Queensland is hailed as the Sunshine State for good reason. Located approximately 290 km (180 mi) or 3 ½ hours drive away from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital, is Hervey Bay, where you can sit back and enjoy the sun and surf or jump into the water to dive with the whales. For tourists starved for time, there are direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to the Hervey Bay airport, as well as a high-speed Tilt Train from nearby cities.
Hervey Bay, Australia allows visitors to experience some of the most up-close nature adventures, such as the world’s closest encounter with glorious humpback whales and four-wheel driving along the world’s largest sand island. The nature adventures that await in Hervey are one of a kind. Read on to find out about the things to do in Hervey Bay, Australia.
1. Stroll around Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens on Sunday, September 13, 2020
The Botanic Gardens is a 26-hectare (64-acre) green space sitting in the heart of town. The garden is home to a rich variety of trees and flowers, many of them native to the region. With lush lawns and water features, the Botanic Gardens provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban weekday. The Chinese-style garden and Zen garden are ideal if you need to meditate, or just want some calm moments. Also in the garden is an orchidarium aptly named Orchid House, which is home to over 5500 orchids of all colors. The central atrium is perfect for small private gatherings, whether they are weddings or birthday parties.
Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Address: Elizabeth St Urangan, QLD, Australia, QLD 4655
Website: Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Have some fun at Wetside Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Wetside Water Park on Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Gear up for some wet and wild fun at the Wetside Water Park, a beachside venue that’s open to people of all ages! With multiple pools, slides, and even a wave pool, this park is a great experience for the entire family. A part of the park is dedicated to children under 5 years old, so they can also have fun. Admission to the park is free, though there is a fee to access the two large slides (6.50 USD for 10 slides) and the FlipSide Board Rider (7.50 USD). As a bonus for visitors, a light show is held at 7 pm every Saturday. After your ride is finished, you can enjoy some delicious fish and chips at the diner just outside the park.
Wetside Water Park
Address: 267 Esplanade, Pialba QLD 4655, Australia
Website: Wetside Water Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free admission
3. View the art at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Currently on display @gatakersartspace until 17th January is the exhibition Heart of K'Gari, by Fraser Coast artists @...
Posted by Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on Friday, January 1, 2021
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is a showcase of the most unique works by local artists. It is designed with the best visitor experiences in mind, with multiple exhibit halls and pretty gardens for some great visual experiences. Paintings, sculptures, installations, and even some electronic media are on full display here, and they change in each exhibition. There are exhibitions every six to eight weeks, so there is always a new theme to explore. You can also attend different workshops and seminars hosted by the museum if you want to be more involved in the Queensland art scene.
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Address: 166 Old Maryborough Rd, Pialba QLD 4655, Australia
Website: Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Opening hours: Check website for details
Price: Free
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4. Go whale watching at Whale Bay Marina
Whale-watching is a popular activity in Australia, especially when the whales breach the surface of the water. Why not try it out? Whale Bay Marina gives visitors different opportunities to watch whales, mainly the mighty humpback whale - a creature that can grow up to 16m (52ft) long. You’ll also see different sea creatures in action. Some of these other creatures include turtles, large jellyfish, and dolphins that jump out of the water. Be sure to have your camera ready at all times from your boat. A picture-perfect statue of a whale sits right outside the marina as a reminder of what this place stands for.
Whale Bay Marina
Address: Buccaneer Dr, Urangan QLD 4655, Australia
Opening hours: Daytime daily
5. Hang out at Sandy White Memorial Park
Sandy White Memorial Park is a quiet stretch of rocky beaches facing the sunrise to the east. As one of the less frequented spots in the area, it is the perfect place to head to if you’d like to calm down and collect your thoughts or do some morning yoga with only the waves as background sounds. It has plenty of open grass space alongside plenty of tree cover. The Hervey Bay Trail passes through the park, so cyclists can take a deep breath and relax here after a long trek. Who knows, you might even spot some rare birds perched on the surrounding trees!
