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

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) — Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events — See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events — Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week — Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup — See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville — See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .