See K'gari Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
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Hervey Bay
Nestled on the protected bay of Queensland’s Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay is a whale watching mecca that’s sure to impress. Explore the coast, beaches or nearby World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) with its sand dunes – made easy with our Hervey Bay travel guide.
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Places to stay
Whether you’re staying in Hervey Bay or passing through on your way to K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, there’s plenty of accommodation options available to suit a range of budgets. For views of the Great Sandy Strait, opt for one of the 4-star hotels along the promenade, closely located to the marina.
If you’re on a self-drive tour, the tourist parks along Harbor Drive are a great option for families and group travellers to stay offering campsites or comfortable cabins. If your visiting between July and November, you might even catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whales from your deck.
Couples or those who prefer to stay close to nature may opt for the lush eco-lodge in Urraween. Surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning gardens it’s the perfect destination for a luxury holiday.
Things to do
Whatever your holiday style there’s plenty of water and land-based activities to add to your Hervey Bay itinerary. Nature enthusiasts can catch a ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island) and spend the day exploring sand dunes, rainforest and freshwater lakes - or stay a while in one of the resorts and lap up paradise on the largest sand island in the world. If its whale watching you’re here for, time your visit to celebrate the beginning of the whale season at the Hervey Bay Ocean Festival held annually in August, featuring concerts, food, events and a parade.
Golf fans will love the Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club, offering 28 holes in a picturesque native bush setting - or walk the 16 kilometre esplanade from Urangan Pier to Gatakers Bay past protected beaches, cafes and boutique stores. Families will love to swim in the crystal clear protected bays, play with an abundance of water sports or visit Reefworld aquarium on the Urangan foreshore.
For dinner with a view, you can’t beat fish and chips on the esplanade at Torquay - or treat yourself to Fraser Coast-style fine dining at the casual yet classy Coast Restaurant and The Vinyard.
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Where to go
K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Only a short ferry ride from Hervey Bay, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island and it might just be the outdoor escape you’re looking for. There’s more than 100 freshwater lakes to swim in, 120 kilometres of sand highway perfect for four-wheel driving, plus the colourful sand formation of the pinnacles to explore. Hike through the lush rainforest to experience the beauty of the soaring satinay trees and giant king ferns listening to the tranquil bird calls.
The Fraser Coast
Take a drive north to enjoy the peace and tranquility of fishing village Burrum Heads, or hit the road west to Maryborough and browse streets of colonial architecture and the buzzing wharf district. Visit Maryborough on a Thursday for the lively town market, or a Sunday for entertainment in the park.
Travel a little further and explore produce stalls and picturesque valleys in the Fraser Coast Hinterland - and the charming townships of Tiaro and Bauple on the southern end.
Getting around
From the airport: Hervey Bay Airport is located approximately ten kilometres from the city centre. Taxis can be found at the terminal as well as a range of shuttle buses and transfer services.
Fraser Island can be reached via charter flight, ferry from River Heads and Rainbow Beach or through your accommodation provider.
In and around the city: central Hervey Bay is easily explored on foot or by bicycle or scooter. A regular public bus network services the city. The best way to explore the broader Fraser Coast region is with a hire car.
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