Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hervey Bay, Australia

The first point of interest regarding Hervey Bay on Queensland‘s Coral Sea is its ferry access to the magnificent Fraser Island.

Whether you choose to explore independently in a 4WD vehicle or engage a qualified guide, a visit to Fraser Island is essential.

In addition, this welcoming coastal city features a variety of attractions, including a scenic Esplanade that meanders along the beachfront, through coastal woodlands, alongside pristine sandy beaches, a charming old pier, an environmentally-friendly water park, and numerous dining options.

From July to October, the waters off Hervey Bay are among the finest in Australia for observing humpback whales as they rest with their calves in the tranquil Coral Sea.

1. Fraser Island

Spanning over 120 kilometres, the world’s largest sand island is a prominent feature off Hervey Bay’s coast, forming a significant barrier against the Pacific surf.

Fraser Island has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years by the Butchulla People and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological richness.

The island boasts spectacular shifting sand dunes rising as high as 200 metres, towering rainforests, idyllic freshwater dune lakes, peat swamps, and mangrove forests.

For those desiring to create their own 4WD journey, barges and ferries operate daily from River Heads, merely 20 minutes from the heart of Hervey Bay. Vehicle and camping permits are required.

Alternatively, numerous guided tours offer local insights and experiences, which we will elaborate on below.

2. Remote Fraser Island Tour from Hervey Bay

This experience through the online tour platform GetYourGuide.com allows you to fully immerse yourself in the remarkable natural beauty of Fraser Island.

The adventure commences with a cruise across the Great Sandy Strait, where you may observe dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, and dingoes on land.

Next, you will disembark using an amphibious watercraft, which seamlessly rolls onto the beach to keep you dry.

This tour is adaptable to your preferences, whether you wish to kayak in the clear waters of Bowarrady or Awinya Creek, snorkel in Wathumba Creek, hike over sand dunes for breathtaking vistas, or engage in whale-watching (predominantly between July and October). Knowledgeable staff will share intriguing facts throughout the journey, with lunch, morning snacks, and afternoon tea provided on board.

3. Four-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

Primarily between July and October, and even in adjacent months, humpback whales are visible in the waters surrounding Hervey Bay, migrating from Antarctic regions to warmer subtropical environments for birthing.

These humpback whales can reach lengths of up to 16 metres and are a cultural icon in Hervey Bay.

On this half-day excursion offered through GetYourGuide.com, you will embark on a 20-metre luxury catamaran, benefitting from expert commentary from the crew.

The vessel is specifically designed for whale-watching, featuring a water-level viewing platform and underwater viewing windows to enhance your experience.

Humpback whales frequently take breaks in the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay, providing ample opportunities for encounters.

4. Hervey Bay Esplanade

The 17-kilometre beachfront pathway elegantly connects Hervey Bay’s waterfront, extending from Gatakers Bay on Point Vernon to the Boat Club in Urangan.

One can cycle, walk, or skate along the shaded coastal parkland, relishing nearly uninterrupted coastal vistas while passing cafes, fish and chip eateries, ice cream parlours, souvenir shops, playgrounds, and family attractions.

If you prefer not to travel by bicycle, bike rental shops are conveniently located along the route.

The majority of the attractions highlighted in this article are situated along the Esplanade, alongside various local amenities, including picnic sites and adventure playgrounds.

5. Wetside Water Park

Located where Main Street meets the Esplanade, Wetside Water Park is a free, sustainably designed water attraction, open seven days a week during school holidays (excluding June and July). Established in 2009 as part of Queensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations, it rests on 384 piers anchored into the sand.

All water features within Wetside are sourced from an underground stormwater network.

This park is particularly advantageous for families with young children, featuring Totside, a zero-depth splashpad for children under five.

The park offers various jets and fountains, with a tipping bucket pouring numerous litres of water onto the crowd below.

You can also test your wave-riding capabilities at the Flipside Boardrider. Additionally, every Saturday evening at 19:00, a spectacular show combining lights, music, and water displays is presented.

6. Urangan Pier

A prominent feature of Hervey Bay, this historic wooden pier extends over a kilometre into the Coral Sea.

It now serves as a peaceful location to unwind, fish, spot dolphins and rays, or admire views of Big Woody Island and Fraser Island, but its origins are industrial.

Constructed in 1917 after four years of work, the pier originally served as a docking point for cargo ships transporting timber, sugar, and coal.

In the past, the pier included the Hervey Bay Railway, which ran all the way to the end.

The former railway track is now the Links Corridor, a 6.2-kilometre trail that leads to the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens.

Continue your exploration at the parks along the foreshore, where you can savor a treat from one of the eateries on the Esplanade.

7. Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens

The highlight of the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is the Orchid House, home to approximately 15,000 plants, many of which are unique orchid varieties.

The gardens also feature a café where visitors can enjoy tea overlooking the lagoon and a lush rainforest.

