Listed below are the highest actions in Hervey Bay, a gem of the Fraser Coast and a hub for whale watching!
Positioned near Ok’gari (Fraser Island) and the most effective whale watching spots in Australia, there are many issues to do in Hervey Bay!
Whereas it is probably not one of many largest cities on the East Coast, you may rapidly fill just a few days right here.
From Brisbane, in Queensland, it’s solely a 3 and a half-hour drive to Hervey Bay. Or you may go for a 45-minute flight.
One of the simplest ways to get there may be by automotive as there are many stopping factors alongside the 290-kilometre highway journey from Brisbane.
Driving alongside the Stuart Freeway, you’ll go the Sunshine Coast which has some spectacular surroundings and cities.
Noosa and Caloundra are two locations properly price visiting alongside the best way.
You may additionally think about taking a detour to the Glasshouse Mountains. The panoramic views over the hinterland are beautiful.
Nonetheless you get there, be sure to begin planning your journey with these unimaginable issues to do in Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast.
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The Absolute Greatest Issues To Do In Hervey Bay
With a surprising shoreline, magnificent wildlife, and loads of youngsters’ actions, Hervey Bay has tons to supply.
Listed below are a few of the prime actions to do when visiting Hervey Bay, from touring the world’s largest sand island on the Fraser Coast and seeing marine life to occurring a ship tour throughout whale season or exploring the botanic gardens.
1) Whale Watching at Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is nicknamed the ‘whale watching capital of the world.’
Sheltered by the World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, the calm waters in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast have grow to be a frequent cease for Humpback whales.
On the peak of the season, whales will be seen in massive numbers, resting, enjoying, and educating their newborns the teachings of survival.
For those who’re in Hervey Bay in the course of the whale watching season (late July to early November) a day spent watching these magnificent mammals is a should!
The bay is used as a resting level for feminine humpback whales and their calves on their migration between the Antarctic waters and the hotter ocean of the tropics.
Sightings of those magnificent creatures are virtually assured!
And nearly all of excursions provide a free journey in case your day on the waves reveals no whales.
Watching these magnificent animals is a really spectacular sight!
What to Count on on a Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise
Throughout a tour, you’ll be taught tons about these fascinating mammals from the boat skippers who’re all the time captivated with these annual guests.
The boats have viewing decks near the water the place typically the whales will swim so shut you may virtually contact them.
You might also catch a glimpse of different animals like Australian Humpback Dolphins.
The whales love displaying off and can entertain you with their tail slapping and stomach rolls!
The humpback whale is likely one of the most agile mammals within the ocean. For those who’re fortunate, you’ll see them breaching near the boat.
Watching them launch into the air is awe-inspiring and one thing you’ll always remember!
The vessels additionally carry hydrophones. If the whales are singing, they’ll drop them into the ocean to amplify the sound.
Even from the boat deck, you’ll hear the attractive buzzing of the animals in the event that they’re singing inside a detailed vary.
All Hervey Bay whale excursions need to observe strict pointers to guard the whales.
The engines should be turned off inside a sure distance of the animal. After all, it’s unlawful to feed the whales.
Fortunately for vacationers, the humpback whale has an inquisitive nature, and so they’ll typically swim as much as the boat to examine you out earlier than you even know they’re there!
2) The Hervey Bay Esplanade
The fantastic beachfront stretches for roughly 17 km across the Bay from Gatakers Bay to Urangan Pier and Harbour.
It’s the right place to take a stroll within the night because the solar units. One of the vital common Hervey Bay sights!
Alongside the best way, you may uncover thrilling info about Hervey Bay’s heritage and the ocean sea life.
Alongside the Esplanade you’ll additionally go the Hervey Bay Historic Village, which homes previous buildings and artifacts. For those who’re a historical past lover, undoubtedly examine this out!
Passing by way of common suburbs, resembling Torquay and Scarness, you’ll discover loads of eating places with beautiful views at which to dine.
In the course of the day the general public BBQs are nice to make use of for lunch.
And when you fancy taking a dip within the ocean, some spots are patrolled by lifeguards.
Gatakers Bay is a perfect place for households to get pleasure from a day on the seaside. Having fun with the world is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Hervey Bay.
3) Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens cowl 26 hectares simply off Elizabeth Road in Urangan Seaside.
They’re open each day from 6:30 AM and entrance is free.
It’s an ideal place to go for a picnic as there are seating areas and public BBQs that you need to use.
There are additionally loads of strolling trails which are properly laid out across the botanical gardens.
Count on to see an abundance of native vegetation and birds at Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens.
The Chinese language Backyard is especially beautiful. And the deck over the central lake is gorgeous!
You’ll discover little turtles within the water that are pleasant to observe.
And there are many rainforest bushes across the Bush Chapel.
The naturalised wetland space is extra rugged and it’s a wonderful place to identify birds and different Aussie animals, resembling possums.
There’s additionally an orchid home that has a small entrance charge and is a wonderful alternative for what to do in Hervey Bay.
Throughout weekdays you may take a tour of the gardens and orchid home at a further value. This place is good for nature lovers who need a enjoyable afternoon with the entire household.
