The ultimate guide to the best things to do in Hervey Bay starts here. These top 12things are designed for anyone looking to stay at Hervey Bay accommodation for 2-4 days and are interchangeable to apply to a family, couple or maybe a friend's weekend away.
But before we get started, let’s also look at some of the basics for holidaying in Hervey Bay, and the sights and experiences that didn’t make our shortlist.
How do I get to Hervey Bay?
Driving is easy and the sights make it a very memorable trip, no matter which direction you are coming from. Allow four hours from Brisbane via Caloundra.
Hervey Bay has a good airport and you can also catch a train from Brisbane. You are spoiled for choice in the number of hire car companies, including the majors such as Hertz, Budget, Sixt etc.
Is Hervey Bay worth visiting?
In a nutshell, yes. With a population over 50,000, there are plenty of dining options, the waters are sheltered by K’gari Fraser Island and then there’s the number one reason … it’s a Whale Heritage Site, so the whale watching is epic.
What else can I do in Hervey Bay – apart from your top twelve?
OK, take a deep breath, here we go …
It’s a jump off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Wander through the townlets that make up Hervey Bay and enjoy their seaside character. The tours available are vast, ranging from a turtle tour and island hopping, to romantic sunset cruises and whale watching voyages, surf lessons and 4WD tours. There are at least six art galleries in town.
If you are a train buff and think it’s worth the 90-minute drive, head to Gympie and jump on the Mary Valley Rattler for a heritage rail journey through some amazing scenery. Closer to home and totally free, the Pailba Adventure Park in Hervey Bay offers great climbing for the kids. The local kids tell us it is awesome!
#1 Things to do in Hervey Bay:Visit K'gari/Fraser Island
Escape the mainland by jumping into a 4WD and heading over the water (by ferry) to k’gari/Fraser Island.
The island has been As a World-Heritage listed location, it offers plenty of history and loads to do. Keep an eye out for the 230 different species of birds as you drive along the 4WD circuits or hike the trails. The island is rich with a variety of vegetation, including mangroves and kauri forests that date back 200 years. This unique island presents 124km of protected land, with Aboriginal and European history that awaits you. The Queensland Government is renaming Fraser Island to K'gari. In 2023, the Fraser World Heritage Area was also renamed to K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area. The Butchulla people are the traditional custodians of K’gari. Throughout the island are freshwater creeks and lakes, popular drinking holes for the different animals that call Fraser Island home. Riptides, sharks and jellyfish make the island a no-swim zone.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#2Things to do in Hervey Bay:Go Whale Watching
Nature and wildlife tours take place between July and November, when the whales migrate from Antarctica. Each year in July, whales migrate to warm waters to give birth, returning to the cold waters to feed. Whale watching in Hervey Bay should almost be a rite of passage, something every visitor needs to experience before being allowed to stay in Hervey Bay. The reason being that it will amaze you; the sheer size of these marine beasts is incredible, especially seeing them with their newborn young. This is without a doubt the number one thing to do in Hervey Bay.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#3Things to do in Hervey Bay:Riding or Walking the Hervey Bay Esplanade
Regardless of your fitness abilities this is a must for all visitors as there is an expanse of water views, the entire length of the 17km Esplanade. There are multiple spots to sit and take in the views, wander through the landscaped gardens, jump in for a swim, let kids play on the many playgrounds or raise your heart rate at the outdoor fitness stations. Grab a coffee or tasty treat from the many eateries along the Esplanade or ride to dinner at one of the many restaurants and hotels. Once you have finished exploring the Esplanade, Hervey Bay has other Cycle tracks that can even take you all the way to Maryborough! Didn’t bring your bike? No worries, we have some to hire!
