Hervey Bay, Australia has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world, and it has amazing natural attractions all over the city. With crystal clear waters and a gorgeous bay, there are plenty of fun things to do in Hervey Bay, even if you’re just passing through or you’re looking for some family activities to keep everyone happy and busy. Here are fun things to do in Hervey Bay that your whole family will enjoy:
TRAVEL TIP: Hervey Bay has a lot to offer, so be sure your belongings are safe. Look at mindmybag.com and the many Hervey Bay areas where they offer luggage storage.
- Visit the Wetside Water Park
- Visit Reefworld Aquarium and Shark Swim
- Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
- Visit Hervey Botanic Gardens
- Shop at Pier Park Community Markets
- Great Sandy Straits Marina
- Visit Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
- Visit Dundowran Beach
- Enjoy Pizza at Bay Plaza
- Have a Meal at Bayaroma Cafe
- Visit Urangan Pier
- Visit Jump Park
- Torquay Beach
- Big Screen Cinema
- Fraser Island
- Visit Botanic Gardens
- Visit Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Gold Coast Sea World
- Wetside Water Park
- Visit Busselton Wine Region
- Visit the Arkarra Lagoon
- Visit the Coffin Rock Provincial Park
- Visit the Cape Hillsborough National Park
- Relax on the Deck at Hervey Bay Boat Club
- Visit the Stop Off to See Nala
- Visit the Hervey Bay Maritime Museum
- Explore the Hervey Bay CBD on a Bike
- Dayman Park In Urangan
- Cafe Balaena
Visit the Wetside Water Park
We have somewhere for visitors and locals to come together with something as simple as a water park. You can drive to Wetside Water Park, or you can stroll or bike along Point Vernon Promenade for spectacular coastal views.
The park has everything from action-packed speed slides and body slides to more relaxed, family-friendly rides like the lazy river and mega-blob, which are suitable for all ages. There’s also an arcade and market stall where you can buy souvenirs and take home an awesome memory of your trip.
Wetside Water Park also has a bar and restaurant that serves great food at affordable prices. Bars and restaurants are available on the site, so you’re never far from a beverage, and food is available from the restaurant to take away.
Visit Reefworld Aquarium and Shark Swim
If you’re a children’s book lover, the Reefworld Aquarium and Shark Swim is a great place for kids to learn about our oceans and especially about all of the awesome sea life that lives within them. In addition to looking at the animals through glass walls, there are also touch tanks for kids that are too small to enter on their own. Sharks will be especially fascinated by this place – they have all kinds of awesome sharks from different locations around Australia.
Swimming with these ocean predators is an unforgettable experience that will leave you exhilarated and gasping for air. As part of the activity, you will be taken on a tour of the aquariums, where you will see over 30 different species of shark. Hervey Bay is one of the few places in Australia where exotic marine life can be seen, making this an extra special experience.
The restaurant opens for breakfast on Sundays, but it opens whenever because they focus on functions and weddings. If they have a wedding scheduled, they may not be available for lunch as they have to set up. Random. The modest Reefworld costs between $18 and $20 per adult in the off-season. Fraser, the esplanade eateries, and dundowrans tea gardens are must-sees. They’re good, and the lakes have a free wildlife walk with birds and turtles.
Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
The Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere is a fun place to spend the day as well. The sphere is an interactive museum that takes you close to native Australian animals and rare species from around the world. The sphere educates youngsters and adults about the Fraser Coast’s history, local flora and fauna, and faraway animals. Children can test their knowledge of Australia’s endangered species by answering interactive questions. The Discovery Sphere includes a fantastic cafe where you may eat before or after visiting. Touch the stars and see some of the universe’s wonders at Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere. In this interactive center, you will learn all about space in a clear and captivating fashion.
A day trip to Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere will give you an extraordinary opportunity to explore astronomy excitingly and innovatively. You’ll be able to see our planet from outer space as well as come face-to-face with some otherworldly creatures that live there.
Visit Hervey Botanic Gardens
The Hervey Botanic Gardens teach visitors about local flora and animals, conservation, and nature. There are palms, flowering trees, and other native vegetation you’ve probably never seen before, including fruit trees. The garden is small in size but is jam-packed with all kinds of exciting things to see and learn about.
Hervey Botanic Gardens are great for people of all ages, appealing to both children as well as adults alike. The gardens are just waiting for you to experience them to see why they’re considered one of the best places in Hervey Bay to visit.
If you have always longed for a winter wonderland full of snow, then Hervey Bay is your dream come true. You will find plenty of snow in Hervey Bay, but it is not quite carnival sized. Instead, this area is home to two of Australia’s largest ski resorts and some alpine-sounding places to warm up with a hot chocolate and some mulled wine on Christmas Day.