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4) Go to Girl Elliot Island
For those who can afford to spend a bit additional once you go to Hervey Bay, a day journey to Girl Elliot Island is extremely really useful.
The island comes beneath the UNESCO World Heritage space of the Nice Barrier Reef and is the southernmost tip of this area.
The readability of the water across the island is arguably the most effective of all Nice Barrier sights.
The island is surrounded by a coral reef and might solely be reached by a small provider airplane.
Flights depart each day from Hervey Bay airport and the views over the entire bay are stunningly lovely.
Touchdown on the little grass airstrip is a novel expertise in itself.
You are feeling such as you’ve arrived in paradise!
The island is kind of small and you’ll stroll throughout it in 45 minutes.
However there’s a lot to do for all family members.
You may snorkel straight off the seaside.
With dolphins, whales, manta rays, and turtles close by that is really a magical expertise.
The coral right here is in good situation. And there are a number of snorkel trails across the island which you can observe.
You may as well rent paddleboards and, at low tide, you may take part in reef walks.
For those who’re not assured within the water, there’s additionally a glass bottomed boat that may take you out to see the reef.
You may as well apply snorkelling or be taught to scuba dive with the dive college within the swimming pool.
The island has an eco-resort with a spread of lodging from tents to suites if you wish to prolong your keep.
Earlier than leaving the island, try the training centre because it has a wealth of data on how one can assist preserve the reef for future generations.
5) Wetside Water Park
Probably the greatest family-friendly issues to do in Hervey Bay is to go to the Wetside Water Park.
If you’re travelling with younger youngsters, it is a free exercise that they’ll love!
The out of doors pool is near the waterfront and seaside close to the Major Road in Hervey Bay.
The park contains water slides, a water play space and there’s a fountain mild present on Saturday nights at 7 pm.
There’s a small charge for the water slides. The simulated surf experience additionally entails a price.
However Wetside Water Park makes for a enjoyable, low cost day trip when the climate is especially sizzling!
Youthful youngsters can have hours of enjoyable enjoying within the water jets. As there’s little or no water within the pool, it’s a secure atmosphere for teenagers.
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6) Torquay Seaside
If a visit to Girl Elliot Island is past your price range, don’t fear as there’s additionally a reef at Torquay Seaside.
The Seaside is alongside the esplanade, roughly a 45-minute stroll from the Urangan Pier.
It’s the right spot to spend a day alongside this spectacular coast! An amazing various for what to do in Hervey Bay.
The lengthy sandy seaside has outlets and eateries throughout from the boardwalk, and there’s loads of water sports activities to maintain you occupied.
You may rent crusing boats, go canoeing or have enjoyable water snowboarding.
If it’s worthwhile to rent tools, Aquavue on the Charlton Esplanade by the seaside is the place to go to.
They lease jet skis, paddleboards, bikes, and kayaks all by the hour.
Additional alongside, the esplanade is Enzo’s on the seaside, which provides kitesurfing classes and in addition hires paddleboards and kayaks.
For youngsters, there are many play areas close by.
One of many extra common areas is Organ Park, which has a play prepare and playground tools.
Offshore, there’s a reef that’s appropriate for snorkelling. You may as well go to the Hervey Bay Dive Centre when you’re enthusiastic about taking diving classes.
The simplest technique to swim out to the reef is from the stretch of seaside reverse Nielsen Park.
For those who’re fortunate, you will note a few of the resident dugongs that stay right here.
And when you prefer to fish, the jetty can also be a preferred place for that too.
7) Urangan Pier
The Urangan Pier is likely one of the longest in Australia and stretches for nearly a kilometre into the ocean.
It’s greatest to go to at sundown because the view is spectacular because the solar goes down.
There’s a superb probability that you just’ll see pods of dolphins shut by and stingrays within the clear water beneath.
This iconic pier is a well-liked spot for fishing, so pack your fishing gier! You’ll see individuals jet snowboarding, windsurfing, or kite browsing within the water.
Across the space, there are many parks which are wonderful for picnics.
The Urangan precinct is only a quick stroll away and has a spread of eateries, with alfresco eating places and cafes.
There are additionally a number of boutique outlets and resorts within the space that will help you fill your day with totally different Hervey Bay actions.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings the pier markets are a improbable place to buy.
Whether or not you’re after native produce or artisan crafts, the market stalls are price a leisurely go searching.
8) Ok’gari (Fraser Island) Day Journey
For those who’re searching for thrilling issues to do in Hervey Bay, a day journey to Ok’gari (previously often called Fraser Island) is properly price it!
Ok’gari is the biggest sand island on the planet and one other of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Listed websites.
Stretching for over 120 km, it has a few of the most beautiful coastlines within the nation. The white sandy seashores are lovely.
It’s additionally the most effective locations to identify dugongs and turtles, because the waters round Hervey Bay and Ok’gari (Fraser Island) are a part of the Nice Sandy Marine Park.
The island lies simply to the south of Hervey Bay throughout the Nice Sandy Strait.
There are over 40 inland freshwater lakes surrounded by bush and wonderful sand.
