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The best Hervey Bay accommodation for an unforgettable coastal getaway

From slow-going holiday parks to splashy resort living, the best Hervey Bay accommodation puts travellers right at home.

Steering my campervan into a holiday park a couple of blocks back from the sea, I’m reminded how luxuriously sleepy Hervey Bay is. A Fraser Coast town right off the Coral Sea, it feels secluded as I park under the shade of a eucalypt tree — but the place is fully booked.

That’s the thing about Hervey Bay accommodation. Reprieve from the rat race is always guaranteed as the town’s signature unhurried lifestyle sets the tone. Spanning camping and caravan parks, plus self-contained apartments, my favourite stays embrace Hervey Bay’s signature slow living while keeping you close to the best things to do. Let’s break them all down.

In short

If you can only pick one Hervey Bay accommodation offering, go for Oaks Hervey Bay. It offers the most luxurious rooms in town alongside ultra-contemporary amenities and a day spa.

Hotels

1. Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa

a huge outdoor pool at Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Take a refreshing dip in one of the two heated outdoor swimming pools. (Image: Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa)

The cream of the crop is Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa, just metres away from the sea. Two huge heated outdoor swimming pools dotted with deck chairs (and good shading) provide further swimming options while the Mineral Earth Wellness Spa is on hand to melt overworked limbs. Inside, however, is what I love the most — multi-bedroom self-contained stays filled with all the mod cons. Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments with spacious balconies, fully-equipped kitchens, separate laundries and wi-fi. There’s also a gym, and Urangan Pier, a Hervey Bay bucket list to-do, is a short stroll away.

Price: $$$

Address: 569-571 Esplanade, Urangan

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2. Mantra Hervey Bay

a spacious suite with a balcony with marina views at Mantra Hervey Bay
Book a stay right off the vibrant marina precinct. (Image: Mantra Hervey Bay)

Live a glam poolside life at Mantra Hervey Bay in the heart of Hervey Bay’s marina precinct. There’s a heated outdoor pool plus a kid-friendly one, as well as a stack of deck chairs and good shaded areas. The rooms are more basic than those at the Oaks, but configurations climb up to three bedrooms so it’s still a great option for groups. Some of them even feature two-person spa baths, so read the fine print when you’re booking online. There’s a gym, a sauna and barbecue facilities once you’re done hanging out at the marina’s bars and eateries.

Price: $$-$$$

Address: Buccaneer Dr, Urangan

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3. Akama Resort

an apartment stay with balcony at Akama Resort, Hervey Bay
Take in idyllic views of Great Sandy Strait from your balcony. (Image: Akama Resort)

Offering modern, airy and spacious apartments, Akana Resort is another slick serviced apartment option. Situated in the bustling marina precinct, the Hervey Bay accommodation can cater to groups of eight, treating you and your loved ones to beautiful views of Great Sandy Strait, the outdoor swimming pool or manicured gardens. Each apartment features a balcony off the lounge with bifold doors, making for dreamy al fresco dinners whipped up in a full-size kitchen.

Price: $$$

Address: 625 Esplanade, Urangan

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4. Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay

the pool at Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay
Soak in the warm heated lagoon pool. (Image: Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay)

Grand Mercure Allegra Hervey Bay is in a plum spot right on the Esplanade overlooking Shelly Beach. While a heated outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a sauna offer plenty of in-house play, the real standout at this Hervey Bay accommodation is the front-facing rooms that overlook the pool and the beach. Choose from one- or two-bedroom apartments that offer fast wi-fi, gourmet kitchens, undercover parking and contemporary interiors.

Price: $$$

Address: 468 Esplanade, Torquay

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5. Ramada by Wyndham Hervey Bay

Three self-contained apartment styles are available at the always comfortable Ramada by Wyndham Hervey Bay: studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom. The latter two feature full kitchens, laundries and balconies while the studio retains the balcony but ditches the kitchen and laundry. There’s an on-site restaurant, Smokey Joes Cafe, which stages live music in a casual pub setting, plus there’s a central swimming pool to dip into.

Price: $$$

Address: 627 Esplanade, Urangan

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6. The Bay Apartments

the bedroom at The Bay Apartments
Bed down at The Bay Apartments near the Esplanade.

Another Esplanade hot spot, The Bay Apartments offers one-, two- or three-bedroom stays with all the bells and whistles. Think a 25-metre heated swimming pool and a kids’ pool, a spa, a sauna, a gym and a barbecue area. Meanwhile, the rooms are fabulous, complete with large balconies, full kitchens and laundries. Go for the Outdoor Spa Apartment to level things up as they throw in a private outdoor hot tub.

