10 Best Things to Do in Hervey Bay

Last Updated: October 2026

If there’s one place in Queensland that I would recommend for whale watching, it’s Hervey Bay. In fact, I honestly believe it’s one of the best places in Australia to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. We’ve had some incredible whale encounters here, and it’s an experience I never get tired of!

But there’s much more to Hervey Bay than whales. With its beautiful beaches, calm waters, relaxed atmosphere and easy access to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and Lady Elliot Island, it’s a fantastic destination for nature lovers.

Whether you’re visiting during whale season or exploring at another time of year, you really can’t go wrong with Hervey Bay. Here are our 10 best things to do in Hervey Bay to help you plan your visit.

Table of Contents

1-Whale Watching

Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Australia so, of course, the number one thing to do in Hervey Bay is whale watching. From July to October, hundreds of Humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the much warmer waters of Queensland. The protected bay of Hervey Bay is the perfect place for them to raise their calves and they love to hang around this area while they fatten up and show their calves the ropes.

There are plenty of whale-watching tours to choose from in Hervey Bay, including morning, afternoon and longer excursions. On one of our visits, we joined Spirit of Hervey Bay for an afternoon cruise and had an incredible experience. It was early October, towards the end of the whale-watching season, but we still spotted plenty of whales, including several playful calves practising their breaching. What a sight!

We’ve also been whale watching with Whalesong Cruises on another visit and had an equally amazing experience. Both trips were fantastic, and we’d happily recommend either operator.

2-Take a trip to K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Hervey Bay is the gateway to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) , and being so close to this incredible island, it would be a shame to miss it!

As the world’s largest sand island, K’gari is home to stunning freshwater lakes, endless sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, the famous Maheno Shipwreck and wild dingoes (wongari). It’s truly one of Queensland’s most spectacular destinations.

Exploring K’gari requires a suitable 4WD, as the island’s roads and tracks are predominantly sandy. If you don’t have one, joining an organised tour is a fantastic option. Several operators offer trips departing from Hervey Bay, with both day tours and overnight adventures available.

Personally, I’d recommend spending at least one night on the island if you have the time. There’s so much to discover!

Read more about K’Gari (Fraser Island) here.

3-Walk down the Pier in Urangan

The Pier of Urangan is 900 metres long and stretches out into the waters of Hervey Bay. Built in 1913, this over a hundred-year-old pier is a fabulous place for a stroll to take in the amazing views of the bay. It’s also a popular spot for fishermen to set a line. The locals will tell you that it is the best fishing spot in town for catching whiting.

When you get to the end of the pier, look out for stingrays, dolphins and of course whales during the whale season!

4-Take a walk or cycle along the Esplanade

You could walk for miles and still be on the Hervey Bay Esplanade. In fact, the pathway that runs along the Esplanade stretches for 14 kilometres! It’s very popular with tourists and locals alike and it’s a great spot for a walk, jog, or for a bike ride.

5-Have lunch at Enzo’s on the Beach

Looking for a place to have lunch while enjoying the views? There is no better place than Enzo’s on the Beach. Located on the beachfront on Scarness Beach, Enzo’s has good food with a relaxing atmosphere and spectacular views. Their seafood platter is huge and delicious. To avoid disappointment, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially during busy periods like long weekends and school holidays.

6-Relax on the beach

There are many beaches to choose from in Hervey Bay and they are perfect for families and nature lovers. Because they are protected by K’Gari (Fraser Island), the waters are typically calm, safe, and great for families. Swim, splash, kayak, sunbathe, whatever takes your fancy.

Whether you visit Scarness, Pialba, Torquay, Urangan, Point Vernon or Dundowran beach (a bit outside of town) you just can’t go wrong.

7-Visit the Botanical Gardens

For a bit of serenity, head to the Botanical Gardens and bring a picnic. The gardens are free to enter and house an orchid house, a Chinese and Japanese garden, and a small pond where you’ll find lots of turtles. Look out for the amazing birdlife too!