Shop at Pier Park Community Markets
Tucked away right in the center of Hervey Bay – Pier Park is a great place to escape to, full of shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Pier Park is one of the best areas to shop and dine around, but Pier Park Community Markets has something for everyone. On the first Sunday of each month, you’ll find a range of stalls selling local produce, from fresh produce and eggs to clothing stores and unique crafts. It’s a great way to support local businesses as well as meet some interesting new people who may have a great story for you about their stall or what they’re selling.
Hervey Bay’s shops have you covered with anywhere from fashion to surf gear, electrical goods, and even sporting goods. If you’re looking for some good value for money or something that is imported, then Hervey Bay has you covered. Pier Park Community Markets is just one of many unique shops in the area that will surely impress you and make sure you find some hidden gems, no matter what your taste is.
There are all kinds of restaurants and cafes to eat at as well all around Hervey Bay, covering a variety of cuisines, including Asian and Spanish. There are also popular chains like Hungry Jack, KFC, and Pizza Hut if you’re looking for a familiar meal or tasty treat.
Hervey Bay has also become known for its street art, hosting many exhibitions throughout the year. One of the best places to see this is in Hervey Bay’s Cultural Centre.
Hervey Bay boats aren’t simply for transporting tourists; they also provide lots of entertaining activities. All ages can fish with a guide or use free bait from town shops. You can snorkel with a mask and snorkel to see sea life or take an aquatic experience to learn about it and get protective gear.
On the first, third, and fifth Sundays of every month, the Nikenbah Markets are hosted at the Hervey Bay Animal Refuge. Arts and crafts, fresh food, trash and treasure, baked goods, preserves, and much more may be found at these bustling markets.
Great Sandy Straits Marina
If you want some great views of the coastline and want to cruise along the coast for a day, then Hervey Bay’s Great Sandy Straits Marina is the place for you. This marina has everything you’ll need for a fun day on the water, with over 40 boats to choose from, including fishing vessels, catamarans, and private yachts.
There are plenty of cruise options available, from deck tours to fishing expeditions and cruises out past Hervey Island. Hervey Bay has everything you’ll need for a fantastic experience like this within its port, so it’s sure to be one of your best days in Hervey Bay yet.
The Hervey Bay Great Sandy Straits Marina is open seven days a week for all kinds of different cruise experiences, and you can explore the local area at your leisure. With local pub food and day trips to Hervey Island, it’s sure to please you in many ways. Boats up to 24 meters (79 feet) can have the whole marina to themselves. The marina is situated right in the middle of Hervey Bay, overlooking the Great Sandy Straits, and it includes a barbeque area and swimming pontoon.
Visit Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
If you enjoy looking at beautiful art, then you’ll love Hervey Bay Regional Gallery. Here you will find a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and even glasswork as well as changing exhibits throughout the year. They have something for everyone, no matter your age or taste in art.
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is one of many places to visit in Hervey Bay that is perfect for a family day out or if you’re looking for a fun day out with friends. Don’t miss the next exhibition so you can experience the works of art yourself.
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is home to some great artists from around the area. They are always holding new exhibitions and events to celebrate the different kinds of art from around Hervey Bay as well as from other countries.
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery also has a culture club for locals with community events for everyone, including kids, adults, families, and even special needs, so there’s something for everyone. Their street sculpture is also a great tourist attraction – it’s a huge sculpture made up of pieces of rubbish. It represents the amount of rubbish washed up on beautiful beaches each day and is intended to shock people into action regarding the impact we have on our local environment.
Visit Dundowran Beach
Dundowran Beach has located just 1 km (0.6 mi) from Hervey Bay and is one of the most popular beaches in the area for those wanting to experience some great sand and surf. The beach has some great water toys, including two dining areas, a large grassy area for picnics and BBQs as well as showers and toilets that are open year-round.
Dundowran Beach is also home to the Hervey Bay Outdoor Markets, which offers local produce from clothing boutiques to fresh fish and shellfish. This market is open every Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The beautiful sand and surf are lapped by the surrounding seas as gentle waves lap against a barrage of bright blue. The water is crystal clear and inviting, just waiting for you to swim in it. The sun is shining overhead in its glory, so bright that the beach feels like an oasis of warmth where you can retreat from all your worries.
Enjoy Pizza at Bay Plaza
Bay Plaza is located on the Esplanade in Hervey Bay and is known as one of the most popular spots to get some food and drinks in Hervey Bay. They have a huge range of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches along with daily specials that you can enjoy while looking across at the beautiful sea view.
