Hervey Bay - Marine Playground
Hervey Bay is reputed to be the whale watch capital of the world! The annual humpback whale migration is in full
swing, and the Hervey Bay Marine Park is internationally recognised as being the best place to view these majestic creatures. Queensland is expecting a record number of whales this year and most will stop off for a frolic in Hervey Bay’s calm, warm waters as they pass back down the coast with their calves. Take a holiday or a few days off to visit this beautiful piece of the Queensland coast – there are lots of things to do and see as well as watching whales.
Take a whale watching tour Fraser Coast Tourism
You won’t be disappointed – this is the tour of a lifetime! A fleet of professional operators take half-day, full-day and dawn tours on a variety of vessels, departing the Urangan Boat Harbour. You can choose between super-fast launch, purpose-built catamaran, luxury overnight live-aboard charter or intimate sailing yacht. For a great value whale watching experience book a package which includes half or
full day tour and accommodation. Most packages have the flexibility of extra nights or added tours such as trips to Fraser Island.
Fraser Island - visit the world’s largest sand island Fraser Coast Tourism
Fraser Island is a whale watching destination in its own right since it is the eastern boundary for this sheltered whale playground. Just 45 minutes from Hervey Bay by fast cat ferry, this World Heritage listed island has unusual sand formations, rainforests, freshwater lakes, rare flora and fauna, and Aboriginal cultural sites. Take a 4WD tour or hire your own and spend a few days camping out and exploring. If camping is not your thing, then enjoy the hospitality of one of the island’s splendid resorts.
Try a spot of scuba-diving or snorkelling There may not be visiting whales but there are turtles and manta rays at Lady Elliott Island, one of the best diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef, with up to 25m visibility and 19 recognised dive sites. Just a short flight from Hervey Bay, visitors can take a day trip for snorkelling and coral viewing, or have a relaxing stay at the fully integrated resort.
Go fishin’ Fraser Coast TourismOne of the main attractions of Hervey Bay is fishing. This place has the lot – you can fish from the beach,
rocks or jetties, the creeks and estuaries, and of course the ocean. If you haven’t brought your own gear, there are lots of places to buy hooks and lines and the bait and tackle shops are a great source of local fishing knowledge. For a great day out, join a deep sea charter and bag some of the big stuff.
Markets and music www.herveybayevents.com.au Check out the local talent - browse for art and craft and home-grown produce at the community markets and chill out with some Hervey Bay jazz and acoustic entertainment. The Koala Markets are held
at Urangan every 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday from 9 to 11am, and the Howard Market is the 1st Saturday from 9 to 11am at the QCWA in Steley Street. Woodcraft and blacksmith demonstrations can be seen every Sunday from 1 to 3pm at the Historical Village in Scarness. Music lovers should head to the Zephyr Street Acoustic Club at 7pm on the 1st Sunday of the month, and to the Hervey Bay Jazz Club on the last Friday of the month.
Useful information
Images courtesy of: Tourism Queensland