8-Sail into the sunset

There is no better way to end the day than by taking a cruise and watch the Pink Queensland skies and the crystal-clear azure waters of Hervey Bay with a cold glass of bubbles in hands.

Blue Dolphin Marine tours offer a 90-minute Champagne sunset sail aboard their luxury yacht.

9-Take the kids to the Wetside Water Park

If the whole family needs to cool down, there is no better place to do it than at the Wetside Water Park in Pialba.

Located right on the Esplanade, just a few steps from the beach, the Wetside Water Park is the perfect place to take the kids for some “wet” fun. With a dedicated area for kids under five where they can splash around and with slides for the older kids, everyone is going to be happy. Even the parents who can relax and enjoy the views while the kids are having a great time.

10-Visit our favourite snorkelling spot ever, Lady Elliot Island

Hervey Bay is also the gateway to another amazing island and one that we absolutely love, Lady Elliot Island. Lady Elliot is one of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef. We like to spend a few nights on the island when we visit but if you are short on time, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort runs day trips to the island from Hervey Bay.

If you like snorkelling, turtles and rays and want to see beautiful and colourful coral, Lady Elliot is the place for you.

Read more about Lady Elliot Island here.

Exploring more of Queensland’s coastline? Just a couple of hours north of Hervey Bay, Bargara is another fantastic destination for wildlife lovers, especially during turtle nesting and hatching season at Mon Repos. Read our guide to Bargara for more inspiration.

Best Time to Visit Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is a lovely destination year-round, but July to October is particularly special for whale watching, with August and September generally offering excellent opportunities to see humpback whales.

For beach activities, warmer weather and swimming, spring and autumn are lovely times to visit. Summer can be hot and humid, with occasional heavy rainfall.

How Many Days Do You Need in Hervey Bay?

We recommend spending two to three days in Hervey Bay to enjoy the beaches, waterfront, whale watching (in season) and other local attractions without rushing.

If you’re planning to visit K’gari or Lady Elliot Island as well, allow extra days. Both deserve time to explore.

How to Get to Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive north of Brisbane and around 2.5 hours from the Sunshine Coast, depending on your starting point.

You can also fly into Hervey Bay Airport, which has domestic flight connections, or travel by long-distance coach.

Planning to explore more of the Fraser Coast? Rainbow Beach is another beautiful coastal destination, known for its colourful sand cliffs, spectacular scenery and access to K’gari. Discover the best things to do in Rainbow Beach in our guide.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay?

Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat

The Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat offers self-contained, Melanesian-style villas overlooking a lake and surrounded by 10 acres of tropical nature reserve. It is 300 metres from the beach and is home to a vast array of birdlife and many turtles. Book your stay here.

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa

The Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa offers self-contained 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites opposite the Urangan Beach Pier. Located on the waterfront, it features 2 lagoon pools and a restaurant. Book your stay here.

545 Esplanade

545 Esplanade is set on the beachfront and offers renovated, two-bedroom apartments with water views and two-bedroom cottages. Book your stay here.

Other accommodation

If none of those are available or take your fancy, try using the search box below:

FAQs About Hervey Bay

Is Hervey Bay worth visiting outside whale-watching season?

Absolutely! Hervey Bay has beautiful beaches, waterfront walks, cafés and easy access to K’gari and Lady Elliot Island, making it enjoyable even when the whales aren’t around.

Can you swim at Hervey Bay beaches?

Yes, swimming is popular along Hervey Bay’s sheltered coastline, particularly at designated swimming areas. Always check local conditions and safety advice before entering the water.

Is Hervey Bay suitable for families?

Yes! Its generally calm beaches, waterfront playgrounds, walking and cycling paths, and family-friendly activities make it a great destination for families.

Where is the best area to stay in Hervey Bay?

Urangan and Torquay are popular choices, offering easy access to beaches, restaurants and the Esplanade. Urangan is particularly convenient for the marina and many boat tours.

Can you visit Lady Elliot Island from Hervey Bay?

Yes! Scenic flights and day-trip packages operate from Hervey Bay Airport, allowing visitors to experience the southern Great Barrier Reef without staying overnight on the island.

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