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#4Things to do in Hervey Bay:Visit the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum
Blending history, heritage, and social aspects of the last 200-plus years, the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum allows visitors to explore at their own pace, or join in on the demonstrations. (And the museum itself turned 50 in March 2024.) With over 8,000 historical items in 19 buildings, the Historical Village and Museum will amaze you. Take a look at the antique tools used for medicine, communication, and contraptions that were needed for everyday living. It’s a guessing game of what’s-what at this top thing to do in Hervey Bay; you’ll find yourself wondering “Is this a pasta maker, or a camera?” more than once during your tour. Normally you would reserve around an hour for a historical tour, but for this, you should allow 2-3 hours because it’s no normal museum.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#5Things to do in Hervey Bay:Brunch at Arkarra Gardens Café then onto Bamboo Land
A short drive from the centre of Hervey Bay and past many residential homes will result in the surprising delight of Arkarra Café and Gardens. This is a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy the 2 acres of landscaped gardens, in your own Bali inspired Hut. You may even get there on a day where there is live entertainment or a special menu for the day. Once you have finished at Arkarra, take the short drive out to Bamboo Land where kids and adults can wander the massive, imposing lengths of bamboo, buy a plant to take home or wander the edges of the river adjacent. From here it is only a short drive to the sleepy town of Burrum Heads where fishing is a must.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#6Things to do in Hervey Bay:Go out on Fraser Island Beach & BBQ Cruise
When the whales are not frolicking, this is an ideal tour for all ages. Spend 40 minutes going out on the beautiful Sandy Straits aboardWhalesongwhere refreshments, lunch and some drinks are provided. Once you arrive on the Western side of Fraser Island – swim, kayak or boat into the beach. There you will stay and the team from Whalesong will set up a game of beach cricket, pull out the kayaks, snorkel gear and gazebo’s to help with shade. There is even an inflatable chair that gets towed behind a smaller boat for some exhilarating fast, fun action. You can participate as much or as little as you like. Simply relaxing on the sand or having your kids laugh at your antics on the inflatable chair, it is such a wonderful day out and ensures beautiful memories are made.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#7Things to do in Hervey Bay:Day/Night Trip to Bundaberg
Only 1.5 hours from Hervey Bay is Bundaberg which offers a wonderful day trip and/or just a night trip for many reasons. It is home to the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery which offers Distillery Tours and a Retail Shop. Even children are catered to with the ability to participate in the Bundaberg Soft Drink production. Also in Bundaberg is the Hinkler Hall of Aviation which honours the extraordinary life of Bert Hinkler and his contribution to the world of aviation. This is an education centre where children will be inspired and in awe of the advances and accomplishments of our Aviation Industry. The journey from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg also goes past Mammino Gourmet Icecream factory and if you have time pop into Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo. But a trip to Bundaberg is not complete without factoring a night trip to Mon Repos Turtle Centre at Bargara (seasonal).
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#8Things to do in Hervey Bay:Eat at EAT with Dan, Steph & Emmy
Our park is only a short walk to the My Kitchen Rules Champions Cafe, overlooking the beautiful waters of the Great Sandy Straits,Dan and Steph’s EAT cafe. With a diverse menu catering to all diets, this is a great little cafe for breakfast or lunch and even some special nights where a themed dinner option is available. Their signature sausages feature on their menu as do delicious cold brewed coffee.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#9Things to do in Hervey Bay:Go Fishing off the Urangan Pier
This iconic pier is one of the longest in Australia and stretches for almost a kilometer! The magnificent views of Hervey Bay are sure to be make for a great holiday snap and hopefully you might get a bite or two of whiting on your line if you drop one in!
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#10Things to do in Hervey Bay:Visit Maryborough
So many surprising little treasures here in Maryborough that it is worth spending the day here to explore. From Mary Poppins Story Bank Museum then into Queens Park followed by a stroll through the Military and Colonial Museum.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#11 Things to do in Hervey Bay: Markets
The Pier Park Market takes place every Saturday. The Urban Farm markets on the Pier also occur every Saturday, with fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. From music and art to clothing and accessories, you are bound to find something fun to remember your holiday by. Or try one of the various other markets available in Hervey Bay:
- Koala Markets in Urangan (2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month). Note the new location at Kruger Court, Urangan in Hervey Bay
- Marina Twilight Markets in Urangan (Friday evenings)
- Nikenbah Markets in Nikenbah (1st and 3rd Sunday of the month)
- Open Mike Day in Scarness (3rd Sunday of the month)
- Maryborough City Heart Markets in Maryborough (each Thursday)
- Torquay Beachside Markets in Torquay (every Saturday)
Note: Markets are often subject to change in dates and locations, so it’s always best to check in advance
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
#12 Things to do in Hervey Bay: Water sports
Water sports aren’t only about swimming, surfing and fishing in Hervey Bay. As number two on the list of things to do in Hervey Bay, water sports take up a large part of the lifestyle in this small Queensland city. Scarness Beach in Hervey Bay is a popular spot for SUP-ing, or try some scuba diving and snorkelling along the Great Sandy Strait for some fantastic underwater caves, ledges and shipwrecks – not to mention the many fish you’ll spot. Camel rides also take place along the coast, a fun and interesting thing to do in Hervey Bay as a couple or family.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Book your stay at Discovery Parks - Hervey Bay to watch the whales in their pods, cast lines and go four-wheel driving.
BOOK DISCOVERY PARKS - FRASER ST, HERVEY BAY
