Hervey Bay

Travel Guide

Hervey Bay showing forests and a park
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay Botanic Garden
Hervey Bay
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 UranganOpens in a new window. 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 GardensOpens in a new window. 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
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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
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Pialba

Pialba is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club and Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere.

Pialba
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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
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
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Urraween

Travellers like the spas in Urraween, and Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Urraween
Ramada Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
The price is €138 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
€138
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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! (1,000 reviews)
Good place
"Enjoyed the hotel."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2025

Ramada Hervey Bay
Kondari Hotel
Kondari Hotel
3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street, Urangan, QLD
The price is €77 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€77
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 meeting rooms, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (879 reviews)
"Nice convenient location, clean and tidy, good bar and food service."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Kondari Hotel
Mantra Hervey Bay
Mantra Hervey Bay
4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
The price is €105 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€105
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-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! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful spot, right on the boat harbour, has everything you need close by"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

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! (1,731 reviews)
"Always a good hotel to stay, good area, pool, close to the beach and pier, clean, quiet, safe parking, cooking facilities!"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

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! (558 reviews)
"Great apartment across the esplanade from the beach. Very clean and well equipped. Huge balcony with a view of the beach through the trees. One compliant, internet speeds are around 25mps, slow these days, and goes missing if you want to use it on the balcony. Other than that nothing wrong with this ..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
3 out of 5
21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, QLD
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Esplanade and Hervey Bay Historical ...
7.4/10 Good! (277 reviews)
"While we were staying there, a major flash flood event occurred in Hervey Bay. The staff were absolutely lovely and accommodating!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
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.

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