The 13 best things to do in Hervey Bay

Winter means whale watching season in Australia and there’s no better place to witness these gentle giants than in Hervey Bay, the world’s first Whale Heritage Site. This coastal town offers front-row seats to watch humpbacks migrating with their playful calves to the calm, protected waters around the bay. Your best bet for catching a glimpse of their tail-slapping, blowhole-spurting antics is between July and October, with Whalesong Cruises offering accessible, half-day tours every morning and afternoon during this period

Odyssey lives up to its name in every way possible, presenting a long, adventurous and flawless dining experience in the heart of Hervey Bay. The fate of your journey at this farm-to-table bistro is presented in a hand-sealed menu, featuring a three-course line-up that changes monthly based on the produce and proteins available from local suppliers. You can trace the origin of your freshly shucked oysters, fish crudo or triple cream brie, along with the perfectly paired drinks from local distilleries, breweries and wineries. Every dish and drink really is a love letter to the Fraser Coast region and its people.

Spanning 123 kilometres in length, the World Heritage-listed K’gari isn’t just the largest sand island on Earth, but sparkles with the fourth most crystal-clear waters in Oceania. The adventures are endless here, both on and off the water. You can climb ancient sand dunes, swim in crystalline lakes, trek through tropical rainforests, and spot humpback whales, plus the world’s purest colony of dingoes. Check out our ultimate guide on the best things to do on Fraser Island here.

When you’ve had enough of the sun, surf and sand, step into the cool embrace of Hervey Bay’s leading contemporary art gallery. Established in 1997, this destination gallery hosts national touring exhibitions alongside its own curated shows. Highlights include the Hervey Bay Art Society’s Annual Competitive Art Exhibition, which celebrated its 40th showcase in 2024, and the newly launched Regional Spotlight exhibition, which brings together painting, drawing, photography and sculptural works by artists from the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

Dubbed the ‘home of the manta ray’, Lady Elliot Island is one of the only places on Earth where you can swim with manta rays and turtles in their natural habitat. You can live your best Little Mermaid fantasy here, making friends with the island’s residents, including more than 1,200 species of marine life and up to 1,000 manta rays during peak season during peak season (May to July). Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, which you might spot from the sky or while swimming in the crystal-clear waters. You can even stay the night on the island’s award-winning eco-retreat that hosts up to 100 day guests and 150 overnight guests. 

Enzo’s is perhaps the most iconic spot in Hervey Bay to watch the sun dip below the bay – even better with a cocktail in hand and soulful tunes playing in the background. From sunrise to sunset, this buzzy bar serves up ice-cold sips, tapas and hearty mains, including classic fish and chips, king prawn gnocchi and a showstopping local seafood platter. Liven up the night with a Lychee Mojito, Elderflower Spritz or Virgin Bloody Mary, and soak up sounds from local musicians every Sunday afternoon.

If you’re eager to lap up the sunshine, strap on your sunnies and hit the Hervey Bay Esplanade. You can soak up stunning bay vistas as you walk, run or cycle along the flat 16-kilometre path, stretching from Urangan to the tip of Point Vernon. Along the way, refuel at one of Hervey Bay’s many charming cafés or cool off with a refreshing dip in the sea.

You don't have to sail to the Great Barrier Reef to catch sight of some colourful underwater scenery. Hervey Bay coral reefs are Australia’s only known mainland fringing coral reefs accessible within 50 metres of an urban shoreline. Torquay Reef is a particularly popular spot for pipe-breathers, where you can stroll right off the sand into a coral paradise teeming with stingrays, turtles, squid and fish in all colours and sizes. For the best conditions, snorkel an hour before or after low tide.

You’ll seriously wish you had wings after soaring high into the clouds on a scenic helicopter ride over the Fraser Coast. Whether it’s a hot lap of Hervey Bay, a round trip from coast to coast, or a grand island exploration, you’ll be rewarded with the most mind-blowingly beautiful views you’ve ever seen from the sky. You can book a helicopter tour with husband-and-wife team, Nathan and Aimee, of Great Ocean Helicopters. 

Whether you’ve called the Fraser Coast home all your life or are visiting for the first time, a Djinang Cultural Walking Tour with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours offers an enriching experience like no other. Led by a local Butchulla guide, you’ll be “marked” with white ochre, symbolising your right of passage to visit sacred sites and gathering places on Country. Throughout the 90-minute experience, you’ll also taste bush tucker, learn about traditional medicines and hear the most beautiful Dreamtime stories of Hervey Bay. 

If ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ and ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ were the anthems of your childhood, a trip to The Story Bank is a must. This heritage-listed bank-turned-museum is the birthplace of Helen Lyndon Goff, better known as PL Travers, the author of the beloved Mary Poppins stories. You can step into the shoes of the world’s most famous nanny as you mingle with iconic characters and explore settings from Travers’ enchanting books. Each June, The Story Bank brings the magic to life with a full-day festival in Maryborough, featuring chimney sweeping, nanny races and a grand street parade.

A trip to the markets is a quintessential adventure when visiting any small Aussie town. When in Hervey Bay, you’ll want to check out the Urangan Markets at the Pier, which run every Saturday from 7am to noon. You can mix and mingle with the region’s most creative and talented artisans and makers, selling everything from jewellery and candles to arts, crafts and fashion. BYO shopping bag to carry home fresh produce and baked goodies, if you can resist the urge to eat them on the stop. 

The crown jewel of Hervey Bay’s seafood scene is Banksia, a modern Australian restaurant located in the heart of town on Charlton Esplanade. Feel the gentle sea breeze while dining alfresco and feasting on Fraser Coast prawns, Moreton Bay bug tail and Shark Bay scallops. Award-winning head chef Saul Collins also grills a mean steak, served with Banksia’s signature stuffed baked potatoes and your choice of sauce.