There are several different things to do in Hervey Bay, depending on your interests. Discovering all it has to offer is the essence of a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can’t be matched.
Hervey Bay is a small coastal town in Queensland and offers some of the most serene views of the Fraser Coast region. The tranquil waters make it a favourite among tourists and residents, while its proximity to world-renowned destinations draws in thousands of visitors every year.
Australia has some of the most exquisite sceneries globally, and one place that offers this is Hervey Bay. It has stunning views and close-by attractions, but Hervey Bay also has fascinating flora, fauna, and marine life.
Things To Do In Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is filled with history, culture, and many activities for the adventurous traveller. Nearby you will find multiple museums and unique sites to visit. Some other activities you might want to enjoy while here include:
- Taking a scenic drive along the coast, or
- Exploring the historical places in town!
Below is a compilation of 35 things in Hervey Bay you don’t want to miss.
1. Whale Watching
Whale watching is an activity that makes Hervey Bay a hotspot for locals and travellers. Whales pass through this part of Queensland every year during the migration season, and guests can get up close and personal with them in the bay.
The best time to view whales at the bay is between July and late September. Enjoying this wildlife spectacle is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Humpback whales are inquisitive species known for their close encounters with humans. They’re popular with tourists who often see these creatures and sometimes even get close enough to touch them!
The best way to see them is to book a tour boat to visit the site they frequent most, and you won’t have trouble seeing them.
2. Turtle Discovery And Eco Tours
There are many unique species of animals and different types of tours to take advantage of in Australia. Wildlife is no longer a virtual experience only on TV when you’re down under. Instead, you can also explore wildlife in person, and few experiences beat visiting the turtles.
This is a fun tour of the Hervey Bay Great Sandy Marine Park, which is provided by a glass-bottom boat that gives you an experience of the coral gardens below. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving with professional scuba diving companies.
With this experience, guests can snorkel and interact with the beautiful marine life usually not visible from a regular boat or the shore.
The marine life you can enjoy from Hervey Bay includes dolphins, reef sharks, and the occasional dugong. There are many incredible things to do in Hervey Bay, and many of them involve swimming with the biggest fish you’ll ever see. They’re rare but easy to find if you know where to go!
3. Taking A Walk Along The Esplanade
The Esplanade is a tropical paradise that offers more than enough to keep your eyes on the boardwalk. Along its walkway, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbour or sunrise and sunset.
The Esplanade provides a beautiful coast of Atlantic Ocean views and a great scene for an early morning or evening stroll. It also helps guests exercise, and they can use the walkway to get a workout.
The Esplanade allows you to enjoy a workout in a beautiful nature-filled location. The nearby restaurants make it easy to grab lunch or dinner before continuing with your fitness routine.
4. The Reef World Aquarium And Shark Viewing
Long considered a must-stop for tourists, the Reef World Aquarium draws visitors from all over the world. Since it opened over 30 years ago, it has hosted millions of guests annually and is a little slice of paradise for children and adults alike.
This aquarium features a wide range of marine species and provides the best opportunities for your family to learn about the natural world. The design of this aquarium is not just for show but also for bettering marine biology for species such as turtles, reef fish and others.
Interact with the marine animals in touch tanks and feed them a loved meal. Some guests like the thrill of swimming with sharks to add to the excitement.
Reef-World provides guests with all their needs, including a wetsuit and snorkel gear. The facility is filled with helpful staff members, and all equipment is available for hire. Guests can also experience an artificially created sanctuary-like environment. The facility advises guests to carry towels and cameras and know how to swim.
5. Enjoy The Clean Hervey Bay Beaches
Beyond getting your feet wet, going to the beach has a lot of other adventures and things to discover that you should consider before making a decision.
The beaches of Hervey Bay provide a fantastic ocean-side experience with some great positive reviews of the waters. But with so many opportunities swimming in the waters, it is essential to be mindful of your safety. Don’t take unnecessary risks, especially if it’s your first time in the open ocean.
Torquay Beach is a fantastic place for many people who come to enjoy the sun, sand and beach activities. This 800-meter long stretch of coastline gives plenty of room for those who are into fishing!
Lose a dog near Torquay’s beach, and it will end up in the Toogoom 08 Beach Access dog park. This dog park provides a safe and exciting place that pairs well with swimming. Dog owners will enjoy taking their dogs for a dip in the sea away from the bustle of other swimmers. A dog loves nothing more than a long stretch of sand to run on and water to take a dip!
