Hervey Bay

Travel Guide
Hervey Bay showing forests and a park
Find out why this stunning city is known as the whale-watching capital of Australia and spend your days exploring its sweeping sandy beaches and pretty parks.

Hervey Bay is a coastal city renowned for its marine wildlife and breathtaking beaches. Spot whales on a cruise trip or visit the city’s fascinating historical attractions.

Choose from a range of whale-watching tours departing from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan. Be awed by the sight of humpback whales breaching the surface of the deep blue ocean as you explore the Fraser Coast region. You might also see dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Learn about the whales’ journey from Antarctica to the warm waters of the bay, where mothers give birth and nurse their calves in the migration season from mid July to late October. Book your boat trip in advance and bring you camera to record these special memories.

Walk along the oceanfront esplanade and admire the views over the Great Sandy Strait. Cycle the 14-kilometre (8.6-mile) path from Point Vernon to Urangan. The patrolled waters and sheltered barbecue areas at Torquay Beach are ideal for families. Explore the historic Urangan Pier and the nearby Reefworld Aquarium. This education centre showcases beautiful reef habitats and colourful fish. Kids will enjoy feeding marine life at the touch pool and spotting green turtles in their recreated habitat.

Stroll through the tranquil Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens. A highlight is the gardens’ impressive collection of orchids. Spend a quiet moment at the open-air bush chapel, surrounded by rainforest vegetation.

Contemplate life in the 19th century at Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Wander around the recreated village and see an original slab cottage complete with period furnishings. The museum contains a large collection of household goods and farming equipment. Check the museum’s programme, which includes interactive workshops, such as historic blacksmithing demonstrations.

Hervey Bay is approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of the state capital of Brisbane and can be reached by bus, train, car or domestic flight. Whale-watching tours operate between July and November.

Experience nature up close in the waterfront city of Hervey Bay.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay

Urangan

Urangan

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Urangan. A stop by Hervey Bay Botanic Garden or Great Sandy Straits Marina might round out your trip.

Urangan
Default Image

Torquay

Torquay is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shelly Beach or Duggan Conservation Park.

Torquay
Default Image

Scarness

Scarness is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum, a top place to visit in the area.

Scarness
Default Image

Pialba

Pialba is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and WetSide Water Education Park.

Pialba
Urangan

Point Vernon

Travellers like the restaurants in Point Vernon, and Gables Point Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Point Vernon
Default Image

Dundowran Beach

While Dundowran Beach isn't home to many top sights, Toogoom Beach and Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Dundowran Beach
Ramada Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
The price is €130 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
€130
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Car park was full on our first night Enjoyed our food at the Boat club"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Ramada Hervey Bay
Kondari Hotel
Kondari Hotel
3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street, Urangan, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €75 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
€75
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star resort in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 meeting rooms, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (848 reviews)
"Great spot…"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Kondari Hotel
Mantra Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
The price is €98 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
€98
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (974 reviews)
"Nice motel overlooking the marina, extremely clean and tidy."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Mantra Hervey Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
569 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,694 reviews)
"Didn’t like that they had overbooked. We had booked a one bedroom pool apartment. We were sent down a few stinking hot corridors to eventually find our room. We were put in a two bedroom apt but told if we touched any of the second room stuff we would be billed .. only had two thin bath towels. NO ..."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
4.5 out of 5
468 The Esplanade, Reception: 70 Cypress St, Torquay, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (539 reviews)
"Very spacious, beautifully kept property. Great location and pool was heated in winter. Very friendly reception staff. Great stay, would visit again."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2024

Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
3.5 out of 5
17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Great Sandy Straits Marina and Reefworld ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (656 reviews)
"It was disappointing. Very tired complex and we have stayed there many times in the past. Also no wifi, limited crockery. The washing machine was new and we really appreciated that."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do