7 things to do these school holidays on the Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay just so happens to be one of the best whale watching destinations on earth. So much so, it became the first ever Whale Heritage Site. Visit during the season (roughly July - October) and take your pick from the incredible experiences on offer. 

Part of the Great Sandy Strait, the Fraser Coast is a great place for bird watching. Or, you could cruise the coast to spot pods of dolphins with Blue Dolphin Marine Tours. The tour takes four hours with morning tea provided and a chance to swim near one of the shallow sandbanks.

2. Giddy up!

Take an equestrian escape to Susan River Homestead Adventure Resort where you can horse ride on a 1600-acre property of pastures and bushland. Then, switch things up with water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing on the resort’s 17-acre lake.

3. Have a splash at the water park

Make sure you pack your bathers so you can enjoy WetSide Water Park on the Esplanade at Hervey Bay. The free eco-friendly playground was designed around water ‘infotainment’ everyone can get skilled up and learn about water and sustainable use. Don't worry kids, it's not school in disguise as this awesome water park has slides and a drop bucket, TotSide area for little ones under five and a FlipSide BoardRider wave machine.

Wetside Water Park is open September - April. 

4. Escape to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Jump in the 4WD for a family adventure to World Heritage Listed  K'gari. You can explore the highlights in a day if you jump on a tour - or go your own way and delve into its remote corners. If you do the latter, follow this guide to where to eat, stay and play. 

Fraser Island Adventure Tours is a family-favourite, but there are operators that offer overnight and multi-day island escapes too, with transport and camping covered. 

5. Enjoy spoonfuls of sugar

Explore the hometown of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers with a self-guided walking tour, focused on the famous singing nanny in Maryborough. Discover artworks, sculptures and displays around town, before venturing into The Story Bank - where the stories of Mary Poppins and local lore come to life. 

6. Reel ‘em in

The Fraser Coast isn't short on places to throw in a line - and many families will spend hours along Urangan Pier and nearby beaches: calm conditions make it great for kids learning the ropes.

Want to head out on a boat? There are local guides that offer half-day and full day charters. You’ll soon work through your fishing apprenticeship chasing popular species like trevally and queenfish. 

7. Charter your own floating hotel

Don't think you have to make your way to The Whitsundays to sail a luxury yacht through paradise. You can do it right here on the Fraser Coast too.

For a totally unique school holidays adventure, team up with Fraser Island Boat Charters on a bareboat or skippered sailing experience. Go for a day, or make the yacht your own hotel and spend a few nights exploring hidden spots around the Great Sandy Strait. There are four yachts in the fleet, ranging in size to suit a crews from 5 to 12 people.