6. The Botanic Gardens In Urangan
The Botanic Gardens found in Hervey is one of the most exciting places to explore, covering a 26 hectares radius and are located in Urangan.
Here you can discover beautiful plants and rest in their botanical garden. The Gardens also host tours, picnics, and exhibitions throughout the year. Another favourite spot among many is to walk through the Chinese Garden or get time for something else on site.
Nature lovers will love this spot and get a chance to spot the wide variety of bird species that have perched homes in this botanic garden. They’ll love catching a glimpse of the birds and spending time near them, significantly since it adds to the unique nature of the park.
7. The Point Vernon Kangaroos
Point Vernon is in Hervey Bay, and it has been there since 1861. It offers a different experience for guests, as the Kangaroo is one of Australia’s most famous animals.
Kangaroos are large mammals typically found in Australia. Sightings in Point Vernon are not uncommon. The town also has some beautiful landscape views of the Pacific Ocean next to rocky terrain and cliffs.
The site also has opportunities for visitors to swim in the sea or snorkel among fish and coral reefs. There are also a variety of other marine animals like stingrays, Utah raptors, and more to explore.
8. The Urangan Pier
Urangan Pier is a beloved icon in Queensland town. Locals have loved it since the ’80s, but locals rallied to save it. A famous and iconic Hervey Bay pier gracefully supports the day-to-day life of residents and visitors. It offers a view of whales during whale watching season.
The pier measures approximately 868 meters, making it great for fishing. The residents are serious fishers who inspire an annual fishing competition.
This place is excellent for spending a day on the water or relaxing after a long week. The scenery is tranquil, and the water is clear, making it perfect for catching fish.
9. The Westside Water Park Pialba
This water park provides tons of options for everyone in the family to enjoy, with plenty of educational opportunities. The typical attractions include wet slides, a water play area with multiple types of high-quality water toys, and a fountain that provides hours of beautiful light shows. In addition to all this, they have upgraded features such as the FlipSide Board Riders.
The Wet Side Water Park has a long list of attractions and offers things like a coffee shop, restaurant and car parking. Entry is accessible to the park itself, but it does cost additional fees for slides, and you must pay your board to ride on.
10. Hervey Bay Village and Museum
Hervey Bay is rich in historical facts and offers visitors a unique historical experience. You can visit their Historical Village and Museum and learn the history of the bay.
The museum and village hold 21 buildings set up as exact replicas of the specific time and place they represent. In addition, there are over 12,000 items on display to learn about.
The museum also offers live demonstrations of folks from the past who lived in challenging conditions and had to adapt daily. It provides a fun and interesting educational experience for visitors as well. They operate on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday hours are 10:30 am – 4:30 pm.
11. Trip To Fraser Island, Queensland
Fraser Island is not far from Hervey Bay and offers clear lakes to swim in, sanded beaches to explore, and beautiful coral reefs. It’s a popular place to spend time and see the incredible wildlife that comes with it. Most tours take the beautiful Fraser Island first, home to many exciting features.
12. The Local Restaurants
It is always exciting to try new and different local restaurants when travelling. Hervey Bay has a lot of places that serve delicious food, and variety is something you’ll find at Hervey Bay’s local outlets. Fish processing in the area provides healthy and fresh ingredients for your meals.
The Dock Hervey Bay, The Beach House and the El Puerto Brazilian Bbq restaurants are some of the most popular in this area of Hervey Bay. They’re all equally tremendous but suit different tastes and budgets.
Hervey Bay has a lot to offer, including some of the best food available. You’ll find unparalleled service in many different dining areas. Returning guests can stay close to their favourite restaurants or enjoy new menus in beautifully designed spaces to ensure they’re never disappointed!
13. The Dayman Park In Urangan
Dayman Park provides a variety of activities for both children and adults. There are bbq machines, picnic areas, play areas for your kids and even spaces for weddings! It is family-friendly and suitable for any occasion.
Hervey Bay has fantastic weather to have fun with your family and friends. It’s the perfect setting for spring break and other important family events.
14. The Urangan Rock Wall
Urangan’s rock wall is a natural limestone formation. It provides excellent views of the Urangan boat ramp, Boat Club and Esplanade bike track. Walking along this wall is a perfect way to exercise or just enjoy the scenery without exerting any extra energy.