Sandy White Memorial Park
Address: Point Vernon QLD 4655, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Go fishing on Urangan Pier
The Urangan Pier is a historic landmark and it is one of the longest in Australia. This pier used to connect ships that imported coal and sugar to the trains that were waiting at the railway station. Opened in 1917, the pier stretched 1107 meters (3632 feet) out into the ocean, until part of it was demolished in 1986. Today, the pier still has 868 meters (2848 ft) left, and it is preserved by local groups. It is a great fishing spot, and the waters further out the sea are home to more species of fish. Multiple restaurants occupy the surrounding area. You can snack on some delicious fish and chips here.
Urangan Pier
Address: Great Sandy Strait QLD 4655, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Delve into nature at Tooan Tooan Creek
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Tooan Tooan Creek is a small body of water that is surrounded by mangrove forests. The view of the creek from the Esplanade road is a breathtaking one, showing nothing but the beauty of nature. Running alongside the creek is a walking path, which allows residents further inland to access the beach with ease. This path also gives a great birdwatching opportunity. There are also other flying animals, including many species of flying foxes. In fact, you’ll notice whole colonies of these! Just be sure to watch out for alligators as you traverse the creek. These are handled carefully by the authorities when spotted.
Tooan Tooan Creek
Address:Pialba QLD 4655, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Check out the marine animals at Reef World Aquarium
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by REEF WORLD HERVEY BAY on Wednesday, December 16, 2020
If you love seeing fish and other vibrant forms of marine life, then Reef World Aquarium is the place to visit. For over 40 years, the aquarium has boasted the use of natural light and seawater for its displays. Dozens of species of fish, worms, snakes, and crabs are present, along with many more sea creatures. Visitors can even feed some of the animals but under guidance. If you like, can swim with turtles and some sharks, all well-fed by the caretakers for your peace of mind.
Reef World Aquarium
Address: Dayman Park, Cnr of Kent & Pulgul St Urangan QLD 4655
Website: Reef World Aquarium
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
9. Bring your kids to the All Abilities Playground Hervey Bay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With over 4000 square meters (43,055 sqft) of play space, All Abilities Playground is a large fun space that anyone can enjoy regardless of physical fitness and ability. There are many attractions your kids can use in the playground, including the swings, large slides, and a swirling maze. A replica shipwreck sits in the middle of the park, custom-built for some great play value. Roofed structures make sure that even in the middle of the day, your children will still have fun. There are also picnic grounds and barbecue pits that you can use to enjoy a lovely outdoor meal.
All Abilities Playground Hervey Bay
Address: Esplanade, Pialba QLD 4655, Australia
Website: All Abilities Playground Hervey Bay
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Learn about local history at Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum provides a glimpse into the past, and it is a must-visit place in the region. There are over 12000 display items spread across the 1.2-hectare (3-acre) property, which makes for a very rich viewing experience. There are 21 different buildings that reflect different times of history, and some of them have interactive exhibits. Some of these exhibits and demonstrations include horse carriages, making fire, and even the use of stone tools. From the stone age to the industrial age, you’ll learn all about the history of Australia.
Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
Address: 13 Zephyr Street Scarness Qld 4655
Website: Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 4:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Price: 10 USD
11. Spend a day at Nielsen Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Running along the edge of Torquay Beach, Nielsen Park is a mangrove forest that also serves as a place for recreation and relaxation. In the park is an exercise trail, which boasts exercising equipment that includes bars, butterfly presses, swings, and sit-up stations. Covered picnic tables and barbecue grills are found here, meaning that a family lunch or dinner is always available. The Hervey Bay Trail also cuts through the park, which makes this a great stop for cyclists and hikers. You can enjoy a picturesque view of the ocean from the beach - the perfect way to end your day.
Nielsen Park
Address: Torquay QLD 4655, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Explore the world’s largest sand island at Fraser Island
Fraser Island is a one-of-a-kind island. It is the world’s largest sand island, reaching 123 kilometers (76.4 mi) long and 22 kilometers (13.67 mi) wide. It is also the only place in the world where rainforests above an elevation of 200 meters (656 ft) grow on sand dunes. And finally, it is home to half the world’s perched lakes (lakes created there are formed by a dip in the sand dune that permanently gets filled by rainwater). Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a unique natural experience. Wild dingoes roam the sand. Families of humpback whales swim within sight.
