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

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.