Hervey Bay Top 10 Things to Do -Whales, Beaches & Gateway to Fraser Island / K’gari Fraser Island / K’gari

Hervey Bay Top 10 Things to Do -Whales, Beaches & Gateway to Fraser Island / K’gari

Hervey Bay is a laid-back coastal city in Queensland located around 292 kilometres north of Brisbane, best known as the Whale Watching Capital of Australia and the gateway to Fraser Island / K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. With calm beaches, a long waterfront esplanade and a relaxed seaside atmosphere, it’s an easy destination to slow down and explore.

From whale watching and island adventures to botanical gardens, historic villages and family-friendly attractions, Hervey Bay offers plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages.

Explore the Esplanade and the Beaches

Hervey Bay’s Esplanade stretches for 17 kilometres along the coastline from Point Vernon to Urangan, offering beautiful views across the bay and access to a series of calm, sandy beaches.

The esplanade features walking and cycling tracks, shaded boardwalk sections and plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or a swim. The calm waters make the beaches ideal for families, swimming and relaxed coastal strolls.

Cool off at Wetside Water Park

Located on the foreshore at the junction of Main Street and the Esplanade, WetSide Water Park is a popular attraction for families.

Entry to the splash park is free, while there is a fee for the water slides and the Aqua Ninja Adventure Course. With interactive splash zones, water slides and an adventure lagoon, it’s the perfect place to cool off on a warm Queensland day.

Walk the Historic Urangan Pier

One of Hervey Bay’s most iconic landmarks, Urangan Pier stretches 868 metres into the bay and is one of the longest piers in Australia. Built between 1913 and 1917, it was originally over a kilometre long.

A walk to the end of the pier rewards you with sweeping views of Hervey Bay and the chance to spot fish, stingrays and sometimes dolphins swimming just below the surface. It’s also one of the best fishing spots in the region.

Explore Reefworld Aquarium

Reefworld is an all-natural aquarium located on the Esplanade at Urangan, offering a hands-on way to learn about the local marine environment.

Open seven days a week, Reefworld features touch tanks, large aquariums and interactive displays showcasing colourful fish and marine life. A highlight is the turtle enclosure, home to Sam and Hook, the resident green sea turtles, which can be fed during daily sessions.

Visit the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens

Set across 26 hectares on Elizabeth Street, Urangan, the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens are a peaceful place to escape the busier parts of town. Entry is free, and the gardens are open daily.

Highlights include Chinese-inspired gardens, shady lawns, a lagoon with turtles and a wide variety of native and exotic plants. Within the gardens, the Orchid House showcases around 5,500 orchids and is open on weekdays.

Step back in time at the Hervey Bay

Historical Village

The Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, with 21 historic buildings set among shady gardens.

The village includes a church, school, railway station, fire station, shops and cottages, all carefully preserved to reflect early life in the area. It’s open on weekends, public holidays and during Queensland school holidays.

Visit Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Located in Pialba, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is a contemporary cultural space showcasing exhibitions focused on art, history and local stories.

Out the front, you’ll find a striking giant whale sculpture dedicated to Nala, a female humpback whale that regularly visited Hervey Bay. Standing over eight metres tall, it’s a popular photo stop and a fitting tribute to the region’s whale heritage.

Browse Local Markets

Hervey Bay is home to several markets offering fresh produce, artisan goods and handmade products. One of the most popular is Markets at the Pier, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Pier Park, Urangan.

With more than 50 stalls, food trucks, live music and local produce, it’s a great place to pick up fresh food, enjoy breakfast or soak up the local atmosphere.

Go Whale Watching

Hervey Bay is the world’s first Whale Heritage Site and one of the best places on Earth to see humpback whales. From late July to the end of October, whales migrate through the calm waters of the bay, often stopping to rest and play.

Joining a whale watching tour is a must-do experience, offering close-up encounters with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

👉 Click here for Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours

Day Trip to Fraser Island / K'gari

Just a short ferry ride from Hervey Bay, K’gari is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island famous for its towering sand dunes, freshwater lakes, rainforests and long ocean beaches.

A full-day tour is a great way to see the island’s highlights, including Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, lush rainforests and the iconic Maheno shipwreck.

👉 Click here for K'Gari Day Tours from Hervey Bay

Why Visit Hervey Bay?

Hervey Bay combines relaxed coastal living with unforgettable natural experiences. Whether you’re strolling the esplanade, spotting whales, exploring local history or heading off to K’gari, this easy-going destination offers something for everyone.

It’s a place to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy some of Queensland’s most iconic experiences — all without the crowds.

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