Hervey Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hervey Bay featuring forests and a garden
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 Shelly Beach 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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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
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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 WetSide Water Education Park.

Pialba
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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
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
Mantra Hervey Bay

Mantra Hervey Bay

4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD
The price is ₹12,918 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹12,918
₹12,918 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Although little dated the staff did excellent job on cleaning the apartment. Staff polite and helpful. Pleasant stay."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Mantra Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay

Ramada Hervey Bay

4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, QLD
The price is ₹17,539 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹17,539
₹19,292 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Spacious room with all the amenities you need. Pool area was awesome! Can’t wait to come back in the warmer months."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Ramada Hervey Bay
The Beach Motel Hervey Bay

The Beach Motel Hervey Bay

3.5 out of 5
475 Charlton Esplanade (Cnr Ann Street), Hervey Bay, Torquay, QLD
The price is ₹9,100 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,100
₹10,010 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Housekeeping"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Beach Motel 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 their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,746 reviews)
"Pool is great for smaller children."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Esplanade and Hervey Bay Historical ...
7.4/10 Good! (296 reviews)
"It's nice and quiet"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
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! (703 reviews)
"Great location, facilities a little run down."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

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.

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