Price: $$$

Address: 371 Esplanade, Hervey Bay

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Camping and caravan parks

7. Discovery Parks — Fraser Street, Hervey Bay

Exterior view of the Deluxe Safari Tent at Discovery Parks Hervey Bay Fraser Street
The Deluxe Safari Tents at Discovery Parks Hervey Bay offer lush waterfront views. (Image: Supplied)

If you successfully wrangled your entire tribe, Discovery Parks — Fraser Street, Hervey Bay is a dream group stay. Kind on the purse strings, the family-friendly pick is situated on eight acres of subtropical gardens, so the holiday vibes flow throughout its powered camping sites and cabins. My pick for instant memory-making is the Deluxe Safari Tent with lake views that sleeps up to four guests, but I also loved my powered concreted campsite right near the amenities block. When it’s time for fun, two swimming pools, a kids’ bouncing pillow, a tennis court and an activity room await.

Price: $-$$

Address: 20 Fraser St, Torquay

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8. Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

the living room and bedroom in Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay
This Hervey Bay accommodation offers a budget-friendly stay for families.

Have dog, must travel with them? The pet-friendly Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay is a stellar pick for fur parents thanks to several cabins and camp sites allowing four-legged pals. What might throw your plans out the window, however, is this Hervey Bay accommodation’s incredible Bel Air Retro Caravan, which sadly doesn’t allow pets. Straight out of Happy Days, the five-person van teleported from the 1950s with a pop art-decorated interior playing home to one double bed and one triple bunk. There’s even a kitchenette and shower in there, plus a private checkerboard-paved outdoor area with chairs crafted from old oil drums. Unlike anything else in Queensland, let alone Hervey Bay.

Price: $-$$

Address: 105 Truro St, Torquay

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Holiday homes and Airbnbs

9. Pantai Indah Cottage

outdoor chairs set around the bonfire at Pantai Indah Cottage, Hervey Bay
Gather around the outdoor fire pit. (Image: Pantai Indah Cottage)

Make cosy memories with up to five other people at Pantai Indah Cottage, a Hervey Bay Airbnb located in Urangan. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom stay is the stuff of group getaway dreams with its pool table, outdoor fire pit, barbecue and proximity to pretty Shelley Beach. The rooms are all comfortable with some featuring built-in wardrobes, while the kitchen features a dishwasher (a non-negotiable while on holiday with friends) and there’s also a laundry.

Price: $$

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10. Luxe by the Marina

a whitewashed bedroom at Luxe by the Marina, Hervey Bay
An Instagrammable accommodation straight out of your Pinterest feed. (Image: Luxe by the Marina)

For something special, Luxe by the Marina is a Hervey Bay accommodation pick straight out of your Pinterest scroll. Sleeping up to 10 guests across five bedrooms, the Hamptons-inspired pick has two entirely separate living rooms plus a kids’ games area and a mammoth backyard with an eight-seater dining table. All your creature comforts are included, including wall-mounted TVs, a walk-in pantry and a lock-up garage plus driveway space for five vehicles (and a boat, if you’re bringing yours). Deluxe and completely untarnished — you can tell it’s a super recent build.

Price: $$$$

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11. BreakFree Great Sandy Straits Hervey Bay

the pool and beach as seen from above, BreakFree Great Sandy Straits Hervey Bay
The waterfront resort offers direct beach access.

Heart set on beach days? BreakFree Great Sandy Straits Hervey Bay offers direct beach access so it’s worth serious consideration. Two outdoor swimming pools, two full-sized tennis courts, a barbecue area, a sauna and a games room are also calling once you’re done with sandy toed frolicking. You can also hire bikes to explore the rest of town, plus it’s within walking distance to the marina, but visitors take note: there’s no free wi-fi at this property.

Price: $$

Address: 17 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 unexpected experiences to have during a weekend in Moreton Bay

Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
    Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences. 

    Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it. 

    But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike. 

    It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park? 

    The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance. 

    1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 

    Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 
    Be sure to stop for oysters. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    You could make the argument that the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point is reason enough to spend a weekend in Moreton Bay. 

    What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches. 

    Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos. 

    2. Ocean View Estates 

    Ocean View Estates 
    Stop in for wine and grazing plates. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads. 

    Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation. 

    If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages. 

    3. Green Thumb Farm

    green thumb farm moreton bay
    Learn about (and taste) sustainable food growing practices at Green Thumb.

    Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community. 

    Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle. 

    To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets. 

    4. Redcliffe KiteFest

    Redcliffe annual KiteFest
    Watch the sky change colours during KiteFest.

    Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town. 

    Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more. 

    For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar. 

    5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet

    Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet
    Stay in one of the region’s most unique accommodations. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Under the shaded canopy of the Boombana section of D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find a lovingly restored 1920s Queensland Rail carriage and chalet

    The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks. 

    Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails. 

    6. Hip Hops Brewers

    Hip Hop Brewers
    Try tasty craft beer flavours at Hip Hop Brewers.

    Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.  

    Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery. 

    7. The Store of Requirement

    The Store of Requirement
    Step inside for a touch of magic. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class. 

    You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front. 

    8. Bee Gees Way

    bee gees way mural
    Find the groove on Bee Gees Way. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’. 

    Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way

    The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay. 

    Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits. 

    Trade the everyday for Moreton Bay, plan your weekend getaway now at visitmoretonbay.com.au.