Bay Plaza has become one of Hervey Bay’s top restaurants, loved by all and visited by many. They have great business hours, so if you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat after a long day at work or sightseeing around Hervey Bay, this is the place for you.
Bay Plaza also has a huge range of choices for desserts and drinks, including coffee, tea, wine, beer, and spirits. They also have a great range of ice cream and milkshakes to choose from.
Bay Plaza is an ideal spot for all-day breakfast, with opening times from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM every day of the week. It’s a great place to hang out in the evening with its cool atmosphere and awesome beachside location.
Have a Meal at Bayaroma Cafe
Bayaroma Café is located on the Esplanade in Hervey Bay in the Cultural Centre. They are locals’ favorite restaurants, with outstanding quality and service. You can choose from a wide range of food and desserts so you can experience something new every day, but you’ll have to try some of their favorites too.
The menu includes an array of specialized Japanese dishes with authentic Japanese flavors. Other local favorites include the Sheer Delight Cheese Cake, which has a lot of customers raving about it. This is what you should try when you’re there if you haven’t already!
They also have a great range of drinks and wine available, as well as delicious soy lattes and espresso-based coffees.
Bayaroma Café has some great business hours, so you can visit them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re open from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM every day of the week which is great as it means you have a variety of choices depending on when you feel like going out for a meal.
Bayaroma Café is conveniently located in the Hervey Bay Cultural Centre, so it’s easy to find and there are plenty of places to park nearby. You can also get there by bus, bike or on foot, so it’s really easy to get around town.
Visit Urangan Pier
Urangan Pier is located on the Esplanade in Urangan, north of Hervey Bay. It’s a great place to visit because it offers some awesome views of Hervey Bay as well as some historical significance.
Urangan Pier is a very popular destination for fishing and water sports. The pier saw its first Bikini Swim around 1992 and has had many more since then. There are currently plans to resurface the pier, which will make it even better for fishing and other activities.
Urangan Pier is a very popular place for locals and tourists alike, so there’s always something going on there, especially during the peak season from December to April. It’s also a great spot for viewing dolphins and other wildlife.
The pier is located on the Esplanade in the center of Urangan, so it’s easy for people to get there by car, bike, or on foot.
There are plenty of places to park nearby, especially around the Cultural Centre where Urangan Pier is located. It’s a popular place to grab a bite to eat at The Pier Café, which is located at Urangan Pier, so you can enjoy some food as well as view some beautiful views of Hervey Bay.
The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants, so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
Visit Jump Park
Jump Park is located at the eastern end of the Esplanade in Urangan, north of Hervey Bay. It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys some action, as you can try out trampolines and other crazy inflatables for a good time! You can also have some fun on the inflatable obstacle course or just enjoy a slide to take you back down to earth after having some fun in the air.
Jump Park is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. It’s a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just on your own if you’re looking for some fun activities to do. You can also bring along some food and drinks with you if you want.
Jump Park is a convenient location as it’s close to the heart of Urangan and only a few hundred meters from the Esplanade. It’s also pretty easy to find as it’s located right next to the Tourism and Visitor Information Centre, which is called Jump Park.
Jump Park is only a short walk away from the Esplanade, and there are plenty of places to park nearby. It is the place for anyone looking for some crazy fun with friends or family in Hervey Bay.
Torquay Beach
Torquay Beach runs 4km from Northcliffe to the Mullion River Mouth along the Esplanade. You’ll find something new if you go for a walk and investigate the region.
Torquay Beach is also very popular with surfers, as it offers some of the best surfing conditions in Hervey Bay. The waves are perfect for any surfer who wants to have some fun out there, whether it be on her own or with friends or family. It’s also a great place to view the wildlife in Hervey Bay, as you can see dolphins and other marine life right at the beach.
Torquay Beach is only a short walk away from the Esplanade, so it’s easy to get there if you want to take a walk or go surfing. It’s also close to many eateries, so you can enjoy some food while you’re out there as well.
Torquay Beach is very popular with locals and tourists alike so it’s easy to find something happening if you’re looking for something fun to do in Hervey Bay. You can book out the whole beach if you’re looking for a unique experience, or just enjoy it by yourself if you want to relax.
Torquay Beach is close to many other attractions and activities so it’s easy to keep yourself busy while you’re there. You can also go shopping at the local markets like the Muttonbird Jetty Market, which is only a short walk from Torquay Beach.
Torquay Beach has many different eateries and cafés so you can sample something new every day if you’re looking for somewhere new to try something different. It’s also a great place to enjoy some ice cream or any other local delicacies.
