Hervey Bay
Only just over a three and a half hour’s drive north of Brisbane, the Fraser Coast has some of the best whale spotting in Australia. At Hervey Bay Marine National Park and the Great Sandy Strait, sandwiched between the coast and the islands, ample opportunity exists for you to spot dolphins, dugongs and a multitude of other marine life. Hervey Bay, where you can soak up the sun and sink your toes into the soft sand at safe swimming beaches, sheltered by Fraser Island. Walk the historic Urangan Pier or stroll the flat pathways of the beachfront esplanade, dotted with seaside cafes and picnic spots, while enjoying stunning views. Fraser Island has crystal clear lakes, stunning coastal vistas and plenty of places to explore within this World Heritage Listed Park.
Off the coast near Maryborough, this island is not only the largest sand island in the world, there are rainforests and valleys to visit. Lake Allom is surrounded by tall trees of the rainforest, while Lake McKenzie, another clear freshwater lake, has a crystal white sand beach surrounding it, backed by tall eucalypt trees. You can even hire a houseboat to explore the calm waters of the west side of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Strait. In fact, there are plenty of things to do for the whole family here, much of the region is unspoilt, with National Parks like the Great Sandy National Park, Mount Walsh NP and the Goodnight Scrub NP within easy reach.
Don't forget! Hervey Bay is renowned as the best place in Australia, if not the world, for whale watching encounters. If you're visiting us between July and November you can't miss out on this once in a lifetime experience.
