Hervey Bay

Travel Guide

Hervey Bay showing forest scenes and a park
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay Botanic Garden
Hervey Bay
Find out why this stunning city is known as the whale-watching capital of Australia and spend your days exploring its sweeping sandy beaches and pretty parks.

Hervey Bay is a coastal city renowned for its marine wildlife and breathtaking beaches. Spot whales on a cruise trip or visit the city’s fascinating historical attractions.

Choose from a range of whale-watching tours departing from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in UranganOpens in a new window. Be awed by the sight of humpback whales breaching the surface of the deep blue ocean as you explore the Fraser Coast region. You might also see dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Learn about the whales’ journey from Antarctica to the warm waters of the bay, where mothers give birth and nurse their calves in the migration season from mid July to late October. Book your boat trip in advance and bring you camera to record these special memories.

Walk along the oceanfront esplanade and admire the views over the Great Sandy Strait. Cycle the 14-kilometre (8.6-mile) path from Point Vernon to Urangan. The patrolled waters and sheltered barbecue areas at Torquay Beach are ideal for families. Explore the historic Urangan Pier and the nearby Reefworld Aquarium. This education centre showcases beautiful reef habitats and colourful fish. Kids will enjoy feeding marine life at the touch pool and spotting green turtles in their recreated habitat.

Stroll through the tranquil Hervey Bay Botanic GardensOpens in a new window. A highlight is the gardens’ impressive collection of orchids. Spend a quiet moment at the open-air bush chapel, surrounded by rainforest vegetation.

Contemplate life in the 19th century at Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Wander around the recreated village and see an original slab cottage complete with period furnishings. The museum contains a large collection of household goods and farming equipment. Check the museum’s programme, which includes interactive workshops, such as historic blacksmithing demonstrations.

Hervey Bay is approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of the state capital of Brisbane and can be reached by bus, train, car or domestic flight. Whale-watching tours operate between July and November.

Experience nature up close in the waterfront city of Hervey Bay.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay

Urangan

Urangan

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Urangan. A stop by Shelly Beach or Great Sandy Straits Marina might round out your trip.

Urangan
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Torquay

Torquay is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shelly Beach or Duggan Conservation Park.

Torquay
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Pialba

Pialba is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere.

Pialba
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Scarness

Scarness is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum, a top place to visit in the area.

Scarness
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Urraween

Travellers like the spas in Urraween, and Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Urraween
Urangan

Point Vernon

Travellers like the restaurants in Point Vernon, and Gables Point Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Point Vernon

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Things to do