Just over a 3-hour drive away from Brisbane, stunning coastal town Hervey Bay is well-worth the journey there. In fact, we would argue that the road trip there makes for an unforgettable experience in and of itself. And, although it’s always a good time to pay it a visit, Hervey Bay makes for an ideal winter destination, promising mild weather and spectacular whale sightings!
Things to do in Hervey Bay
Once you reach the town, affectionately known as Happy Hervey by long-time locals, the picturesque beach is your oyster! If you get there early, Bayaroma Café’s lively vibe, mouth-watering breakfast options and breathtaking scenery in Torquay is the way to go. Aquavue, in the same beautiful area, combines their incredible food with fun by offering a full suite of water sports equipment hire — like kayaks and even jet skis!
But there’s plenty of spots offering the freshest seafood you can imagine and uninterrupted ocean views even later into the day. Airy and laidback Enzo’s on the Beach, the elegantly chic Odyssey Bistro, The Dock’s fashionably industrial vibes, or any of the picturesque restaurants and cafés along historic Urangan Pier will have you feeling satisfied and relaxed in no time.
Built in the early 1900s, the 1-kilometre Pier is perfect for a little stroll after a good meal, not to mention an ideal opportunity to grab some ice cream — Best of Queensland winner Rad Rolled Ice Cream happens to be located there — and savour the heavenly combination of a sweet dessert and the salty sea breeze.
If you’re in the mood for more active outdoorsy activities, Urangan Pier also happens to be a top fishing spot, and nearby Pier Park is a favourite for cycling and jogging. Or, for a more relaxed vibe, nurse your food coma with sand between your toes at Torquay or Scarness Beach.
Before enjoying the true highlight of Hervey Bay, and for those looking to inject a bit of culture into their visit, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery in Pialba, which houses the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere Museum, is a must. The gallery showcases locally curated and temporary exhibitions, and the museum offers a crash course in whale moves, which may prove useful for the top activity at Hervey Bay.
That is, of course, whale-watching, which put Hervey Bay on the map internationally, as the first official Whale Heritage Site back in 2019. As a humpback whale favourite, Hervey Bay every June to November becomes a temporary home to thousands of these gentle giants, many of them mothers and calves, as they make their way south to Antarctica, so you are pretty much guaranteed some sightings.
There are plenty of whale-watching operators on the Great Sandy Strait offering half and full-day trips into the bay and some might even let you swim with the whales, though safety and comfort of both swimmers and whales should always be the first priority.
If your visit to Hervey Bay falls outside of whale-watching season, you have no-fin to worry about: you can still catch sight of some amazing marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles! Plus, nearby World Heritage-listed K’gari’s crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests and coastal landscapes make for an ideal day trip from Hervey Bay.
Festivals and more
Markets
Spend a lazy morning browsing local handmade arts and crafts by the beach every Saturday at Torquay’s Beachside Markets or buy some deliciously fresh produce and treats for an incredible homemade brunch at the Urangan Pier Park Community Markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Whale Festival
Celebrating the importance and connection of these majestic animals and the community, the Whale Festival kicks off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the Urangan Harbour on July 11. During the event, attendees can get to know the local Whale Fleet and vessels up close and enjoy family-friendly activities, with children’s entertainment, food and market stalls, live music and more!
The highlight of the day is a float-by of the Whale Fleet and other boats, receiving blessings from a local minister to ensure safe and successful tours during the upcoming whale-watching season, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display over the water as the cherry on top.
But that’s just the beginning. On Saturday, August 9, the City and Sea event is a jam-packed day of fun and excitement with three amazing events all in one! With city park festivities to begin with, featuring market stalls, live music and a make-your-own-lantern workshop, you’ll be starting the day off on the right foot.
Then, head down to the seafront for thrilling carnival rides, mouthwatering food and live entertainment. And, finally, close out an incredible experience with the magic of the Parade of Lights. With the theme of Ocean Glow, you can be part of something truly unforgettable, as the glowing procession makes its way down Main Street and ends in another spectacular fireworks finale!
Mary Poppins Festival
No need for a spoonful of sugar for this, because the annual Mary Poppins Festival always goes down well! On September 28, celebrate the power of storytelling and the beloved characters at nearby Maryborough.
Held all across the town, Queens Park, riverside parklands and its heritage streetscapes, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P. L Travers, is guaranteed to delight the young and the young at heart, with creative family-friendly activities like Chimney Sweeping, Nanny Races and of course, a Grand Parade with your favourite characters from the novel!
Relish Food & Wine Festival
Every June, foodies’ dreams come true at Relish Food & Wine Festival, held annually in Maryborough. With a mouth-watering lineup of live cooking demonstrations and workshops, live music, wine selections and, of course, tantalising food and drink vendors, Relish has something for everyone!
How to get there
Hervey Bay is an easy 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane, though you can take your time and see the sights on your way there if you venture on the scenic Great Beach Drive.. You can also take a 35-minute flight directly to Hervey Bay Airport, take a coach or Greyhound, or a train, though it’ll be a longer journey.