Hervey Bay, a line of beachside towns, is set on the shoreline of Queensland’s Fraser Coast Region and takes almost a four-hour ride from northern Brisbane. Â
The city is home to many old and retired people and has a population of approximately 50,000. Hervey Bay Qld is open to the Coral Sea between Fraser Island and mainland Queensland.
Hervey Bay’s central and local economy depends on the city’s tourism. It is a central place for whale watching that contributes to the maximum economy of the town, apart from whale watching in Platypus Bay, recreational boating and fishing, north-facing calm beaches, and ferry services to Fraser Island.
Hervey Bay Qld is the First Whale Heritage Site on Earth. The World Cetacean Alliance named it in 2019. Hervey Bay Qld promises sustainable and maintainable dolphin and humpback whale watching.Â
Hervey Bay’s History
The language spoken by the Fraser Coast region is K’gari and Butchulla. The traditional inhabitants of Hervey Bay Qld are the Batjala people and the Kabi Kabi people. In 1770, James Cook made the first recorded European sighting while conducting a running review of the Australian east coast. Captain James Cook named Hervey’s Bay after Augustus John Hervey.
However, in mid-1980, a rail link ran from the central North Coast line and went through Nikenbah, Takura, Walligan, and then on to Urangan and Pialba. The bar served as important merchandise for the sugar cane industry.
Hervey Bay Qld was legitimately known as the “City of Hervey Bay” in 1984. The city was famous for its vast tourism, industry, business, and population growth. However, the city was still considered a small seaside village by most of the residents and locals.
Seventy-five percent of Hervey Bay’s population was born in Australia. The common inhabitants were New Zealand, Germany, England, the Philippines, and Scotland. There were also people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Additionally, languages like French, Mandarin, Dutch, German, and Italian were spoken in the city. The common religion practiced was no religion, Catholic and Anglican.
How Do You Travel to Hervey Bay, Qld?
A four km drive from Urangan is the Hervey Bay Qld Airport. It is also called the Fraser Coast Aiport. There are flights from Brisbane and Sydney.
- There are also flights available to Lady Elliot Island.
- Shuttles are available from the airport, running to the Hervey Bay area. There is also the availability of taxis from the airport.
- A 3-4 hours north to the Sunshine Coast will take you to Hervey Bay, Qld. It will take almost 4 to 5 hours from Brisbane to reach Hervey Bay. Reach the town of Gympie by taking the Bruce Highway and the road to Maryborough to get to Hervey Bay Qld.
- A train service runs to Pialba and Urangan that connects Brisbane to Rockhampton. In addition, there are also bus services available that stop in Hervey Bay, running north of Brisbane.
Things to Enjoy at Hervey Bay
You can swim in the calm waters of Hervey Bay and cycle along the shore. Check out the best things you and your family can enjoy at Hervey Bay.Â
1. Whale Watching
Hervey Bay is home to Antarctic humpback whales that migrate north yearly. The whales stay for a while at Hervey Bay to rest and play from August to October, thus making the area a perfect place for whale watching.
However, many sites in Queensland and New South offer beautiful whale-watching sights.
2. Fishing
There are opportunities for various types of fishing at Hervey Bay Qld. This includes rock, beach, deep sea, and continental shelf fishing. The fishes range in different sizes, including marlin and garfish.
3. Torquay Beach and Reef
Torquay Beach is ideal for spending a family day at the beach. The beach offers an excellent site for water sports and swimming because of its sandy soil and flatness. There are shops and eateries across the road, along with parklands.
You can enjoy a fun family picnic or go cycling. The place also serves as a good place for swimming.
4. Urangan Pier
The Urangan Pier area is the core of Hervey Bay. The historic pier’s construction began in 1913 and served as a transportation cargo between the deep water ships and the railway line. The place is famous for fishing and offers excellent picturesque views and covered areas for BBQs and picnics.Â
Across the road is a popular ice cream shop called Sundaes and the famous Migaloo’s Cafe. If the breeze gets up, you can also watch kite surfers in the afternoon.
