List
By Kim Barnard
Just three hours north of Brisbane is a natural paradise that will have you feeling a world away from the relentless pull of fast-paced city living. Home to the world’s largest sand island and the world’s first whale heritage area, the Fraser Coast doesn’t fall short of incredible scenery and natural experiences the whole family will enjoy.
Whether you’re heading to the Fraser Coast for school holidays or you’re a local, there’s always something new to see and do. This list covers the best things to do with kids on the Fraser Coast in all the different hotspots—from strolling through beautiful bushland and swimming in crystal-clear waters to getting a history lesson and meeting local wildlife.
Wetside Water Park, Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast. Photo by @tasmanholidayparksaus
The kids will be pulling your arm when they see the Wetside Water Park on your journey through the esplanade. This ‘infotainment’ attraction features water slides, a water play area, board rider and fountain light show (at 7pm), all wrapped up with some important information on water sustainability to get their minds ticking. When hunger strikes, take a seat at the fish and chip shop or Italian restaurant for a feed.
Note: Entry into WetSide is free however there is a cost for the Water Slides and Aqua Ninja.
For a relaxing day taking in gorgeous Queensland scenery, follow the 14km Hervey Bay Esplanade. Spanning from Urangan to Gatakers Bay, this lush pathway features an abundance of trees, crystal clear sparkling water and plenty of places to drop into; think piers, parks, picnic areas and playgrounds. Whether you walk or ride, you’ll feel rejuvenated by the stunning surroundings and unbeatable Queensland sunshine.
Have a go at reeling in Hervey Bay’s most sought after fish, whiting, at the historic Urangan Pier and adjacent beaches. Located at the eastern end of the esplanade, this pier is one of the longest in Australia—stretching out almost one kilometre into the ocean.
Fish not biting? Don’t worry. Head to the end of the pier and marvel at the stingrays and dolphins which often swim mere metres away.
Just 1.5 kilometres down the road from the pier is one of the world’s few all-natural aquariums—Reefworld Aquarium. Here you can marvel at the magical underwater world through sand-filtered sea water and natural sunlight, meeting green sea turtles, colourful tropical fish, sharks, tubeworms, crabs and much more.
Arkarra is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of many ducks’, so you can expect to see a plethora of these semi-aquatic creatures roaming around the water. Ducks aren’t the only residents at Arkarra Lagoon however; there's over 170 species of birds, goannas, echidnas, wallabies, turtles, eels and fish. Walk along any of the signed tracks for a serene nature experience before dining at the onsite cafe where locally roasted coffee and teas are on the menu - with 'spiders' and milkshakes for the kids.
If you’ve ever wanted to see whales up close, Hervey Bay is the place for you. Between July and October each year you can witness these giant sea creatures migrating through the warm, calm waters. Taking to the water on a guided tour is the best way to guarantee a close encounter; check out this guide to see which one suits your family best.
Give the kids a taste of the olden days at Hervey Bay Historical Village. With over 27 historical buildings bursting with exhibits from the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay region, the kids will have an educational lesson without even realising it. Some of the exhibits include a slab cottage built in 1898, railway station, church, and a fully equipped blacksmith shop.
Susan River Homestead, Mary Valley, Fraser Coast. Photo by @susan_river_homestead
You could easily spend an entire holiday at this stunning 1660-acre property, but if you’ve only got a day that’s ok too. Opened in 1978, Susan River Homestead is a destination where relaxation and unique activities collide i including horse riding. Anyone over the age of five can hop on one of the homestead’s resident horses for a trail ride (ponies are perfect for the little ones) and trot through the gorgeous terrain.
If a relaxing day with good food and good views is on your to-do list, venture to Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens for the perfect dose of both. Pick a shady spot by the lagoon and watch the kids spot resident fish, dragonflies, ducks and turtles. Then take a stroll through the beautiful bushland, formal gardens and wetlands to experience a smorgasbord of ecosystems. And don’t leave without exploring the Orchid House and its rainbow palette of petals.
Head out on a tour with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours to connect with the Great Sandy Straits and First Nations, Butchulla people. Take the Turtle Discovery tour or if your crew is still going hard at dusk, try the Milbi Sunset Cruise from the Marina. Or stay on dry land and try the Djinang Cultural Walking Tour around Hervey Bay. Either way, you'll leave with a greater understanding of local dreamtime stories, delivered directly by Butchulla People.
