Welcome to Hervey Bay, a beautiful sunkissed escape a few hours north of Brisbane. Its whale watching vantage points may have put the coastal city on the map, but travellers are beginning to realize this Fraser Coast haven has so much more to offer than just the marine life that frolicks offshore.
The allure of year-round water activities, untouched swimming beaches and seriously fresh seafood are all part of Hervey Bay’s unique charm. Combine all this with the picturesque Urangan Pier, the easygoing nature of its locals, and the town’s proximity to the UNESCO-listed Fraser Island it’s easy to understand why tourists flock to Hervey Bay and keep coming back.
Hervey Bay is serviced by a numerous transportation options. Hervey Bay Airport is located approximately a 20-minute drive from the town centre. Brisbane to Hervey Bay flights with Qantas are available three times per day, as well as daily flights to Hervey Bay from Sydney and Lady Elliot Island. On arrival, there a four car hire companies to help get you on your way.
Rather travel by road or rail? Hervey Bay is a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane. Queensland Rail boasts regular services from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns into Maryborough West. From there, the Trainlink bus service offers transfers to Hervey Bay after every train service, with a journey time of only 20 minutes.
The pristine waters of the Fraser Coast are inviting year-round. Adventure seekers can hire paddle boards, jet skis, kayaks and more from Aquavue. Keen scuba divers will love swimming with nurse sharks at Wolf Creek and exploring the shipwrecks of Roy Rufus Artificial Reef, the largest man-made reef in the Southern Hemisphere. However, if you’d rather not get your hair wet, there’s still a myriad of water sports to enjoy. Learn to sail a yacht, join a charter tour or hire your own vessel. Alternatively, stay shoreside and enjoy one of Australia’s best fishing spots – just cast your line off the edge of the jetty.
As the Whale Watching Capital of the World, Hervey Bay boasts one of the longest seasons. From July to November, humpback whales travel up the coast, stopping in Hervey Bay to breed and nurse their little ones. Board one of the region’s many cruise operators – Spirit of Hervey Bay and Hervey Bay Whale Watch among them – to see the majestic creature’s loud tail slaps and spectacular breaches up close. Along the way, Hervey Bay whale watchers may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins, dugongs and turtles splashing about.
A stone’s throw away from the Hervey Bay Esplanade lie a handful of museums and galleries. Start at the ultra-modern Fraser Coast Discovery Centre and dive into the world of the humpback whale, then stroll to the Hervey Bay Village and Museum. This time warp back to the 19th century consists of more than 21 historical buildings and 8000 beautifully preserved exhibits. Meander up the promenade to pop into Gallery 5, the HQ of the Hervey Bay Art Society to observe local artists in action.
Right on the doorstep of Hervey Bay is the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Ferry providers like Fraser Explorer offer frequent Fraser Island tours from Hervey Bay making it a convenient day out. From the crystal-clear fresh waters of Lake McKenzie to the rusting beached Maheno Shipwreck and the breathtaking coloured sands of The Pinnacles, a trip to Fraser Island is an experience to beat for years to come.
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The aquatic paradise of Hervey Bay is abundant in affordable places to stay. For the best bang for your buck, stay at Pier Caravan Park or any of the many Hervey Bay camping and caravan park dotted along Charlton Esplanade and the suburbs of Pialba, Scarness and Torquay. Also check out Discovery Parks and Fraser Coast Beachfront Tourist Parks for Hervey Bay accommodation deals.
Whether you’re looking to base yourself in town or seeking the serenity of the suburbs, Hervey Bay has a number of choice motels and hostels to lay your head. Steps away from Shelly Beach is the Beach Motel Hervey Bay where travellers can choose from a budget family rooms to luxurious spa suites. For those looking to mingle with like-minded travellers, book your stay at the family-owned Woolshed Backpackers and keep an eye on the busy activity schedule.
Thinking of staying at a Hervey Bay resort? The award-winning Akama Resort is heralded as one of the top places to stay in region affording views of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Straits. The marina is within easy walking distance from most Hervey Bay resorts, however the home of the humpback is best experienced from bed. For the ultimate whale watching extravaganza, check in at Mantra Hervey Bay where during whale watching season lucky guests can be treated to a visit from the ocean’s gentle giants.
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The coastal city is home to a growing culinary scene. Hervey Bay restaurants represent the tropical lifestyle – the ambience is casual, the produce is local and dining is on the water’s edge. Start your day right andmake your way to Hervey Bay cafe Eat at Dan & Steph’s for an unbeatable breakfast vista. Hervey Bay institution, Coast Restaurant is a must-eat destination for all foodies – especially seafood lovers. Marking a special occasion? Book early to wrangle a table at The Vinyard where the wine is at the heart of the menu.
As a growing holiday hotspot for travellers coming from near and afar, there are a multitude of tours and packages to help you experience the best of Hervey Bay From eco marine tours to fishing charters and skydiving adventures, your getaway can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you desire. Take a look at reputable sites like Experience Oz and Tours to Go to find a tour or day trip to help you explore Hervey Bay and Fraser Island just the way you like.
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