Hervey Bay

Travel Guide

A dense forest with lush green ferns and tall trees.
A garden with a pond, a gazebo, and a white building.
A sunset over a calm sea with a distant shoreline silhouetted against the sky.
A marina with numerous sailboats docked.
A wooden pier extending into a turquoise sea, with people walking along it.
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

Find the best Hervey Bay areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Urangan

The beaches and abundant 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.

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.

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.

Scarness

Visitors highly recommend Scarness for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum while you're in town.

Point Vernon

Travelers like the restaurants in Point Vernon, and Gables Point Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Mantra Hervey Bay

Mantra Hervey Bay

4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive Urangan QLD
The price is NT$5,045 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$5,045
NT$5,045 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Mantra Hervey Bay
The Beach Motel Hervey Bay

The Beach Motel Hervey Bay

3.5 out of 5
475 Charlton Esplanade (Cnr Ann Street) Torquay QLD
The price is NT$3,078 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
NT$3,078
NT$3,386 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Flood light was on all night at front of our room. So bright, it appeared to be daylight even through the blinds."

Reviewed on 2026/8/2

The Beach Motel Hervey Bay
Nightcap at Kondari Resort

Nightcap at Kondari Resort

3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street Urangan QLD
The price is NT$3,008 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
NT$3,008
NT$3,309 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 meeting rooms, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Nightcap at Kondari Resort
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
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,796 reviews)
"Great Room, Awesome Staff"

Reviewed on 2026/8/2

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
BreakFree Great Sandy Straits

BreakFree Great Sandy Straits

3.5 out of 5
17 Buccaneer Drive Urangan QLD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Great Sandy Straits Marina and Reefworld ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (756 reviews)
"View amazing! Shame the property hasn’t been kept up to a standard this view, location and price deserves! Very tired property, unusual smells in the apartment, dirty towel still hanging on back of bathroom door, food in the fridge, the dishwasher had been sitting wet with the door shut, not much ..."

Reviewed on 2026/8/2

BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
White Crest Apartments

White Crest Apartments

4 out of 5
397 Esplanade Torquay QLD
Book a stay at this luxury apartment in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
"No view but excellent spot. Very clean but a bit old fashion. In general it was good 👍 for a family stay. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Parking was good 😊"

Reviewed on 2026/6/14

White Crest Apartments
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.

Stay near popular Hervey Bay attractions