Hervey Bay, a coastal city in southern Queensland, is widely known as a site for observing humpback whales. The top things to do in Hervey Bay are Reefworld Aquarium, Historical Village & Museum, WetSide Water Park and many more. It’s the stepping-off point to World Heritage-listed K’gari, home to some of the world’s best whale-watching encounters in a region recently accredited as a Whale Heritage Site. It has arguably the safest, family-friendly beaches on the Queensland coast. Whale-watching boats operate during the July to November migration season. It’s also a hub for tours to nearby Fraser Island, with beaches and a rainforest habitat for dingoes and other wildlife.
Things To Do In Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay has an abundance of riches. It’s the stepping-off point to World Heritage-listed K’gari, home to some of the world’s best whale-watching encounters in a region recently accredited as a Whale Heritage Site.
1. Water Activities
All year long, the Fraser Coast’s immaculate seas are welcoming. Adventurers can rent kayaks, jet skis, paddle boards, and more from Aquavue. The largest artificial reef in the Southern Hemisphere, Roy Rufus Artificial Reef, has shipwrecks that seasoned scuba divers will adore exploring and swimming with nurse sharks at Wolf Creek. If you would prefer not to get your hair wet, there are still a ton of water sports to choose from. Take a charter excursion, hire a boat, or learn to sail a yacht. Alternatively, stay shoreside and enjoy one of Australia’s best fishing spots – just cast your line off the jetty’s edge.
Best Time: July to November
Reasons to visit: This is the prime whale watching season, with humpback whales migrating along the coast. Hervey Bay is renowned for offering excellent viewing opportunities during these months.
Also Read: Queensland In June
2. Whale Watching
Image Credit: Whale Watching for Pixabay
Hervey Bay is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales up close. Board one of the region’s many cruise operators – Spirit of Hervey Bay and Hervey Bay Whale Watch – to see the majestic creature’s loud tail slaps and spectacular breaches up close. Along the way, Hervey Bay whale watchers may be lucky to spot dolphins, dugongs and turtles splashing about. Several tour operators offer excursions that allow you to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Best Time: July to November
Reasons to visit: This is the prime whale watching season, with humpback whales migrating along the coast. Hervey Bay is renowned for offering excellent viewing opportunities during these months.
3. Fraser Island
Just a short ferry ride away, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It is a 123 km long island that provides shelter for the Wide Bay coastline. There are many interesting things to do and see on this island. Discover rainforests that grow directly from the sand and swim in clear, crystal-clear lakes. Also, you can see amazing rainbow-coloured cliffs and climb huge sand dunes. Majestic remnants of tall rainforest growing on sand and half the world’s perched freshwater dune lakes are found inland from the beach. It’s a great spot for adventure and nature lovers.
Best Time: May to October
Reasons to visit: During this period, the weather is mild and dry, making it ideal for exploring Fraser Island’s beaches, rainforests, and other natural attractions. It’s also less likely to rain, and road conditions are better for 4WD tours.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Queensland
4. Urangan Pier
Image Credit: Kgbo for Wikimedia Commons
This historic pier extends 1.2 kilometres into the bay and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a spot of fishing. It was originally over 1 km long and has since been completely restored. It is a popular spot for fishermen, and it offers great views. We tend to walk it every day when we’re in the area. There are plenty of picnic areas and barbecues available. Urangan Pier is a former deep-water, cargo-handling facility originally built to facilitate the export of sugar, timber and coal. The pier, served by extending the railway line from Pialba, was used to transfer cargo between rail and ships.
Best Time: Year-Round
Reasons to visit: The Urangan Pier can be enjoyed throughout the year. For a great experience, visit during the cooler months (May to October) to avoid the heat and humidity of summer.
5. Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Image Credit: JamesDeMers for Pixabay
Located near the airport, these gardens offer a peaceful retreat with various native plants, walking trails, and a lovely picnic area. The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens was established in 1974. These beautiful gardens are situated on 6,000-year-old foreshore dunes spanning 26 hectares. Today, the gardens boast established plants of the Wide Bay and Great Sandy regions in a mixture of natural bushland, formal gardens, rainforests and wetlands. Areas of interest include the Japanese Bridge, Bush Tucker Garden, Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden and the Woodland/Wetlands area. The Bush Chapel provides an open-air cathedral surrounded by rainforest trees for your special day.
Best Time: Year-Round
Reasons to visit: The gardens are pleasant to visit year-round. For the best experience, avoid the hottest summer months (December to February) and visit during the cooler, drier months.
Related Post: Things To Do In Queensland
6. Tin Can Bay
Tin Can Bay is a coastal town and locality in the Wide Bay–Burnett region in Queensland, Australia. The locality is split between the Fraser Coast and the Gympie Region, but the town is within Gympie Region. It’s a great spot to get outdoors and enjoy nature with a diverse range of flora and fauna found in the area. It’s especially popular with families, boaties, fishermen, birders and the RV community. Located a short drive from Hervey Bay, Tin Can Bay is known for its dolphin-feeding experience, where you can interact with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Tin Can Island originated when the mail was delivered and picked up by swimmers who would retrieve packages sealed in a tin and thrown overboard from a passing ship.
Best Time: May to October
Reasons to visit: This is the best time to visit Tin Can Bay to enjoy its tranquil beaches and dolphin-feeding activities, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
6. Enjoy A Day Trip To Lady Elliot Island
Image Credit: ELG21 for Pixabay
Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The island lies 46 nautical miles northeast of Bundaberg and covers an area of approximately 45 hectares. Take a day trip to Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay in the southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s a fantastic destination for snorkelling, diving, and spotting marine life. Situated within a highly protected ‘Green Zone’, the coral cay is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life. It is known for its abundance of manta rays, turtles, an amazing array of spectacular marine life and unspoilt coral reefs.
Best Time: April to October
Reasons to visit: The weather is ideal for snorkelling and diving, with calm seas and good visibility. This period also avoids the cyclone season and heavy rains.
You May Also Like To Read: Queensland In December
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Hervey Bay plan your trip to Australia. Don’t miss these fantastic opportunities, and book your tickets now!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: thanasispp for Pixabay
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Hervey Bay
When is the best time to visit Hervey Bay?
The best time to visit Hervey Bay is from May to October, during the whale-watching season. The weather is pleasant and warm, and you can experience the migration of humpback whales.
What are the top attractions in Hervey Bay?
Top attractions include whale-watching tours, the Urangan Pier, Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, and day trips to Fraser Island. You can also enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and exploring local markets.
What dining options are available in Hervey Bay?
Hervey Bay has a variety of dining options, including seafood restaurants, casual cafes, and international cuisine. You can enjoy fresh local seafood and explore different culinary experiences along the waterfront.
Are there any local festivals or events in Hervey Bay?
Yes, Hervey Bay hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, the Whale Festival, and the Hervey Bay Arts Festival. These events are great opportunities to experience local culture and festivities.
What are the best beaches in Hervey Bay?
Some of the best beaches in Hervey Bay include Torquay Beach, Scarness Beach, and Pialba Beach. These beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
People Also Read:
Things To Do In France Things To Do In London Things To Do In Italy
Innovative Content Writer Focused on Producing High quality, Original Content that drives traffic and engages readers. Experienced in Content strategy and analytics to measure content performance using tools such as SQL, Power BI, Excel.
