The best day trips from Hervey Bay
List
By Danielle Reckless
Nestled into the Fraser Coast, the coastal village of Hervey Bay is a tourist hub. And for good reason.
Those in search of marine adventures, whale watching and the freshest seafood come here to bask in the bay’s calm waters and relaxed way of life. And when you find yourself here, you’ll see there’s plenty to spark your curiosity. Once you’ve feasted your way around town or explored its attractions over a long weekend, discover these day trips from Hervey Bay.
Have a whale encounter
The Fraser Coast’s underwater playground comes above the surface from June to November each year, as 7000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica. This stretch of ocean is the whale watching capital of the world, so it’s no wonder Hervey Bay is now also the world’s first whale heritage area.
The best way to get up close with these graceful giants is with a tour guide; there are dozens of whale-watching operators in the area offering half and full day trips into the Bay. Head out on a whale watching adventure with Tasman Venture, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours and Hervey Bay Whale Watch. Want to swim with the whales? You can do so with Hervey Bay Dive Centre. Or visit the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere in the morning and enjoy a half day whale watching tour in the afternoon.
Read up on everything you need to know about how to experience the whales up close.
Visit the world’s largest sand island
There's more than a few reasons why World-Heritage listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is a natural paradise. As the world’s largest sand island, this World Heritage listed wonder offers endless white sand beaches, freshwater lakes and tropical rainforests, and is home to native wildlife like dingoes and goannas.
There’s accommodation on the island from wild camping to resorts, but you can see the main sights in an action-packed day trip from Hervey Bay. Get there by jet ski, or on a scenic flight. To see all the island’s main attractions in one day – from 75 mile beach to Lake McKenzie and SS Maheno shipwreck - you’ll need to join a tour or take your own 4WD (a 20 minute drive to River Heads, then approximately 50 minutes on the ferry).
Head out for the day in a Hummer with Fraser Experience Tours; spend a full day exploring the island’s west coast plus kayak and snorkel; take a half day Beach and BBQ Cruise; or explore with an eco-friendly sail on Blue Dolphin.
Turn the pages of history
Photo by @flagomax
Just 32km from Hervey Bay, Maryborough is one historic town worth exploring. From its heritage buildings, Queenslander-style houses and literary roots, you’ll find enough adventures here to last a while. But as a day trip from Hervey bay, make sure you check out the historic sites and character-filled spots that pay tribute to Mary Poppins in her birthplace.
Visit the life-sized statue in front of the building where author P L Travers was born, then check out town hall to see characters etched on the brick plinths and footpath. Meander through the historic pub trail, take a two-hour historical scenic tour, or head to Thursday’s Maryborough Markets and nibble on farm fresh produce while you wander the stalls and chat to locals.
Explore the vibrant Mural Trail which tells stories of Maryborough’s past, then check out contemporary exhibition space Gatakers Artspace. Or delve into the region’s military history with a visit to the Military and Colonial Museum, the Amistice Memorial and the Fraser Coast Military Trail.
Reel in fresh catch
Photo by @freakingoutkayaktours
Beyond its natural beauty and the gentle giants beneath the surface, the waters of the Fraser Coast are a fishing mecca. And there’s plenty of places to cast a line if you’re willing to take a day trip from Hervey Bay (there’s also a few great spots in town, too).
You’re spoiled for choice here. Freaking Out Kayak Tours offers three hour kayak fishing along Beelbu Creek at Toogoom, while Hervey Bay Fly and Sport Fishing are one of the best fishing operators around, known for targeting baby marlin in just two metres of water. Otherwise, hire a boat and go your own way. If you make it to K'gari, read up on this guide to tailor fishing.
Spy something smaller
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for smaller creatures while you’re on the Fraser Coast. The area is a haven for bird watching, from the bay to K'gari and the hinterland.
Over 100 bird species have been identified in the Dolphin Waters area of Burrum Heads and Kingfisher Bay on K'gari. Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens in Urangan offers easy walking tracks for bird watching, or head to Arkarra Lagoons in Dundowran to look for waterbirds, mistletoe birds, reed warblers and fairy wrens. Maryborough’s Fay Smith Wetlands offers 4ha of land for abundant bird life, while if you’re lucky you’ll find black-breasted button quails AND koalas at Teddington Weir.
Discover a hinterland haven
Photo by @jewelszee
When you’re done with sinking your toes into the sand, head behind the peaceful bays to the Fraser Coast Hinterland. You’ll discover quaint country towns that are punctuated with top-notch restaurants, wineries and rolling landscapes.
Drive from Hervey Bay to Walligan on the Torbanlea-Pialba Road, and drop in to Australiana Cottage Crafts to find local art and all things handmade. Swap shops for something different: the unexpected serene Bambooland Nursery and Parklands at Torbanlea. You’ll be dwarfed by stands of giant bamboo as you wander. On the return drive, visit heritage-listed residence Brooklyn House in Howard, and then pull into a local hotel for a counter lunch.
Taste rural charm
Photo by @jeremysomphoto
If it’s local Fraser Coast history you are looking for, you can’t miss a day trip from Hervey Bay to Tiaro. This tiny town is only a 60km drive away, and began its life in 1867 when settled as a stopping point for transporting gold from Gympie to Maryborough.
Soak up history, learn at the Visitors Centre, stop for a bite at old-fashioned The Hideaway which was established in 1881, grab a coffee from Retro Espresso or find new one-of-a-kind pieces at Hippy Garage.
Find the secret rock pools
Photo by @rnrwanderers
A short hike through Mount Walsh National Park will lead you to utopia, literally.
Only Fraser Coast locals know about Utopia Rock Pools, about an hour’s drive west of Maryborough. Best visited for a swim after good rainfall, the little-known swimming holes are surrounded by bushland, and you’ll need to hike 1.5km each way from the car park to find them. Once you do, you won’t want to leave.
On the way back to Hervey Bay, stop at the Early Settlers Museum at Brooweena (open on the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 10am – 3pm). The museum provides a fascinating glimpse of the region’s history with lots of memorabilia.