The calm, pristine waters of Hervey Bay are perfect for learning watersports. Kite surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking are all very popular in the region, so why not give them a go and really feel like a local. Or simply swim at one of the many calm beaches from Scarness to Torquay and through to Urangan beach. No surf means more time for floating and sand castle construction.
Another exciting thing to do with kids on the Fraser Coast is visit the birthplace of the author of Mary Poppins. Maryborough is filled with historical streetscapes where you can learn about Pamela Travers and her upbringing. Step inside the heritage-listed Story Bank where she was born in 1899, take a photo with the life-sized statue of the famous nanny, go on an interactive trail with a surprise around every corner, and visit the iconic Town Hall Green.
K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is home to the purest strain of dingo remaining in Australia, but you don’t have to visit the island to see them up close.
The not-for-profit Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many dingos, including an albino. There are also kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, snakes and other critters to say hello to.
Every Thursday the Mary Ann Steam Engine—a replica of the first steam engine built in Queensland in 1873—chugs her guests around Maryborough’s Queens Park.
Cleverly aligned with the Maryborough Markets, you can have a full-day outing by dining at a local café and browsing the stalls of local produce, hand-made crafts, artwork and other unique goods.
A 45-minute ferry ride from Hervey Bay will take you to one of Queensland’s Heritage-listed natural wonderlands. With ancient rainforests, freshwater lakes and impressive sand formations, K'gari has every kind of nature on show.
If your family likes roughing it, pack your camping gear and head off grid. For families who prefer a bed and four walls, Kingfisher Bay Resort has all the modern conveniences you’re looking for. Whichever you choose, the epic list of things to do remains the same; take a 4×4 drive through the incredible rainforest, witness a piece of Australian history at the Maheno shipwreck, explore Eli Creek and Lake McKenzie, and spot dingos along the way.
Discover this family-friendly guide to K'gari to plan your trip.
Want to explore the wonder of K'gari in your own unique way? Set sail from Hervey Bay and make the western waters of K'gari your playground for a few days.
How? Fraser Island Boat Charters is your ticket to aquatic adventure, with a fleet of four sailing catamarans available. Choose between captaining your own bareboat holiday or a fully skippered charter, and get ready to experience hidden beaches, coves and endless beauty - an untouch side of the island few get to experience.
Exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef is one of the most wonderous things to do on the Fraser Coast. Lady Elliot Island, just a 30-minute flight from Hervey Bay, is the perfect launch pad to explore the animals and plants that call this marine ecosystem home.
Embarking on a fully-guided tour of the island is the best way to experience its wonders. This kid-friendly tour takes you snorkelling with the turtles in the shallow lagoon, spotting manta rays on a glass-bottom boat, and provides a buffet lunch to refuel between activities. Kids under 12 qualify for a discounted rate. Of course, you can also book a range of eco-friendly accommodation and stay a few days for the ultimate island experience - with a Reef Rangers program that will enthrall the kids.
What better way to soak in the breathtaking sites of the region than road tripping right through them. Starting at Hervey Bay and ending at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast (or vice versa), the Great Beach Drive will give you front-row seats to the iconic frothy surf and sandy shores of Great Sandy National Park. Get ready for jaw-dropping views out the window for every second of the 380-kilometre journey.
A bucket-list worthy thing to do with kids on the Fraser Coast is feeding wild dolphins. Head to Barnacles Dolphin Centre at Tin Can Bay, located near Great Sandy National Park, for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get up early for dolphin-feeding time (8am), which, at only $10 per person, is both an unforgettable and affordable experience to add to your itinerary.
You’ll be glad to know that the dolphin feeding is closely monitored by the Queensland Government via experienced volunteers, to ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable experience for both dolphins and humans.
Banksia Track, Burrum Coast National Park, Fraser Coast. Photo by @crushmag_au
North of Hervey Bay and Maryborough is a national park bursting with natural wonders. Spend your day exploring the mangrove-lined riverbanks, wildflowers and tea-tree dominated wetlands, eucalypt forests and secluded beaches. The kids will never run out of things to point out and talk about.
Making your way to the Fraser Coast? Starting planning with this guide, or discover how to spend an unforgettable seven days in Hervey Bay with the family.