Attractions

While Hervey Bay is world famous as both Australia’s premier whale watching destination and the gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, you’ll soon discover there is far more to see and do in Hervey Bay.

As one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, Hervey Bay is a young, dynamic city with all the facilities that visitors may require. Despite the rapid growth in population and development, it has retained the relaxed, laidback lifestyle that visitors and residents have come to love.

With kilometres of unspoilt beaches and calm waters safe for swimming all year round, Hervey Bay is a great family holiday location, romantic getaway or escape from the chills of the southern winter.

Hervey Bay’s foreshore is fringed with parkland and about 15km of paved pedestrian /cycle paths. Running parallel to the foreshore, The Link Corridor also provides a safe walking and bike path from Pialba to Urangan. Bicycle hire is available and, for those who may have mobility problems but want to explore the great outdoors, it is possible to hire mobility scooters.

The iconic Urangan Pier is a landmark as you explore the Bay. Built in 1917 for ships to take locally grown sugar as well as coal from the nearby Burrum coal fields and to deliver fuel, the Urangan Pier was originally over a kilometre in length. As road transport took over from shipping, maintenance costs and safety issues resulted in approximately one third of the Pier being removed. Now 868 metres long, Urangan Pier is a popular spot for fishing, strolling and watching the spectacular sunsets and sunrises over the Bay.

World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Known to the traditional Butchulla people as K’Gari, meaning paradise, Fraser Island is a must see for all visitors to Hervey Bay. With towering rainforests growing from the sand, pristine lakes and an amazing variety of flora and fauna, Fraser Island’s landscape is truly unique. Accessible from Hervey Bay by passenger and vehicular ferry, light plane or helicopter, a one, two or three day trip to Fraser Island will be a highlight of your trip.

From the end of July until early November, Hervey Bay is a favourite stopping off spot for humpback whales. These majestic mammals have a few days rest and recreation in the sheltered waters of the Bay as they complete the return leg of their annual migration from the cold waters of the Antarctic to the Great Barrier Reef. Hervey Bay’s fleet of specially designed whale watch vessels provide the perfect vantage point to get up close and personal with about 40 tonne of humpback whale. Sunrise, half day or full day tours are available.

Located at the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is accessible by air from Hervey Bay. A coral cay with a sheltered lagoon, Lady Elliot is a world class snorkelling and diving location. It is also an important sea bird and turtle nesting site. The 40-minute flight from Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot is very scenic.

Golden Sands Motor Inn has a Tour Booking Office and will arrange for you to be collected and dropped off at the door when we book your Lady Elliot, Fraser Island or whale watching tour. Ask us for a map of the local area to help you plan your holiday activities.