Full Itinerary

Morning flights into Hervey Bay allow time for you to explore the local cafes and precincts along the esplanade. Hire a bicycle and ride along the dedicated pathway which meanders its way along 14 kilometres of seafront. Along the way are cafés and shops, playgrounds, parks with free electric barbecues, public toilets and more.

Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, or simply relax on the secluded, sheltered beaches. Eat lunch overlooking the calm waters of Hervey Bay while contemplating your next adventure.

For dinner, there is a huge range of cuisines and dining options available in Hervey Bay. Enjoy everything from takeaway on the beach, cafés and pubs, to fine dining and cocktails.

From July - October, book a whale-watching tour. Hervey Bay is Australia's Whale Watch capital, and the best place to experience the Humpback Whales up close. After an early breakfast, your chosen whale-watching experts will transfer you to the Great Sandy Strait Marina to board your vessel and begin what will be a life-changing experience for most. You are entering the Hervey Bay Whale Heritage Site where commercial operators abide by a strict set of guidelines covering whale watch operations.

Witness the up ‘close and personal’ behaviours of these amazing humpback whales that come into the calm waters of Hervey Bay to rest and to provide a chance for young whales to practice much-needed skills and develop strength for their ongoing journey back to the open waters of the Antarctic.

Outside of the whale season, or for an alternative to whale watching, take a day trip to Lady Elliot Island to snorkel on the most Southern section of the Great Barrier Reef and witness the spectacular corals and sea life right off the beach. Or take a day trip along the remote West Coast of Fraser Island which is a very popular excursion with time for snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or just relaxing on the beautiful white sandy beaches around Wathumba Creek.

Return to your accommodation and refresh before heading out for dinner or stay at the marina for an early dinner at one of the outlets overlooking the marina.

Get your land legs back with the adventure of a lifetime to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) where mysterious perched lakes, 60-metre hardwood trees and crystal-clear streams wait to amaze you.

Join Fraser Explorer Tours visiting some of the island's best sites such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and the wreck of the WW1 vessel Maheno, washed ashore in a storm in 1935.

If self-drive is your preference there is a great choice of specialist 4WD Hire companies to get yourself some wheels for your adventure. Driving on K'gari is an adventure in itself and requires training and advice provided by experienced hire operators.

Have a hearty breakfast overlooking the beautiful Hervey Bay at one of the many seaside cafes along the esplanade then take a short drive to the Heritage City of Maryborough with it’s streets lined with old Queenslander style houses and the amazing Portside Heritage precinct where echoes of the past linger in the beautifully preserved buildings.

Grab a Portside pass for entry to sites such as the Bond Store, Customs House and the Military Museum. Nearby is the newly renovated Story Bank inspired by Mary Poppins.

Walk in the footsteps of the ANZACS on a guided tour of the Gallipoli to Armistice Walk in Queens Park. Knowledgeable volunteers form the Military Museum may be booked to lead you along the walk which begins at the statue of local man Duncan Chapman who is reported to be the first Australian to set foot on the sand at Gallipoli. His statue stands in a circular pavement with the land craft behind and the cliffs of Gallipoli ahead.

Another icon in Maryborough is the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary which is a not for profit organisation providing sanctuary to a variety of animals including dingoes, reptiles, kangaroos, wallabies and birds.

If you have time prior to leaving, try to get a selfie with Nala, our amazing 12-metre whale sculpture made from wood and stainless steel. Nala is outside the Cultural Centre on the corner of Old Maryborough Road and Main Street.

Another site well worth a visit is the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum open from Friday to Sunday.