Adventurous explorers can take advantage of tall sand dunes that offer great four wheel driving courses. More relaxed travelers can walk along the island at their own pace. Fraser Island is an island getaway unlike any other. Visitors can also enjoy the 90 kilometer (55.9 mi) Fraser Island Great Walk that offers beautiful scenery from lakes to the rainforest. Watch the sunset across the ocean and take in the stunning view.
Fraser Island
Address: 1 Eastern Street Eurong, Fraser Island, Queensland 4655, Australia
Price: free
Opening Hours: open all day
Duration: as long as you like
Website: Fraser Island
13. Enjoy the world’s closest encounter with whales
Watching these majestic beasts in their natural habitat, through a whale watching charter, can be an unforgettable experience. For the world’s closest encounter with humpback whales, go whale watching along the Fraser Coast. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island is home to rainforests, lakes, and the world’s largest sand island. Humpback whales frequent the surrounding waters, making it a great spot for a nature excursion. The Freedom Whale Watch and Dive Charters vessel, the Freedom III, has a water level platform to get you very close to the whales. Listen to the whales croon their water lullaby with the hydrophone.
Along your journey, you will be served complimentary breakfast tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and home baked goods. In the afternoon, a complementary lunch with chicken and deli meats, and afternoon tea with an Australian cheese and fruit platter will also be served. A humpback whale watching tour full of good food and good sights makes for a memorable outing.
Freedom Whale Watch and Dive Charters
Address: 17 Buccaneer Drive Great Sandy Straits Marina Urangan, Queensland 4655
Opening Hours: the opening times depend on the season. Contact the organization for details.
Duration: around three quarters of the day
Contact: + 1300 879 960
14. Savor organic wine at the Vintner’s Secret Vineyard Cellar Door and Cafe
Posted by Vintner's Secret Vineyard on Friday, 10 February 2017
Spend an afternoon in an organic vineyard, cellar door, and farm with a visit to Vitner’s. They grow many types of grape varieties and produce dry and sweet wines. You can embark on a wine tasting to savor the many different flavors. Walk through the farm’s many gardens decorated with sculptures, rose beds, and water features. You can even walk over to the viewing deck for the prime view of the vista. The farm is home to many types of animals that visitors are welcome to pet and interact with. For the art lover, a visit to the art studio is a must. Hop on over to the Whispers Cafe for quality tea, coffee, and refreshments. If you would like an authentic French-Australian meal, you can book ahead. Or, you can bring your own food to cook on their provided barbecues.
Vintner’s Secret Vineyard Cellar Door and Cafe
Address: 135 North Isis Road Childers, Queensland 4660
Opening Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Duration: as long as you like
Contact: +07 41 261 255
15. Go skydiving
Enjoy Hervey Bay from a bird’s-eye-view when you go skydiving. Thrill seekers will enjoy the up to 4,267.2 m (14,000 ft) skydive and up to 60 seconds of free fall. Take in stunning views of Hervey Bay’s beaches and coastline, ones you can only enjoy from the air, before landing on the beach. The jump allows you to skydive from the highest possible point before you require oxygen — any adrenaline junkie’s dream! You will be able to enjoy an adrenalin packed descent down to earth taking in the vista and making memories to last a lifetime. There is a reason so many people include skydiving on their bucket list. Skydiving is a once in a lifetime adventure unlike anything else you have ever experienced. The staff at Skydive Hervey Bay are knowledgeable about skydiving and excited to help you embark on your adventure. The benefit of jumping tandem is you do not need to do a thing, your tandem instructor does it all. All you need to do is soak up the amazing experience and enjoy one of the best adrenaline rushes over the beautiful ocean and beaches.
Skydive Hervey Bay
Address: 1 Don Adams Drive, Urangan, QLD, 4655
Price: from 395 AUD / 302.65 USD
Opening Hours: Hours depend on the season. Contact the business to find out what times are available.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Contact: + 0458 064 703
Website: Skydive Hervey Bay
Enjoy one-of-a-kind nature experiences in Hervey Bay
Not many people can say they have visited the world’s largest sand island or experienced the world’s closest encounter with humpback whales. These are just a few of the wildlife excursions that await in a visit to the majestic Hervey Bay, Australia.
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