunrise if getting up at dawn feels too difficult during a holiday. Yes, you can see the sunset from the east coast of Australia. There are many bays and outcrops offering good views. While the Urangan wharf is interesting and faces back towards the town, the curve of Gattakers Bay provides a range of options to watch the sunset over the water. This is a great place to have a barbecue.
11. Relax on the deck of Hervey Bay Boat Club
The Boat Club offers a great spot in the marina with a large deck. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink while you watch the action unfold. You can also find a large, open-air restaurant within the club with a beautiful view. You can visit the club, but you will need to sign in to ensure your privacy.
12. Meet locals at the weekend market
The Pier markets are open twice per week. While the Wednesday market is about half the size of that on the weekend, the emphasis is on craft and clothing, while the Saturday market offers more fresh produce options, including honey, fruits, vegetables, and small goods.
Other stalls sell clothing, leatherware and woodworking as well as candles and pens. There are many food trailers that offer snacks and drinks. A bandstand is located in the middle area of the park with live entertainment. Seating has been set up around it.
When: Wednesdays (craft) and Saturdays (full-market) between 7 am and noon
Where: At the Urangan Pier
13. Stop by to visit Nala
As you drive through the town, it’s hard to miss this 22-tonne sculpture of a whale. Ross Bradbury created it. It represents Nala, the female whale who first visited Hervey Bay in 1992 with her calf, Simba.
This huge sculpture, made from ironbark and stainless steel, is sure to be a hit on the ‘big thing’ circuit across Australia. Stop by the magnificent artwork and symbol of Hervey Bay to take a picture.
14. Wildlife and birds
The area is home to 290 species of birds, including many migratory waders. If you are visiting Hervey Bay, there is an active bird watch group that will point you in the right direction. You can also explore the Arkarra lagoon, Gattakers bay, and Burrum Heads botanical gardens if you prefer to take things in your own hands.
15. Lady Elliot Island
Daily seaplane trips depart from Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, which is located on a coral cay at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. You can also drive to Bundaberg at 7 AM and then take a boat from Bundaberg Port Marina.
Turtles can be seen all year on the reef, as well as whales during migrations and other sea creatures. Mitchell’s photos have inspired us to go to South East Queensland. Check out his Instagram account to see the best places he has found.
16. The Esplanade can be walked or cycled
From Urangan’s boat harbour, the waterfront walkway and bike path run approximately 15 km to Gatakers Bay. The walkway is mostly flat and has sections that are shaded by trees. There are many stops in parks and rest stops along its length.
Queensland requires that you wear a helmet when cycling on roads or paths. Both options are acceptable. Bikes and scooters must keep to the left, slow down, and make a sound when approaching pedestrians. Avoid blocking others’ paths if you are walking.
This is a beautiful area to walk or bike through. You can either see the water or glimpse through the trees that provide shade.
17. Cooper’s boardwalk
The boardwalk was first opened in 2015, and it was expanded in 2017. The shaded walkway starts at Neilson Park in Torquay. It runs through the trees and offers benches and places for quiet contemplation along the way. Cooper Christensen (6 years old) was a local boy who lost his battle against brain cancer. The walkway is named after him.
You can extend your visit to Torquay by stopping by a local establishment for lunch while you’re there. Maddigans on Esplanade is right opposite Neilsons Park. It’s the place locals recommend for the best fish & chips in town. The portions are large, varied and reasonably priced. This easy, iconic Aussie tea or lunch is a favourite. Plus, there’s the beach and park right across the street to enjoy it in the best possible setting.
Madigan’s can be found at 401 Charlton Esplanade in Hervey Bay Queensland 4655.
18. Visit the Marina shops and cafes
Balaena cafe should be a must-visit when you’re in town. We love it when we visit.
You will find a few shops and booking offices for the different tours, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Find Balaena cafe at 7 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan QLD 4655
19. Celebrations in the community
It’s a good idea to plan your Hervey Bay visit around community festivals and celebrations. Everyone is welcome to participate. The Blessing of the Fleet, July, or the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, August are two of my recommendations.
The blessing of the Fleet is an ancient tradition in Europe that’s been held to ensure a safe, prosperous season on the seas. The whale tours begin in July. There is live music, market stalls and plenty of food vendors. At the end of the evening, fireworks are displayed.
The Seafood Festival takes place in Urangan’s Fishermans Park. It celebrates the wide Bay seafood, local beers, and great music.
20. Day Trip to Bundaberg
From Hervey Bay to Bundaberg, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The drive is easy on the highway, with clearly marked rest stops. It’s worth spending a few nights here, but if you have enough time, you can easily day-trip it from Hervey Bay. It has a lot to offer, and so many delicious foodie delights that will keep you coming back.
Something else?
Click here for more activities available in Hervey Bay and Fraser Island!
Marie is a true adventurer who absolutely loves going to new places and getting to know different cultures. She's a big fan of making new friends and she's managed to visit loads of countries across the globe.
Every place she visits, Marie finds something unique to enjoy. Whether it's the local food, the customs, or the stunning views, she always comes back with new memories and experiences that she cherishes.
Marie's travels have given her a treasure trove of stories about all the different places and people she's encountered. So, if you ever need some travel inspiration or just fancy a chat about different cultures, Marie's your go-to person.
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