Hervey Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hervey Bay
Find out why this stunning city is known as the whale-watching capital of Australia and spend your days exploring its sweeping sandy beaches and pretty parks.

Hervey Bay is a coastal city renowned for its marine wildlife and breathtaking beaches. Spot whales on a cruise trip or visit the city’s fascinating historical attractions.

Choose from a range of whale-watching tours departing from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan. Be awed by the sight of humpback whales breaching the surface of the deep blue ocean as you explore the Fraser Coast region. You might also see dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Learn about the whales’ journey from Antarctica to the warm waters of the bay, where mothers give birth and nurse their calves in the migration season from mid July to late October. Book your boat trip in advance and bring you camera to record these special memories.

Walk along the oceanfront esplanade and admire the views over the Great Sandy Strait. Cycle the 14-kilometre (8.6-mile) path from Point Vernon to Urangan. The patrolled waters and sheltered barbecue areas at Torquay Beach are ideal for families. Explore the historic Urangan Pier and the nearby Reefworld Aquarium. This education centre showcases beautiful reef habitats and colourful fish. Kids will enjoy feeding marine life at the touch pool and spotting green turtles in their recreated habitat.

Stroll through the tranquil Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens. A highlight is the gardens’ impressive collection of orchids. Spend a quiet moment at the open-air bush chapel, surrounded by rainforest vegetation.

Contemplate life in the 19th century at Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Wander around the recreated village and see an original slab cottage complete with period furnishings. The museum contains a large collection of household goods and farming equipment. Check the museum’s programme, which includes interactive workshops, such as historic blacksmithing demonstrations.

Hervey Bay is approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of the state capital of Brisbane and can be reached by bus, train, car or domestic flight. Whale-watching tours operate between July and November.

Experience nature up close in the waterfront city of Hervey Bay.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay

Urangan

Urangan

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Urangan. A stop by Hervey Bay Botanic Garden or Great Sandy Straits Marina might round out your trip.

Urangan
Torquay which includes general coastal views and rugged coastline

Torquay

Torquay is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shelly Beach or Duggan Conservation Park.

Torquay
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Pialba

Pialba is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere.

Pialba
Esplanade which includes a beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Scarness

Scarness is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum, a top place to visit in the area.

Scarness
Urangan

Point Vernon

Travellers like the restaurants in Point Vernon, and Gables Point Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Point Vernon
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Dundowran Beach

While Dundowran Beach isn't home to many top sights, Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Dundowran Beach
Kondari Hotel
Kondari Hotel
3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street, Urangan, QLD
The price is ฿2,789 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
฿2,789
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star resort in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 meeting rooms and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (788 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

Kondari Hotel
Ramada Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
The price is ฿4,761 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
฿4,761
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved the pool,loved the dining"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Ramada Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
The price is ฿3,786 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿3,786
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (979 reviews)
"Could have had a screen on balcony door so it could be left open"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Mantra Hervey Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
569 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,681 reviews)
"great staff and very obliging, would stop there anytime if the price is right."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
4.5 out of 5
468 The Esplanade, Reception: 70 Cypress St, Torquay, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (517 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay. We checked in after-hours but the process was easy, so was the next day in the reception area and the staff were really friendly. We were surprised at just how big the rooms were and the layout was perfect for us, we were in a 2 bedroom. Kids loved the pool and the added ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
The Bay Apartments
The Bay Apartments
5 out of 5
371 The Esplanade, Scarness, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Hervey Bay. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
"The place was very quiet. Property managers were super helpful and great to communicate with. Easy to walk to restaurants etc we jumped on scooters along the foreshore. Overall we had a great stay!"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

The Bay Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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