Hervey Bay

Gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island)

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About Hervey Bay

Welcome to the whale watching capital of the world – Hervey Bay. A scenic 3.5 hour drive from Brisbane, this is an easily-accessible holiday destination and is the number one spot to get up close and personal with the mighty Humpback whales on their migratory journey.

Over the course of the last four decades, this quaint village has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional history of whale-human interactions. This reputation can be attributed to a distinctive combination of environmental factors that have contributed to the remarkable encounters between humans and whales.

Apart from whales, Hervey Bay offers excellent opportunities to interact with various wildlife species. You can visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary to meet native animals up close, including kangaroos, koalas, and even crocodiles. At Hervey Bay, you'll also find one of the largest artificial reefs in Australia, encompassing more than 50 underwater sites with diverse compositions. The area boasts impressive shallow water reefs adorned with vibrant coral formations and teeming with abundant fish species.

Just off the coast of Hervey Bay lies Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, rainforests, freshwater lakes, and unique wildlife. Fraser Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The lifestyle here is pretty laid back offering a slower pace of life and a welcoming atmosphere. Community events foster a sense of togetherness, while outdoor recreation opportunities and a close-knit community contribute to the overall coastal lifestyle experience.

Hervey Bay Cruise Experiences

Dolphin Watching cruises

1 Cruise

From $110

Lunch Cruises

1 Cruise

From $169

Whale Watching Cruises

11 Cruises

From $75

Sightseeing Cruises

2 Cruises

From $99

Sunset Cruises

4 Cruises

From $55

Featured Cruises

18 Cruises

7hr Whale Watching Cruise & K’Gari Lunch

Full day tour combining a morning whale watching cruise and a resort lunch at K’Gari. Access to pool, spa, showers etc. Optional kayaking, SUP & more.

Duration 8hr

From $169

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4Hr Humpback Whale Watching Encounter

Head to the world's whale-watching capital to see Humpback Whales on a purpose-built catamaran with water-level viewing platform & underwater windows.

Duration 4hr

From $159

ACGVRO0782

9Hr Remote K’Gari & Whale Watching Cruise

Visit the UNESCO-listed K’gari & explore up to 3 remote locations. Swim, snorkel, kayak, amphibious rides & bushwalk. See whales & other wildlife.

Duration 9hr

From $259

See All Cruises

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

Hervey Bay has an all-round near-perfect weather but the best time to visit is, obviously during the whale watching season. August to October is the time when whales, including mothers with their calves, take a break on their migration journey to Antarctica. Visitors have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close as they rest and play in the bay waters.

Public Holidays

Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Events & Festivals

Whale Festival
Taking place in August, the Whale Festival pays tribute to the annual arrival of Humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The festival features a range of activities including street parades, live music, art exhibitions, educational displays, and fireworks.

Flavours Festival
Hervey Bay's newest festival of food, music, artisan, craft beer and good vibes is making its way this September. More info TBD.

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 1 April to 16 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 24 June to 9 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 16 September to 2 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Queensland: 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024

Accommodation

Hervey Bay presents a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to the needs of its visitors. From upscale resorts and hotels to independent units, apartments, flats, and holiday homes, there are numerous choices available for a comfortable stay. Additionally, caravan parks, bed and breakfast establishments, and backpacker hostels provide affordable and convenient options.

Dining

From local-favourite beachfront restaurants to family-friendly parks with chic cafes and seafood shops, Hervey Bay has a lot to offer its visitors. There are several pubs with burgers, beers and breezy balconies that are open seven days a week. The multi-award-winning food joints on the Esplanade are also a perfect fit for Hervey Bay's dining scene, with their inventive riffs on classic dishes.

Transport

Translink app is a great service for guests in Hervey Bay who want to navigate the local regions. They have buses, ferries, trains and trams.

Alternatively, there are shuttle bus services from the airport, which you can use to get to your accommodation. There are also Uber services.

Hervey Bay Tourist Information

Shopping & Market Hours

You can find four major shopping centres in Hervey Bay - Stockland, Pialba Palace, Urangan Central and Eli Waters Shopping Centre. Stockland Shopping Centre in Centre Ave is brimming with stores offering a little bit of everything to everyone. From household items, to clothing and groceries, you’ll find almost all types of souvenirs here.

Medical Services

Three major medical facilities in the Hervey Bay region are Bundaberg Hospital, Maryborough Hospital and Hervey Bay Hospital.

Blogs & Articles

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A First-Timer’s Guide To Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay isn’t just another whale watching spot on the Australian map. This coastal gem in Queensland holds the prestigious titles of Australia's whale watching capital and the world's first Whale-Heritage site.

Posted on Jun 12, 2024

4 Reasons Why Hervey Bay Is The Whale Capital Of Australia

With its pristine waters and abundant marine life, Hervey Bay attracts thousands of Humpback Whales each year during their migration season. It is celebrated as the prime destination for whale watching in Australia, drawing visitors from all around the globe.

Posted on Mar 13, 2024