Keep in mind that the fishers who catch fish for local exports use a rock wall (the same one you see) to drive on and access their ships. This is also a beautiful walk, allowing better views of islands like Little Round Island and Fraser Island.
Bring a rod, bait, and your best gear if you love fishing. You may just find Spanish mackerel in the proximity of the rock wall.
There’s a chance of seeing dolphins, sea turtles, logger-neck turtles, and dugongs, among other marine life. Parking exists near the boat ramp, and it’s a short walk to the rock wall, or you can choose to park on the street instead
15. Water Sports Like Windsurfing
It might be tough to pick one that matches your needs with all the water sports choices. If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, body surfing or boogie boarding.
If you want to have a more extreme experience, try out jet-skiing, rafting behind a boat, windsurfing or jumping on the newly developed Fliteboard.
You can experience a great time exploring the beautiful clear waters of Hervey Bay with all kinds of fun water activities on hand.
16. Fishing On The Hervey Bay Beaches
Hervey Bay is a fantastic place to take a break from the city and enjoy some time fishing. Whether you are interested in angling or boating, there are plenty of opportunities for the next great catch! Your options for fun in Hervey Bay are endless, from beaches to piers.
Many anglers enjoy fishing for a type of creature that people don’t usually see every day. This can be an exciting and rewarding hobby with so many different species of marine life.
17. Explore Woody Island By Boat
Picturesque islands near the mainland characterise Hervey Bay. Fraser Island, the main attraction of these islands, and Big Woody Island are both worth a visit.
Woody Island has two lighthouses built closer to the end of the 1800s in the Great Sandy Strait. In 2001, they were highlighted as a historical site and are now considered heritage sites.
The Lighthouses of Woody island were originally named Middle Bluff Lighthouse and North Bluff Lighthouse. The names are due to their scenic location on the beach.
These grand buildings are pretty interesting to view, especially when combined with the historical opportunities available in this location.
18. Vernon State Forest
The Vernon State Forest is a relatively new state park with walking trails and biking trails that make it a fun place to visit.
The forest has a wide variety of trees on a hilly terrain that is great for exploring. The paths are lined with eucalyptus, which the guests find cooling and enjoyable.
In Australia, the wildlife is a sight to behold, no matter how many times you take a walk in a mountainous wilderness. For example, Vernon State Forest has more than 350 species of plants and animals that people can explore while walking daily.
19. Adventure Park On The Esplanade
This park offers a welcoming space for kids and adults to play. It is divided into many sections, including beginner rails for skaters of all ages and longer obstacles for experienced skateboarders.
Big Slide Park is a park people with disabilities might find ideal to enjoy. It has ramps and plenty of accessible restrooms, among other necessary facilities.
So many people in the area are drawn to this beautiful park because of its convenience. The walk-in accessibility, BBQs and picnic tables, and a bike path around the park make for a great place to visit.
20. Have Lunch At The Hervey Bay RSL
So you want to stay in town for a day but want to take a break from the bustling city. The Hervey Bay RSL provides an escape with plenty of games and activities and excellent joints to test your taste buds.
They offer a range of relaxation and entertainment venues, each with its ambience and charm. Their main salon provides the perfect setting for special occasions or a casual morning get-together with family and friends.
Their operation hours are from 9:30 am to 1:30 am on Sunday through Wednesday and from 9 am to 1 am on Thursday and Friday. You can get more details by visiting their website.
21. Akarra Gardens In Dundowran Beach
Bushwalking can be a great way to spend quality time, fit, and relax. So, if you’re looking for something safer that is also family-friendly, then why not take them to Akaroa Gardens.
Dundowran Beach is a beautiful and natural place in Queensland, Australia, full of plants, animals, and streams. You’ll find plenty to enjoy no matter who you are – kids or adults!
Akarra Gardens has a lot going for them. They serve lunch options, they have picnicking available, and on occasion, they hold BBQ feasts.
One of the fun things around Akarra explores the little secret “bonus rocks”. These rocks are scattered throughout the resort and make for a charming surprise.
There are many unique things to see and do here. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, watching wildlife, taking in the wilderness or just relaxing, there will be something for everyone in the family.
