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About Hervey Bay
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
Featured Cruises
16 Cruises
ACGUEX0775
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.
ACGNFT0781
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.
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.
ACGDXU0830
1.5Hr Milbi Sunset Cruise
A scenic sunset cruise on the glass-bottomed boat Milibi along the Great Sandy Marine Park. Learn about native culture from a Butchulla guide.
ACGOGE0829
Hervey Bay Turtle Discovery Eco-Tour
Watch the splendid colours of the coral reef and snorkel with numerous aquatic species. Explore the island and enjoy a delectable lunch.
ACGLTT0928
9Hr Remote K’gari Exploration Tour
Explore Wathumba, Awinya, and Bowarrady Creeks on this small group tour. Fun water activities, wildlife sightings, lunch & refreshments included.
ACGZBY0773
Hervey Bay Morning Whale Watch Cruise
Morning departure cruise along the Great Sandy Straits & Platypus Bay to watch the whales at play – hydrophone to listen to whales sing, commentary etc.
ACGFMM0774
Hervey Bay Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise
Enjoy a magical evening on the Fraser Coast with this whale watching cruise and experience a close-up encounter with the Humpbacks. Tea, commentary, included.
ACGTHP0860
6Hr Freedom Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watch Tour
Hervey Bay’s eco-certified whale watching cruise with 360° viewing to see the Humpback Whales in Platypus Bay (July-Oct). Tropical lunch & tea incl.
ACGDBV1188
1.5Hr Blue Dolphin Marine Tours Champagne Sunset Sail
Cruise on an award-winning luxury yacht to enjoy golden sunset views of Hervey Bay & UNESCO-listed K’gari. Champagne, canapes & free choice of drink.
ACGUOI1189
4hr Dolphin Eco Adventure Cruise
See pods of Bottlenose & Australian Humpback Dolphins along the Great Sandy Strait on a multi-award winning yacht. Swimming & boom netting in summer.
ACGDUE1498
2Hr K'gari Salty Safaris FUNset Tour
Get ready for some sea spray as you ride on an 18-seater RIB to a secluded island to watch a stunning sunset. Enjoy a quick swim, music & beach games.
ACGQVC1515
5.5Hr Whale Swim & Watch Tour
The only dedicated swim-with-whales tour in the region – join a professional PADI dive team to swim with the migrating Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay.
ACGMKR1537
4Hr Hervey Bay Whales & Beaches Tour
Ride on an 18-seater RIB, the only boat that offers whale watching, swim with whales (if conditions permit) and beachtime, all in a half-day tour.
ACGLBL1543
3Hr Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watch Tour
Join experts at Pacific Whale Foundation for a fun whale watching tour complete with all the whale facts, songs and acrobatics – a Tourism Australia signature experience.
ACGWLM1579
Twilight Bay Cruise
Perfect prelude to your evening – scenic cruise with free champagne and plate of nibbles aboard a large catamaran with 3 spacious decks for 360° views.
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
Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 27 January: Australia Day holiday
Friday, 18 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 20 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 21 April: Easter Monday
Friday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 5 May: Labour Day
Monday, 6 October: King's Birthday
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 2025
Queensland: 7 April to 22 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 30 June to 14 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 22 September to 7 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025- 2026
Queensland: 15 December 2025 to 27 January 2026
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
View All
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
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