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Enjoy a Nature-Filled Escape With the Best Things to Do in Hervey Bay
The best things to do in Hervey Bay range from the relaxing to the adventurous. Find them all here in our edit!
Tucked between Fraser Island and the mainland, Hervey Bay is a small natural bay only three and a half hours’ drive from Brisbane. With a 13km stretch of coastline, you’re spoiled for choice when finding a spot to unwind. Uncover a nook for every holiday activity from swimming and beach combing to barbecues and bike ways. Due to the protection afforded to the Bay by Fraser Island, the water is remarkably gentle and full of marine life, so don’t miss your opportunity to get amongst it, whether you opt for a spot of whale watching or a full-blown diving adventure through Ex-HMAS Tobruk.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Make the most of your time in paradise with this edit of the best things to do in Hervey Bay on your next trip…
Dive the Ex-HMAS Tobruk
At an enormous 127m long, the Ex-HMAS Tobruk is one of the newest diving wrecks in Australia, having been opened for exploration in early 2019.
With plentiful nooks and crannies to explore and heaps of marine life in the area, there is plenty to see. If you’re not yet a confident diver or get a little claustrophobic, there’s enough to see on the outside of the wreck to make a trip well-worth it. Expect to spot manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales in the migratory season!
11 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan
Lady Elliot Island Day Trip
The unbelievably idyllic Lady Elliot Island Day Trip departs daily from Hervey Bay and takes you on a stunning scenic flight to the Lady Elliot Eco Resort.
This coral cay island is located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, and allows visitors to view one of the world’s natural wonders from the sky as well as up close and personal with a snorkel tour or glass-bottom boat tour. Come face to face with stunning tropical fish, alongside turtles, dolphins and rays.
You’ll be given an orientation welcome when you land on the island before having the chance to explore at your leisure, and you’ll also get to enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant to keep your energy levels up.
Urangan Pier
The iconic Urangan Pier is one of the longest in Australia, reaching almost a kilometre out to the sea.
Originally constructed to faciliaite the export of coal, timber and sugar, it was soon reinvented as a tourist and fishing hotspot.
Pack some drinks and head off for an afternoon stroll, drinking in the sights and sounds of Hervey Bay. It is also an excellent spot for fishing if you’re keen to cast a line!
Great Sandy Strait
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Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Established in 1974, the Botanic Gardens span 26 hectares, offering plenty of room for stretching your legs on a stroll.
Relax in the Chinese-inspired formal garden, complete with reflective water features and a Zen Garden, or explore the Australian bush tucker garden that represents the traditional landowners, the Butchulla people.
Elizabeth Street, Urangan
Hervey Bay Esplanade
One of the best things about Hervey Bay is the small, coastal town feel. Lap up the laid-back energy by taking a stroll down the Esplanade, a picturesque waterfront promenade where you can enjoy the views of the bay, or head to one of the grassy areas for a picnic or a barbecue.
You’ll also traipse past some of the best restaurants and cafes Hervey Bay has to offer, with their prominent locations right on the waterfront.
Esplanade, Hervey Bay
Turtle Discovery
A once in a lifetime experience, the Turtle Discovery tour, is the perfect chance to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most peaceful inhabitants. Hop aboard the Milbi glass bottom boat and coast across to an island where you’ll receive a warm Welcome to Country from a local Butchulla guide. Then, spend some time exploring the island, snorkelling and swimming, on the hunt for friendly turtles.
6/17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay
Wetside Water Park
One for the kiddos, Wetside Water Park is perfect for a morning or afternoon splash. Access to the park is free, but a small fee is required for anyone wishing to ride the waterslide.
You’ll also find a special area designated for under 5s and nearby coffee shops and cafes for mum and dad.
Note: Wetside is closed for winter between May and September each year.
Esplanade Main Street and the Esplanade Junction
Whale Watching
Hervey Bay is a whale watching paradise. With thousands of these beautiful creatures passing through from July to November every year, there’s ample opportunity for you to spot some gentle giants.
Take your experience to the next level by hopping in the water with them courtesy of the Hervey Bay Dive Centre. Simply hang onto the ‘mermaid line’ and if the whales are feeling curious, they’ll come up and say hello!
Corner Jetty Street and Buccaneer Drive, Marina Office, Hervey Bay
Champagne Sunset Sail
See out the end of your getaway to Hervey Bay on the sea! The Champagne Sunset Sail cruises through the calm waters of the Great Sandy Straits aboard the Blue Dolphin luxury yacht.
Drink in panoramic views of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island while you dine on complimentary canapes and beverages spanning beer, wine and soft drinks.
With a low carbon footprint, this eco-friendly modern yacht makes for a romantic and dreamy way to spend an evening in Hervey Bay.
From Urangan Marina, Hervey Bay Boat Harbour
Now that you’ve scoped out the best things to do in Hervey Bay, keep the momentum going and plan some more dreamy day trips from Brisbane. And because the Sunshine State is the destination that just keeps on giving its best year-round, why not scroll through our guide to the best Winter getaways in Queensland to keep the wanderlust at an all-time high, year-round?