22. The Round Island
Located right outside the Urangan Boat Harbour, take a couple of minutes to get there with a small boat. Be sure to keep an eye out for sharp rocks, though, as they are all around the island. Ensure you anchor your boat to the Starboard side.
To fully appreciate all the natural beauty of Round Island, it is best to visit it during low tides when you can explore the rocky shoreline. The many sea creatures that live in and around these rocks invite divers and anglers alike with opportunities for plenty of fun.
23. Hervey Bay Golf And Golf Driving Range
Hervey Bay is great because you’re only a few minutes or even seconds away from multiple Driving Ranges. It also means that you don’t have to bear the burden of picking just one.
If you’re looking to spend a few hours playing a round of golf or practising your other skills, there are many options in the area. Many of these are even walking distance from the office. You can choose from a wide array of golf clubs in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Lakes.
Please remember to check the club’s rules before visiting. Some clubs have rules and regulations they expect members must follow.
Driving ranges are a great way to have more people and children involved in golf. This can be an excellent activity for the whole family to enjoy, even if you don’t need to play a full round of golf. Be mindful of the sunshine on your skin and wear sun protection during activities such as these.
24. Take Your Dog For A Walk
There are tons of dog parks and beaches in Hervey Bay and the surrounding suburbs for you to take your best friend for a walk or a dip. The city continues to improve its facilities, so you’re sure it will be worth every minute spent walking/running in Hervey Bay.
25. Air Fraser Island Tours
Air Fraser Island Tours offers scenic flights over Fraser and Woody Island. It is an unforgettable and romantic experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Fraser Island is a world heritage site lined with beautiful beaches and coastlines. Ease into the sand when you land on Fraser and walk around to enjoy the water. Air Fraser Island has been owned and operated by the Geltch family since the early 1970s.
Air Fraser features a beach-style landing strip and departure runways. This makes it one of the few airports that land on beaches and take off from them, making them unique.
If you’re looking to pop the question to your other half, Air Fraser can help you with a perfect set-up so that this occasion will be forever memorable.
26. Snorkeling Over The Hervey Bay Rock Reefs
Going to a beach in Hervey Bay will often reveal open water mixed with sand and plants. If you are looking for some extra fun in the sun, try snorkelling in the clear waters.
Snorkelling is a family-friendly activity and relatively easy to do. All you need is a pair of goggles you feel comfortable wearing and some snorkel and fins if you wish to. Many small rock reefs sit off the beaches; some are as close as only a meter from the shore.
You may be able to find these reefs in the following locations: in front of Aquavue Café, Enzos Café off the small Jetty, and also at Point Vernon, but be extra careful. Lastly, Urangan Beach is another place you’ll find these reefs.
You will probably see a few different creatures like small pufferfish, sea anemones, coloured fungi, stingrays and jellyfish in the shallow stretch of water. In this area, you may also notice schools of fish and starfish.
27. Sunny Boating And Sailing Experience
There is a range of events to suit all fishing adventures. Whether you want that offshore thrill or deep-sea adventure, or want to go for a cruise on the boat, then visit any of the islands in Hervey Bay.
You can visit Fraser Island, a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise. It’s a trendy place with many thrill-seeking tourists. Remember to be safe when boating or fishing – the tides can change quickly, and they could result in injury.
Humpback Whales can be seen in the waters from July to November. These whales come here to give birth to their calves every year, providing you with an extraordinary sight and one-of-a-kind experience.
Keep your distance to avoid any accidents. Turn your motor off or idle, so these fish safely swim around you and carry your camera to capture the moments.
28. The Markets of Hervey Bay
If you’re looking for fresh fruit, local beauty products, flowers, or even a unique gift for someone else, then visit the market. They offer some great quality products that are often hard to find elsewhere. You can take a stroll to the markets or bike down to them on the weekends if you live near or visit Hervey Bay.
If you are travelling and looking for something to eat or buy, a dress for an important event, or want to introduce your pet to new things, you might find what you’re looking for in these physical stores.
29. The Rock Pools
If you like exploring the rock pools in Hervey Bay, you might also be interested in looking for unique wildlife at Point Vernon. It’s a local favourite for tourists to explore and is known to have some of the most spectacular fossils found nowhere else on Earth.
The Purple Park, known for its natural rock formations and shaded parking, is the best place to explore. There are BBQ facilities nearby for eating, a bathroom facility, and parking lots.
