Explore from the coast to country with these Fraser Coast road trips

Introduce the kids to the best of Fraser Coast and the Bay in five days of adventure, where you still have time to take it slow.

Begin in Maryborough, where you’ll step into the story books on the interactive and art filled Magical Mary Trail, a tribute to local author P.L. Travers and her masterpiece Mary Poppins – there’s plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Then, venture into the countryside to Susan River Homestead: so much more than accommodation, there’s horse-riding, a swimming pool and private lake with jetskiing, wakeboarding and tubing available.

From here it’s full steam ahead to Hervey Bay, where calm beaches, water parks, the Reefworld Aquarium and K'gari day trips await. Stay at the central Ingenia Holiday Park for these two action-packed days, then make your way to Toogoom where seaside serenity meets country charm. This is your chance to explore the trails of Vernon State Forest on foot or mountain bike, and lakeside fun at Trinity Islands Holiday Park. 

2. Cast a line at the best fishing spots

Tackle the top fishing spots on a Fraser Coast road trip that covers 122km but delivers big on fishing diversity and opportunity to bag prized catch, whether you’re an experienced angler or total novice.

Kick off in peaceful Poona, one of the many fishing and camping villages dotted along the Great Sandy Strait. This calm, boat-friendly anglers’ paradise is where you’ll find mangrove jack, barramundi, flathead and bream at the creek-mouths.

Wind your way north to the fishing mecca of Hervey Bay, where there’s spots to throw a line in from land and water. Famous Urangan Pier is a great platform to fish for garfish, whiting and flathead in the shallows, or look to the outer channel for larger catch like tuna, trevally and queenfish. If you’re going it alone, stop in at Fisho’s Tackle World for supplies and local advice, otherwise book a fishing charter with the experts: Hervey Bay Sportfishing is a local favourite, while KEKOA is known for liveaboard marlin fishing. Base yourself at Pialba Beachfront Tourist Park while you’re in town.  

Finally, head out of town to Burrum Heads – home of the Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic – where there’s great fishing year-round from the beach, rock walls, river and offshore. Check into Trinity Islands Holiday Park, and be sure to drop a line and have a picnic at Lenthalls Dam.

For extra adventures, travel on to K'gari where you can stay in seaside cabins and go tailor fishing.

3. Soak up history on the Pioneers and Diggers Trail

Step back in time and explore the Fraser Coast hinterland’s cultural and military history.

Begin by enjoying the best of Hervey Bay, from a cultural walk by the water with an Indigenous guide to understanding early settler life at Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum. Tonight, taste your way around the town’s best seafood and settle in at Oaks Resort and Spa for evening.

The next day, head to the heritage city of Maryborough, which was one of the country’s largest river ports at the end of the 19th Century. Best discovered on foot, wander the Guided Heritage Walk and Mural Trail to learn the stories of the city’s past, and pay a visit to the Bond Store, historical port warehouse turned creative hub, Gatakers Artspace, and the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. Grab dinner at iconic local pub, Carriers Arms, then stay the night here.

On your final morning, it’s time to head even further into the countryside, visiting towns like Brooweena, Tiaro and Bauple – from quirky museums to quaint main streets, it’s a beautiful insight into the Fraser Coast’s hinterland. 

4. Relax and revive your way from coast to country 

An itinerary for those who like time to stop and smell the roses, this Fraser Coast road trip covers just 70km over five days.

Your laidback journey begins at Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa, where you can balance down-time with strolls along the foreshore, world-class dining, jetski safaris and a day tour to K’Gari, the world’s largest sand island. Time your visit right and you can even spend a morning with migrating humpback whales on a whale watching tour (July – October).

Blink and you might miss the short 35km drive to Maryborough, but there’s so much to discover once you arrive, from the botanic gardens, bustling Maryborough Markets, heritage trails and art galleries. Dine by the Mary River, then experience a true slice of country life at Susan River Homestead Adventure Resort, where you can horse trail ride or stay overnight to soak up more country air.

Finish off your road trip discovering the rural charm of the hinterland, visiting Lychee Hill Estate, Barenuts Macadamia Farm, and other local makers and food providores.

5. Take the long way round on the Wide Bay Wanderer Trail

Prefer the path less travelled, with plenty of time to stop at places most visitors don’t even know about? Wind your way through the Wide Bay Wanderer Trail over five blissful days.

Hit the road for the country-charming Fraser Coast hinterland, feasting from macadamia farms, exploring small town museums, a picnic lunch on the Mary River and a beer from one of Queensland’s oldest pubs in Tiaro.

Historic port town Maryborough offers plenty to do, from heritage tours and Mary Poppins fun to public art and flower-filled parks. Then it’s time to discover enchanting bamboo gardens and old-fashioned pubs in Torbanlea.

Meet the coast and go fishing at Burrum Heads, then dive into Hervey Bay’s beauty on a sunset sail with Blue Dolphin Marine Tours.

From here, take the barge over to K’gari  to continue the adventure on one of our most wild and fascinating islands: its diversity has earnt it World Heritage status. 

6. Explore monuments and military history

Spend two – three days discovering the Fraser Coast’s past on the Monuments and Military History road trip. Covering just 160km, there’s so much time to delve into the region’s stories and appreciate its part in Australia’s wartime connections.

Begin in the rural town of Bauple and travel to the hinterland villages of Tiaro and Brooweena to explore military monuments before arriving in Maryborough. It’s here you can pay a visit to the Military and Colonial Museum, home to the largest collection of war artefacts outside of the Australian War Memorial in our nation’s capital, then wander through Queens Park.

Then it’s onward toward Hervey Bay, where you can feast on succulent seafood, take in ocean views, and tour the town – be sure to grab a beer or meal at Hervey Bay RSL while you’re here.

Ready to start planning? There’s an interactive road trip guide here to help you get from A to B, and everywhere in between.