11 of the best sun-drenched things to do in Hervey Bay

The best things to do in Hervey Bay blend dazzling coastal beauty with laidback exploration and a thriving cultural scene.

My shoulders instantly drop. Steering into Hervey Bay’s famed Esplanade, I’m struck by how serene and uncluttered the Fraser Coast beach town remains. It’s the whale watching capital of the world these days, yet it’s peak season and I don’t feel the hype as I crawl along the long, flat Pialba Beach.

Over the next few days, I discover that the largest city on the Fraser Coast, with a population of around 65,000, is, thankfully, still filled with the same charms I fell in love with during a childhood school holiday. Spanning chilled out beaches, picture-perfect gardens, underrated artistic talents and proximity to bucket-list island day tripping, the best things to do in Hervey Bay continue to enchant. Here, the best of the best.

In short

If you’ve only got time for one thing to do in Hervey Bay, make it an offshore expedition. This place is brimming with such sensational marine life (not just whales) and sits so close to K’gari that it’d be a shame to miss out.

1. Stroll along the Hervey Bay Esplanade

riding an Aquavue Surrey Bike along the Hervey Bay Esplanade — Hire a Surrey Bike and wander the scenic esplanade. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Wherever you land on the Hervey Bay Esplanade, which stretches roughly 15 kilometres between Point Vernon and Urangan, calm ocean vistas instantly quieten the mind. The views are vast, and the track itself is large enough for walkers and bikes to coexist without drama. Bench seats and picnic tables pop up along the way to encourage an even slower pace, while a playground catering to children with access needs and the Wetside Water Park, a seasonal splash zone, is on hand to delight all ages.

2. Go whale watching

humpback whales swimming in Hervey Bay — See migrating humpback whales off Hervey Bay. (Image: Visit Fraser Coast)

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hervey Bay without some whale watching. In October 2019, this town was named the world’s first Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance – a tribute to Hervey Bay’s commitment to conservation and unwavering protection of the magnificent mammals.

Humpbacks call in to Hervey Bay’s warm and sheltered waters between June and November annually, where many of them rest including new mothers nursing their calves. Take your pick from large cruisers or smaller sailing catamarans, with the more popular tour companies including Blue Dolphin Marine Tours , Salty Safaris and Spirit of Hervey Bay .

Read about the experience Australian Traveller’s Emily Murphy had on board an amazing Hervey Bay Dive Centre tour, which lets you swim alongside whales.

3. Explore the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens

a kids' playground at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens — Let the kids loose at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens playground. (Image: Glenn Morris)

Pack a picnic and make for the sprawling Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens , established in 1974. There are multiple spaces to explore, spanning a bush tucker garden, wetlands and rainforest but the standout is its Orchid House, home to more than 5,000 of the delicate beauties. It runs two seasonal displays: one from February to April and another from August to October. Other standouts include a very Zen Chinese-inspired garden, created to honour Hervey Bay’s relationship with its sister city of Leshan in China, and a nature play garden for kids.

4. Be inspired by the Maryborough Mural Project

walking past The Maryborough Mural Project — The street art tells quirky and poignant stories of Maryborough’s colourful past. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s not strictly Hervey Bay, but the Fraser Coast’s other most sizable city, Maryborough (a 25-minute drive away), houses an outdoor gallery that merits a slight detour. The Maryborough Mural Projec t launched in 2015 and now counts 39 works in total. Expect vivid odes to the region’s historical roots in the way of walls splashed with local flora and fauna depictions and even cartoons that chronicle past events. Does it get any better than soaking up creative genius out in the fresh air? I don’t think so.

5. Lose yourself at Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum

While we’re talking all things historical, the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum offers a portal into Hervey Bay’s yesteryear. Wander more than 20 historical buildings and at least 12,000 artefacts to help throw a microscope over the entire region. Sundays are the best days to visit as volunteers dressed in period clothing demonstrate long-forgotten crafts like blacksmithing horseshoes or using a lathe to make a wooden goblet.

6. Kick back at Hervey Bay’s best beaches

a woman heading down the Torquay Beach, Hervey Bay — Get sun-kissed at Torquay Beach. (Image: As We Wander (Luke & Jess)/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hervey Bay is home to a whopping 13 kilometres of beachfront, accessible via walkways and cycling paths. Water conditions are calm due to offshore protection by K’gari (more on that spectacular gem further below), so it’s a family-friendly hang wherever you drop and flop. Torquay Beach, right in the thick of the city, is one of the best picks, as is Pialba Beach (thank you, free parking) and Urangan Beach, home to one of the longest piers in the country.

7. Comb the weekend markets

the Urangan Pier on Hervey Bay — Go shopping at Urangan Pier on Wednesdays & Saturdays. (Image: Sabrina Lauriston/Tourism and Events Queensland)

BYO reusable shopping bags because there’s a slew of weekend markets to discover both in and around Hervey Bay. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, Urangan’s Pier Park hosts Markets at the Pier which bustles with live music, artists purveying their work, kids’ activities and every imaginable stall temptation.

On the first, third and fifth Sunday of each month, the Nikenbah Markets offers up arts and crafts, fresh produce and sweet treats.

For an always vibey mainstay, don’t miss the Torquay Beachside Markets , too, staged every Saturday in Torquay’s Bill Fraser Park. It’s a magnet for local artisans who always impress while the waterfront setting is plain delightful.

8. Take a day trip to K’gari

a scenic flight from Air Fraser Island — Take in the beauty of K’gari on a scenic flight with Air Fraser Island. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Given Hervey Bay’s proximity to K’gari, consider dropping into the island paradise for a day visit. Operators like K’gari Explorer Tours offer full-day outings to the isle, or you could view its beauty from above with a scenic flight from Air Fraser Island or a chopper thanks to Experience Hervey Bay .

9. Listen to live music by the sand

cocktails at sunset, Enzo’s On the Beach, Hervey Bay — Enzo’s On the Beach is an idyllic spot for sunset drinks. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Even Hervey Bay’s watering holes take in this place’s spectacular surroundings. Enzo’s On the Beach is a restaurant and bar you must experience, and not only for its holiday-mode energy. Live music is staged every Sunday, luring locals and visitors without ever packing the place too much. The vibe is chilled, the cocktails are both creative and classic, and there’s a kids’ menu that spans breakfast and lunch. A stunning spot to watch the sun sink, as doors stay open late (past 5pm) from Thursday to Sunday.

10. Meet the residents at Reefworld Aquarium

Home to a collection of marine creatures, Reefworld Aquarium isn’t just a child-friendly place to fuel their fun. The Hervey Bay institution cares for the little (and not-so-little) animals it homes, providing sand-filtered water and natural sunlight to ensure they thrive. Expect to see tropical fish to reflect every shade of the rainbow plus green sea turtles, larger reef fishes, sharks and more.

11. Urangan Pier

Drop a line or simply wander its staggering length – the Urangan Pier goes for almost one kilometre across Hervey Bay’s crystal-clear waters. If you go the full distance, you’ll be rewarded with schools of fish at the end, or perhaps the odd dolphin or stingray. A quintessential Hervey Bay selfie spot, no matter how many times you stroll it.

Discover the best Hervey Bay accommodation for your stay

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.