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Hervey Bay

Bordered by 40 kilometres of pristine beaches, Hervey Bay is one of Queensland's best natural holiday destinations offering convenient access to World Heritage listed Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world, and Lady Elliot Island - the first coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef.

Long sandy beaches and colourful communities such as Burrum Heads, Howard, Toogoom and Torbanlea fringe its safe sheltered waters. Hervey Bay has also gained international recognition as one of the best locations to view a great variety of marine life especially the majestic humpback whales as make their yearly migration south, through the region's calm waters, from August to November.

A major departure point for access to Fraser Island, there are a variety of escorted tours to Fraser Island departing daily. Choose from large or small group day tours, two day safaris and three day island adventures. Self-drive packages are also available, either with a flight or barge crossing option. The resorts on Fraser Island also run a variety of tours for their guests.

The waters of Hervey Bay are protected by Fraser Island and offer visitors a perfect, stinger-free swimming environment ideal for children. Enjoy a variety of water sports including kayaking, yachting, diving, water and jet skiing, wind surfing and snorkelling. Boating and fishing enthusiasts enjoy estuary, beach, jetty, reef and game fishing. Fishing and sailing tours are conducted on a regular basis. There is also the option of chartering your own vessel, yacht or houseboat and exploring these waters at your own pace.
Alternatively, simply enjoy a bicycle ride along the picturesque foreshore, visit places such as the Orchid House within the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the Marina area or one of the many restaurants and cafes situated along the Esplanade.

Hervey Bay is Australia's whale watch capital. Between August and November whales can be sighted breaching and playfully chasing each other in the warm waters off shore. The Bay's calm waters provide shelter for humpback whales and their calves as they frolic in Hervey Bay on their migration to Antarctica after giving birth in the waters of northern Queensland. Visitors can choose an aerial tour or take one of the many day-long or half day whale watch cruises, which depart from Urangan Boat harbour daily. Celebrating the return of the humpback whales each year, Hervey Bay stages a Whale festival for two weeks in August. An aquatic carnival, including an illuminated procession of floats, and the Blessing of the Fleet are highlights of this fun filled week.

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]

Photos

Hervey Bay Jetty - Photo courtesy of Tourism QLD

Urangan Boat harbour - Photo courtesy of Tourism QLD

Beach at Hervey Bay - Photo courtesy of Tourism QLD

Underwater Recommendations

Hervey Bay is a major access point for Lady Elliot Island, first of the Islands of The Great Barrier Reef. Flights run several times daily with the opportunity to stay on the small coral cay or just visit for the day. Hervey Bay boasts an aquatic environment featuring coral and artificial reefs all teeming with abundant marine life.

Getting There

A few kilometres off the Bruce Highway (1) on the coast.
Nearest airport: Hervey Bay