Most day journeys will embrace a go to to certainly one of them. This one particularly is superior and will get actually nice opinions.
Whether or not you’re taking a half-day or full-day tour, your journey is almost definitely going to begin with a drive alongside a 75-mile seaside.
The seaside serves as a freeway, a touchdown strip for planes, and a docking bay for the barge.
One of the vital common websites alongside 75 Mile Seaside is the Maheno Shipwreck.
Maheno was heading for Japan when it bought struck by a cyclone, and it washed up on the shores of the island in 1935.
Over time its shell has been frequently eroded by the salt from the ocean.
On the finish of the seaside is Indian Head, which is a superb place to identify whales, dolphins and turtles.
One other common spot on the island is Elli Creek. The freshwater creek is superb for strolling and swimming by way of.
9) Reefworld at Hervey Bay
Not like different massive Aquariums, Reefworld Aquarium at Hervey Bay focuses on interplay and training.
The centre is an all-natural aquarium, which makes use of seawater that’s solely filtered by the sand and pure daylight.
There aren’t any large reveals right here.
However there’s a contact tank, and you’ll take part in feeding Inexperienced sea turtles, sharks, and huge reef fish.
The workers are pleasant, and so they’ll reply any questions that you’ve about marine life as you wander round.
For those who’re an journey seeker, you may swim with sharks in an open pool (for an additional charge, in fact).
The exercise is well-supervised, and it’s an expertise that you just’ll always remember!
10) Nice Sandy Straits Marina
On the finish of Urangan Harbour is the beautiful Nice Sandy Straits Marina, which is gorgeous to take a stroll round.
That is the place the boats depart from to go on day journeys and excursions.
You may as well guide fishing journeys from right here or take a sundown cruise. A sundown cruise is an incredible technique to expertise the world.
The Cafe Balaena within the centre is an effective spot for lunch.
And there’s no scarcity of boats to admire from their outdoors seating space.
The harbour additionally has a small artwork gallery and some outlets that are good for choosing up souvenirs.
11) Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
You may’t miss the Fraser Coast Uncover Sphere, certainly one of Hervey Bay’s prime sights. There’s an enormous picket whale, often called Nala, outdoors to greet you.
The invention sphere is a museum and gallery, so it’s good exercise for a wet day.
The reveals and interactive shows are informative and invite you to be taught concerning the Nice Straits pure variety and native heritage.
There’s a devoted youngsters’s part, with storytelling, actions, and hands-on demonstrations.
The Fraser Coast Discovery Gallery has a full copy of a whale skeleton, a lot of paintings, and details about the traditions of the Butchulla Individuals.
12) Hervey Bay Festivals
For those who’re visiting Hervey Bay on the finish of July, the Ocean Whale Pageant celebrates the arrival of the whales.
The city is buzzing with stay music, fireworks shows, markets, and leisure in the course of the competition.
On the Paddle Out For Whales occasion, you may be part of hundreds of others who kayak a brief distance from the Torquay Jetty.
There’s a minute silence to honour the significance of the whales and the conservation of our oceans.
One other spotlight of the competition is the blessing of the fleet, which is a long-standing custom.
A ceremony is held on the Nice Sandy Straits Marina, and a blessing is made to make sure a affluent season and the secure return of all crusing vessels out at sea.
In mid-August, Hervey Bay hosts a seafood competition on the Fishermen’s Park in Urangan.
There’s loads of stay music to get pleasure from, and the area’s greatest seafood will tantalise your style buds.
There are additionally marquees with cooking shows and plenty of craft beer and boutique wines to pattern.
The place to Keep in Hervey Bay Queensland
Hervey Bay provides lodging choices to go well with all budgets.
There are beachside tenting spots, luxurious lodge rooms with ocean views, and self-catering flats all near the most effective vacationer sights.
Luxurious: Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
One of the vital idyllic locations to remain in Hervey Bay is the Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.
The situation is beautiful and close to all the highest sights, and every of the self-catering picket huts has a veranda that overlooks the lake and nature reserve.
The items all have kitchenette services, a non-public balcony, and ensuite loos. Free wifi and parking are additionally accessible all through your keep.
Company can use the swimming pool and BBQ services, and the lodging is inside simple strolling distance of the seaside and outlets.
The lake is filled with turtles, and the birdlife is spectacular across the park.
Mid-Vary: Mantra Hervey Bay
For beautiful views over the Hervey Bay marina, the flats on the Mantra Hervey Bay are extremely really useful.
All rooms have balconies, and the lodge additionally has BBQ services, a sauna, a health club and an out of doors heated pool.
Free parking is obtainable onsite, and wifi is obtainable in public areas.
Tenting: Harbour View Caravan Park
Harbour View Caravan Park is a wonderful alternative for campers on the Fraser Coast.
The sight is subsequent to the Hervey Bay Boat Membership and the Hervey Bay Dive Centre, and near the marina, so it’s in an ideal location.
Amenities embrace a store, a swimming pool, kitchen, and BBQ house in addition to powered and unpowered spots.
The facilities are immaculately clear, and there’s a laundry accessible onsite additionally.