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 Hervey Bay Botanic Garden or Great Sandy Straits Marina might round out your trip.

Urangan
Default Image

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
Default Image

Pialba

Pialba is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and WetSide Water Education Park.

Pialba
Default Image

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
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
Default Image

Urraween

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

Urraween
Kondari Hotel
Kondari Hotel
3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street, Urangan, QLD
The price is S$97 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
S$97
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 meeting rooms, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (908 reviews)
"This is an older facility that is well maintained clean and tidy . Was comfortable and clean room ."

Reviewed on 15 Feb,2025

Kondari Hotel
Ramada Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$204 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
S$204
includes taxes & fees
28 Feb - 1 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Always great!!!"

Reviewed on 21 Feb,2025

Ramada Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
The price is S$153 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
S$153
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2025

Mantra Hervey Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
569 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"Apartment was a great size for a couple. Clean & comfortable. My only dislike was the very low water pressure."

Reviewed on 5 Feb,2025

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
3 out of 5
21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, QLD
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Esplanade and Hervey Bay Historical ...
7.4/10 Good! (276 reviews)
"We absolutely recommended fraser coast top tourist park for all ages and families. Great facilities best service the staff are fabulous and meet all needs and enquiries promptly beach is literally at the end of the street and the pool and spa area are nothing short of perfect 5 stars all round ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jan,2025

Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
3.5 out of 5
17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Great Sandy Straits Marina and Reefworld ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (685 reviews)
Great location
"Lovely, quiet,clean with amazing view. Had a bottom unit near pool so missed view this time."

Reviewed on 21 Feb,2025

BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do