About Hervey Bay
This coastal city on the Fraser Coast region is located in the south of Queensland around 300km northeast of Brisbane. The city of Hervey Bay sits on a bay of water (Hervey Bay!) that opens onto the Coral Sea. It has a 14km long coastline packed with golden sands and calm water as well as an impressive 868m long pier; Urangan Pier is over 100 years old and is a great spot to catch tuna, mackerel, bream and many others!
The city has a population of 54,674 (2018) with a huge number of tourists visiting the area for its ferry access to Fraser Island and phenomenal whale-watching experiences. It has been named the First Whale Heritage Site in the world for its sustainable dolphin and whale watching within Platypus Bay; a popular stopover for mature female humpback whales with their newborn calves between July and October.
Hervey Bay tours
32km south of Hervey Bay is the historic town of Maryborough, the birthplace of the author of the Mary Poppins books, visit the characters of her book series that are carved into the concrete around the town hall. There is an area beside the Mary River that holds 13 heritage-listed buildings, museums and parklands with interactive displays on the town’s history. The fishing village of Burrum Heads is just 25km north of Hervey Bay where there are great camping, swimming and bird watching opportunities at Lake Lenthall.
The Hervey Bay Afternoon Whale Watching Tour departs from Hervey Bay Marina and sails through the Great Sandy Strait and near untouched islands before cruising past the secluded western side of the World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Here the crystal-clear waters are perfect for spotting the abundance of wildlife resting in the calm of the bay.
Hervey Bay travel itinerary and things to do:
- Swim with whales at the Hervey Bay Dive Centre
- Experience fishing from a kayak along Beelbu Creek
- Enjoy the top-quality wineries on offer in the Fraser Coast Hinterland
- Try some horse-riding or mountain biking at Tiaro
- Discover rare orchids at the Orchid House in the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
- Visit the Reefworld Aquarium
- Watch the sunrise on Dundowram Beach
- Kite-surf, Stand-Up-Paddle board and sail along many of the beaches
- Eat the freshest seafood at Torquay Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hervey Bay expensive to visit?
The most expensive activities during your stay will most definitely be the Fraser Island Tour and Whale-Watching, to maximize your savings we recommend booking all activities as a package.
How long do you need to see Hervey Bay?
3 days
Allowing a 2-night stay over at Fraser Island we recommend at least an additional day to enjoy Hervey Bay and more time for the surrounding areas.
What is the weather in Hervey Bay?
The coast has a mild climate and is regularly affected by easterly winds that keep the temperatures comfortable during both the summer and winter.
When is the best time to visit?
The best whale-watching experiences happen between the August and September, this is when they migrate down to the Antarctica with a stop to relax and play in the calm waters of Hervey Bay.
Aren’t convinced yet? See our Rainbow Beach Tours!
