The 11 Best Things to Do in Hervey Bay

This is your sign to take some time out for yourself and plan a dreamy getaway. Our pick for somewhere refreshing? Hervey Bay. From luxury getaways to caravanning or camping, there’s something to suit any style of vacationer here. 

Tucked between Fraser Island and the mainland, Hervey Bay is a small natural bay only three and a half hours drive from Brisbane. With accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to camping, there’s something to suit any style of vacationer. There's also some of Australia’s best whale-watching at your doorstep so you won’t be lacking in things to do.

Some of the best things to do in Hervey Bay are based around its beachy lifestyle and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, so make sure you pack your SPF, swimwear and comfortable shoes, because you’ve got plenty of adventures ahead of you! This sleepy little town has even been nominated as one of the best coastal towns to move to, so maybe pop into some open homes on your visit and see if a sea change is on the cards! But for now, read on for the best things to do in Hervey Bay on your next trip... 

Hervey Bay is home to a 13km stretch of coastline, so you’re spoiled for choice when finding a spot to unwind. With numerous areas for safe swimming, barbecues and bikeways, whether you’re on a family getaway or a romantic escape, you’ll be sure to find your very own piece of the beach with no crowds. Due to the protection afforded to the Bay by Fraser Island, the water is remarkably gentle and full of marine life.

Dive the Ex-HMAS Tobruk

At an enormous 127m long, the Ex-HMAS Tobruk is one of the newest diving wrecks, having been opened for exploration in early 2019. With plentiful nooks and crannies to explore and heaps of marine life in the area, there is so much to see. If you’re not yet a confident diver or get a little claustrophobic, there’s plenty to see on the outside of the wreck including manta rays, turtles and perhaps some humpback whales in the migratory season!

11 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan Queensland 4655, Australia

Lady Elliot Island Day Trip

The only day trip of its kind in Australia, the Lady Elliot Island Day Trip departs daily from Hervey Bay and takes you on a stunning scenic flight to the Lady Elliot Eco Resort. This coral cay island is located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, meaning you will get to view one of the world’s natural wonders from the sky as well as up close and personal with a snorkel tour or glass-bottom boat tour. You’ll come face to face with stunning tropical fish and maybe even some turtles, dolphins or rays. You’ll be given an orientation welcome when you land on the island before having the chance to explore at your leisure, and you’ll also get to enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant to keep your energy levels up. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is easily one of the best things to do in Hervey Bay on your next holiday! 

Urangan Pier

The iconic Urangan Pier is one of the longest in Australia, reaching almost a kilometre out to the sea. Originally constructed to aid in facilitating the export of coal, timber and sugar, it was soon reinvented as a tourist and fishing hotspot. It makes for a perfect afternoon stroll to drink in the sights and sounds of Hervey Bay and is an excellent spot for fishing if you’re keen to cast a line.

Great Sandy Strait, QLD

Sunset Aboriginal Cultural Cruise

Experience the local history of the Butchulla people of K’Gari (Fraser Island) with this short cruise from the Great Sandy Straits Marina. Enjoy fresh and local canapes and a complimentary drink whilst your guide regales you with tales old and new, letting you in on traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques and finishing with a Didgeridoo performance whilst the sun sets.

6/17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan

Botanic Gardens

Established in 1974, the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens are a must-do on your next visit to the region! Spanning an enormous 26 hectares, there is plenty of room for stretching your legs on a stroll or for exploring a beautiful little pocket of the grounds. Relax in the Chinese-inspired formal garden, complete with reflective water features and a Zen Garden, or explore the Australian bush tucker garden that represents the traditional landowners, the Butchulla people.

Elizabeth Street, Urangan

Hervey Bay Esplanade

One of the best things about Hervey Bay is the small, coastal town feel. Lap up the laidback energy by taking a stroll down the Esplanade, a picturesque waterfront promenade where you can enjoy the views of the bay, or head to one of the grassy areas for a picnic or a barbecue. You’ll also traipse past some of the best restaurants and cafes Hervey Bay has on offer, with their prominent locations right on the waterfront.

Esplanade, Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is known for its beachy, coastal lifestyle and so naturally is home to fun water sports and beach adventures. Whether it’s something to get your blood pumping or a once-in-a-lifetime marine adventure, we’ve found the best things to do in Hervey Bay by the water!

Turtle Discovery

We’re so lucky in Australia to have some of the most stunning marine life on our doorstep. And you needn’t travel up to Tropical North Queensland to experience a Turtle Discovery tour, because you can do it right here in Hervey Bay! Hop aboard the Milbi glass bottom boat and coast across to an island where you’ll receive a warm Welcome to Country from a local Butchulla guide. Then spend some time exploring the island, snorkelling and swimming, on the hunt for friendly turtles. The Turtle Discovery Tour should be on your itinerary as one of the best things to do in Hervey Bay!

6/17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay

Whale Watching

If you haven’t been up close and personal with humpback whales before, Hervey Bay is the place to do it! With thousands of these beautiful creatures passing through from July to November every year, there’s ample opportunity for you to spot some gentle giants. Take your experience to the next level by hopping in the water with them courtesy of the Hervey Bay Dive Centre. Simply hang onto the ‘mermaid line’ and if the whales are feeling curious, they’ll come up and say hello!

Corner Jetty Street and Buccaneer Drive, Marina Office, Hervey Bay

eFoiling

Feeling adventurous? Take an e-Foil for a spin! Truly a unique experience, this wet and wild activity mimics carving through the snow on a snowboard, but silently and weightlessly as you sluice through air and water having the time of your life! Fly through the beautiful waters of Hervey Bay after receiving some coaching on how to get the best out of your eFoiling adventure. We’re tipping this as one of the best things to do in Hervey Bay and the easiest way to feel like a surfer without having to hop on a giant board.

351a Esplanade, Scarness

Champagne Sunset Sail

See out the end of your getaway to Hervey Bay on the sea! The Champagne Sunset Sail cruises through the calm waters of the Great Sandy Straights aboard the Blue Dolphin luxury yacht. Drink in panoramic views of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island while you dine on complimentary canapes and beverages spanning beer, wine and soft drinks. With a low carbon footprint, this eco-friendly modern yacht makes for a romantic and dreamy way to spend an evening in Hervey Bay.

From Urangan Marina, Hervey Bay Boat Harbour

Now that you’ve scoped out the best things to do in Hervey Bay, keep the momentum going and plan some more dreamy day trips from Brisbane. And because the Sunshine State is the destination that just keeps on giving its best year-round, why not scroll through our guide to the best Winter getaways in Queensland to keep the wanderlust at an all-time high, year-round?