Stroll through the mature Chinese Garden, complete with a moon gate and bamboo grove, and the Japanese Bridge, a perfect spot for observing ducks and turtles in the lake.

Another appealing section is the bush tucker garden, filled with indigenous edible plants. A small contemplative labyrinth offers an opportunity for a mindful walk.

8. Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

A collection of 19th and early 20th-century buildings has been restored to this site, which is within walking distance of the beach in Hervey Bay.

There are nearly 30 structures, including a blacksmith shop, Hervey Bay’s Methodist Church from 1901, an 1898 slab cottage complete with period furnishings, and the original Goodwood Railway Station.

The site features a wealth of historical machinery and tools to explore, including a petrol-powered washing machine, an IHC three-horsepower engine, cane-harvesting equipment, and much more.

Sunday is the ideal day to visit, as you can observe horseshoes being forged, use a century-old wood lathe, and assist in making a length of rope using a Victorian machine.

9. The Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere

This interactive attraction provides an excellent introduction to Hervey Bay’s natural and cultural significance, as well as a prelude to a visit to Fraser Island. It is situated just a short distance from Wetside Water Park.

Here, guests can familiarize themselves with the remarkable ecological diversity of the Great Sandy Biosphere, showcased vividly during a theater presentation.

Humpback whales receive prominent attention, and visitors can view a life-sized replica skeleton and experience a simulated underwater encounter.

Throughout the Discovery Sphere, you will find excerpts of artwork representing the Dreamtime legends of the Aboriginal Butchulla People, who are the Traditional Owners of Fraser Island.

10. Reefworld Aquarium

This coastal aquarium is one of only a few worldwide that uses sand-filtered seawater in its tanks, benefitting from natural sunlight for illumination.

Having operated since 1979, it offers an impressive diversity of marine life, including various sharks, large Queensland groupers, venomous stonefish, manta rays, lungfish, sea apples, and a myriad of small fish displayed in reef tanks.

The walls feature non-live educational exhibits, including rare shells and shark teeth, while children are encouraged to interact with starfish, sea urchins, and coral at the touch tank.

11. Dundowran Beach

This beach, located in the Hervey Bay suburb that shares its name, experiences a significant tidal range.

At low tide, the ocean at Dundowran Beach virtually disappears, providing an opportunity to wander out and observe tiny fish and crabs scuttling about.

During high tide, the shallow waters and absence of strong currents make it a safe swimming area for younger visitors.

The beach is flanked by a tranquil residential community, and kangaroos are often seen hopping along the shore, especially in the early morning hours.

12. Point Dayman Park

Adjacent to Reefworld Aquarium lies a secluded park that culminates at a headland overlooking the ocean.

This spot, known as Dayman Point, provides a serene location to pause and gaze at Big Woody Island and the distant Fraser Island.

It is a favored location for wedding photographs, adorned with several small monuments and accompanied by a picnic area.

Exploration of the well-maintained shaded lawns may lead you to a vantage point at the Matthew Flinders Lookout, which features a monument commemorating the bicentenary of the explorer’s significant circumnavigation of Australia, during which he charted Hervey Bay for the first time.

You can also view a miniature replica of the Ariadne, the inaugural ship to navigate directly from Liverpool to the Port of Maryborough in 1862.

13. Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

A wonderful venue to explore the local art scene and view significant traveling exhibitions, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery has been designated as “Category A.” As a public facility, entry is complimentary and the gallery offers strong community engagement through various activities, including tours, lectures, and workshops for children.

A tribute to a female humpback whale that annually returns to Hervey Bay, one enduring art piece is “Nala,” a monumental sculpture of a breaching whale, located in front of the building and weighing 22 tonnes.

14. Torquay Beach

Hervey Bay’s primary, north-facing beach is buffered from the Esplanade by a series of narrow parks, concealing the city’s canoe and sailing clubs among dense eucalyptus, palm, and pine trees.

This green barrier creates a serene atmosphere, making it difficult to believe that the bustling city is in such proximity while lounging on the golden sands of Torquay Beach.

Nonetheless, a short walk will take you to the nearest shops and restaurants.

This beach’s northern orientation and the nearby island create gentle surf and crystal-clear waters.

At Nielsen Park, there is an inviting grassy picnic area with ample natural shade and an adventure playground.

15. Susan River Homestead

Encompassing nearly 700 hectares, Susan River Homestead operates as a fully-fledged adventure resort nestled within bushland, situated 25 kilometres from Torquay Beach.

The resort offers a variety of packages, providing air-conditioned accommodations alongside camping facilities catering to RVs and caravans.

In addition, Susan River Homestead serves as a day trip destination, allowing visitors to travel a short distance from Hervey Bay to engage in activities such as waterskiing on the private lake, embarking on two-hour horseback rides, or utilizing various amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, or an Olympic-sized trampoline.