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 Shelly Beach 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 WetSide Water Education Park.

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.

Nightcap at Kondari Resort

Nightcap at Kondari Resort

3.5 out of 5
49-63 Elizabeth Street Urangan QLD
The price is NT$2,928 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
NT$2,928
NT$3,221 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Could not fault our stay here, would highly recommend. We had a studio queen & it was very spacious, clean with tasteful colour scheme. Staff were friendly & professional. Meals at the hotel were great & definitely good value for what you got."

Reviewed on 2026/10/15

Nightcap at Kondari Resort
Mantra Hervey Bay

Mantra Hervey Bay

4 out of 5
Buccaneer Drive Urangan QLD
The price is NT$4,434 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
NT$4,434
NT$4,434 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Small clean apartment with balcony overlooking marina but dated."

Reviewed on 2026/10/18

Mantra Hervey Bay
Ramada Hervey Bay

Ramada Hervey Bay

4 out of 5
627 Charlton Esplanade Urangan QLD
The price is NT$5,440 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
NT$5,440
NT$5,984 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Very noisey couldn’t sleep in past 6am cleaning staff very good, Breakfast and staff in dining room Not so good."

Reviewed on 2026/10/15

Ramada 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.
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! (767 reviews)
"This is a very quiet and relaxing place. Spacious rooms, full kitchen, large fridge and very close to everything you need. Very secure too."

Reviewed on 2026/10/18

BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
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 ...
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hervey Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Esplanade and Hervey Bay Historical ...
7.6/10 Good! (343 reviews)
"Parking space between units was too close. old and dated rooms."

Reviewed on 2026/10/3

Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park
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