5. Botanical Gardens
A short walk from the Urangan beach is the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens. The garden displays various plants across the region in multiple sections, from edible bush tucker gardens to manicured park grounds, a beautiful fountain, garden roads and a house of orchids.
The botanic gardens are also home to various species of wildlife and birds. This is an ideal place to relax and have a good time.
6. Arkarra Lagoon
Just north of Hervey Bay Qld is the Arkarra Lagoon and wetland area at Dundowran Beach. Apart from the beautiful beach, the lagoons offer a great place to walk around. The lagoon has numerous birds and wildlife, giving locals an excellent spot to enjoy picnics.
7. Wetside Water Park
The Wetside Water Park is a fun place for kids and children and is a great water play area. The park is free to use. There is also a pleasant cafe across the water park. The water slide rides are available at 5 to 10 Australian dollars.
8. Weekend Markets
The weekend markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday in the park adjacent to the Urangan Pier. The Wednesday market mainly emphasizes selling clothes and crafts. However, the Saturday market has options for freshly produced goods, including mushrooms, vegetables, olives, fruits, and honey.
Picnic shelters are arranged nearby with live entertainment for the locals and tourists. Several stalls sell leatherware, woodworking, pens, candles, and clothing. In addition, there are food trailers that sell drinks and snack eatables.
9. Coopers Boardwalk
The Coopers Boardwalk was first opened in 2015. The shaded walk initiates from Torquay’s Neilson Parkland and runs through the beaches and trees. The walkway was named after a six-year-old local boy named Cooper Christensen, who unfortunately died of brain cancer.
For the best fish and chips in town, visit Maddigans on the Esplanade, directly opposite Neilsons Park.
10. Bundaberg
Bundaberg is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Hervey Bay, Qld. It is a major attraction for all the foodies and serves a few of the best dishes from various seasons. Bundaberg has several things to do, from turtle watching to snorkelling at Barolin Rocks.
You can also visit Bundaberg rum distillery to taste some of the finest rums in the region.
11. Annual Festivals And Celebrations
Visiting Hervey Bay Qld during community celebrations and yearly festivals is fantastic. Some popular festivals are Blessing of the Fleet, held in July, and Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, which is held in August.
In July, the whale tours start, and the Blessing of the Fleet celebrations include live music, market stalls, drinks vendors, sail-by boats, and a fireworks display.
The Seafood Festival celebrates regional wines and beers, local Wide Bay seafood, and fantastic music.
12. Lady Elliot Island
The Lady Elliot Eco resort is on a coral cay near the Great Barrier Reef. Tourists can spot turtles throughout the year on the reef, migrating whales, and different species of marine life. Seaplanes are available daily from Hervey Bay Qld to Lady Elliot Island.
13. Visit Nala
Nala is a 22-ton whale sculpture created by the artist named Ross Bradbury. The Nala sculpture represents a female whale who visited Hervey Bay in 1992 for the first time with her new baby, Simba.
The statue is made from stainless steel and Ironbark and is an essential and famous symbol of Hervey Bay Qld.
So, Plan the Exciting Trip!
Hervey Bay Qld was once a calm and quiet village. It’s a lively city with current projects, excellent restaurants, and a great tourist spot. There are also a variety of good hotels and resorts to stay in Hervey Bay, Qld. We hope now you have some idea about this place’s best spots.Â
Additionally, there is a varied range of campgrounds near the Hervey Bay waterfront. Visit Hervey Bay with your friends and families and spend a gala in the adventurous and beautiful city.
Ankita has completed her Masters in English and has a great interest in traveling and exploring beautiful destinations. She loves writing travel contents and also keeps an interest in exploring beautiful Australian beaches, deserts and wildlife. She will guide you through some of the popular and exciting destinations to visit in Australia from her research.
Freelance content writer and copywriter