One thing to mention is that the rocks might be sharp and open shoes may not be appropriate. Other than that, exploring oyster beds is great for children of all ages.
The area is also more popular for harbouring a variety of shells and other sea life. On a lucky day, you might find a cowrie, conch, sand dollar, or shell.
30. The Hervey bay Cinemas
If you’re looking for a way to escape the heat on the beach and want to enjoy a fantastic activity, film shows in Hervey Bay are usually cheaper than comparable shows in major cities.
Daytime movies and romantic movies are a great way to catch up with friends or spend time with your significant other. Variety is the spice of life, and you must have something to watch at any given time of day.
Maybe the kids want to see the next family film or action-packed movie. Hervey Bay has two places for you to watch, the Hervey Bay Cinemas located on Boat Harbour Drive and BCF. The latter is found near the boat ramp in Urangan
31. Swim At Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre
The Aquatic Centre offers outdoor seating, shade, tables and restrooms on-site. If you love BBQs while basking in the sun or water, this place is perfect for you.
The pool can be great for a birthday party, an extended work retreat, or a day-long fun and companionship destination. They are also fully accessible and have staff members who can help you in case of any disability needs. One crucial rule that you should never forget is that young kids under 12 are to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
During summer months and school holidays, the lap lanes in the lap pool are sometimes closed to allow more people to use it. There are three pools at the centre: an undercover heated pool, a kids pool with a splash area and dump bucket, and the lap pool.
The pool has a very reasonable entry fee. It offers different discounts for people older than 65 or who have children under the age of 18, and you can also get a yearly pass on their website for $15 if you want to save for several visits.
32. Shopping At Stockland Hervey Bay
Stockland Shopping Centre may be an excellent option for people who live nearby or are looking for things to do when it’s raining. It has a food court and entertainment options and offers easy access to parking.
This is not only a place for people to spend their time but also a place to meet and interact with new and different faces. With its continuously changing shops, it gives customers the opportunity of finding what they are looking for.
The centre has sports goods, bric-a-brac, salons, eye care, and jewellery stores. If you need to run some energy out of the kids or just want to catch up with a friend, then Stockland is an excellent choice.
33. Watch Something at Z-Pac Theatre
Z-Pac Theatre is a great place to go when looking for something new to see around town. Check their Facebook or website for upcoming events and grab the popcorn!
You can find news about productions, such as upcoming shows and more backstage crew positions. Z-Pac has everything you’re looking for.
They have a lot of shows to choose from, some that are more on the quirky side and some that are outright laughs. It’s an excellent way to grab friends for a night in to watch the latest season put together by the crew.
34. The Hervey Bay Dive Centre
Get in the water with whales that pass through Hervey Bay in July-October. In addition, you can join a Padi Dive Course and make yourself a pro on the seas.
This aquatic centre offers several different types of diving courses. They have both in-water and open watercourses, and they offer all levels of training. They also have rescue courses courtesy of the Coastguard if you feel like you need one!
Whale watching is a popular activity among many visitors to Hervey Bay. It’s thrilling and allows you to see these gentle giants closely and personally.
35. Fraser Coast Jetski Tours
It’s hard to beat Fraser Coast Jetski Tours as a way to explore the waters of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. They’ll take you out on one of their many Seadoos for a perfect day on the water.
See all the different kinds of sea creatures present in the area! You can head over to Round Island or Fraser Island for some zipline fun, or you could spend time at Big Woody, which is an artificial reef. Check out their website for more details.
Free Activities At The Hervey Bay
- WETSIDE Water Park in between Pialba Caravan Park and Seafront Oval
- Take a stroll or ride the Esplanade
- Feeding the Lorikeets at the Botanical Gardens
- The Regional Art Gallery at 161 Old Road, Pialba
- Historic Australia’s FIRST Immigration and Family Wall of Honour
- The Hervey Bays “MARKETS” every Sunday
- The Torquay Beachside Markets, which operates on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
- Feed the Pelicans
- Enjoy BBQs along the shorelines of the Esplanade
- Swimming
- Collecting shell
- Taking a stroll
Whether you’re visiting or living in Hervey Bay, many fun exploration options are available. There are plenty of camping and gift shops, and there’s also a variety of fantastic activities like fishing, surfing and diving. You’ll love all the place has to offer.