Torquay Front Beach is a sheltered cove with calm waves for swimming and vast grassy areas for picnics and BBQs. The town center beach has bathrooms, change rooms, BBQs, water fountains, playgrounds, and more.
Big Screen Cinema
The Hervey Bay Big Screen Cinema is located at The Esplanade in the heart of the town. It’s a great place to visit because you can take in some of your favourite movies on the big screen right in the middle of Hervey Bay!
The Big Screen Cinema has two sessions every day, one at 10:00 AM and another at 8:00 PM, as well as a midnight session on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Big Screen Cinema is near Hervey Bay and Torquay Beach. It’s easy to find because it’s next to The Big Screen Cinema.
The Big Screen Cinema is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
It’s easy to get there by car, bike, or foot because there are several parking spots nearby. The Esplanade includes several cafes and restaurants, so you may find somewhere new to try with friends or family.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island is located off the coast of Hervey Bay, approximately 90 minutes north of Maryborough. It’s a great place to visit for anyone who’s looking for an adventure and some gorgeous scenery as you’ll find both of those things there.
It’s one of the most famous and largest sand islands in the world, as it’s 2,480 square kilometres in size. Fraser Island is also home to some incredible wildlife including 4,500 wallabies and koalas.
Fraser Island is a terrific destination to visit with family and friends. Bucasia Beach, accessible only by boat or 4WD, is great for sand surfing. You can also rent surfboards and embark on a surfing safari.
The 4WD adventure is one of the best things to do on Fraser Island as you can see all sorts of wildlife up close including whales, dolphins, kangaroos, and more as you drive around the island.
Known as one of Australia’s top wilderness destinations, Fraser Island is home to unspoiled beaches, towering old-growth forests, pristine freshwater lakes, and a wide variety of species, including the island’s most well-known inhabitant, the dingo.
Visit Botanic Gardens
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is located in Scarness on the western side of the bay. It’s a great place for anyone who likes flowers and plants.
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is open every day from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, so it’s a great place to visit throughout the year.
It’s a short walk from the Esplanade, and there are plenty of parking spots nearby. The Esplanade includes several cafes and restaurants, so you may easily discover something new to try.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit because they offer many activities throughout the year as well as some beautiful flowers and plant gardens. There is also a café so you can taste something new whenever you’re out there.
Part of this park is designated as an off-leash dog run, making it a fantastic place to take your pet for some exercise. A portion of the park is off-limits to canines. There are many off-leash dog parks in the City of Gold Coast.
Visit Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Gold Coast Sea World
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Gold Coast Sea World are located in Southport, approximately 1 hour north of Hervey Bay. It’s one of the best places in Australia to visit if you’re looking for beautiful aquatic displays or to see amazing sea creatures.
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Sea World are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During certain seasons of the year, the Gold Coast Sea Life Sanctuary hosts activities and special events with local marine specialists.
Plenty of parking is close, so guests can get there by car, bike, or foot. The Esplanade includes several cafes and restaurants, so you can easily locate somewhere to eat with friends or family.
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is Australia’s largest and has several activities. It’s easy to get there by car, bike, or foot, and there are many places to dine.
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Wetside Water Park
The WetSide water park is located at Torquay on the southern side of the bay. It’s a great place to visit for anyone who loves big rides and splashy fun!
WetSide is open every day from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM so it’s a great place to visit throughout the year.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
The WetSide water park is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Visit Busselton Wine Region
Busselton’s wine area produces sparkling and red wines 1 hour south of Hervey Bay. Busselton is 30 minutes away by car, or you may take the S-Train from Hervey Bay’s south side.
The region includes around 450 hectares of vineyards and produces wines from a variety of varieties. Busselton’s wine history can be learned in private tasting rooms.
Busselton has many great cafes and restaurants along the town’s main streets so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike, or on foot. There is also parking available nearby if needed. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks while you’re out there.
Visit the Arkarra Lagoon
The Arkarra Lagoon is located south of Hervey Bay and is around a 1 – 2 hour drive away. It’s a great place for anyone who loves wildlife. The lagoon has some beautiful wildlife including water birds, frogs, fish, and more.
The Arkarra Lagoon is open every day from sunrise to sunset so it’s a great place to visit throughout the year.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
The Arkarra Lagoon is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Visit the Coffin Rock Provincial Park
Coffin Rock Provincial Park is located south of Hervey Bay and offers many opportunities for fishing and boating along the coast. The park has a unique rock formation that has been described as a coffin suspended over the water, giving the name Coffin Rock to the whole area.
Coffin Rock Provincial Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset so it’s a great place to visit throughout the year.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
Coffin Rock Provincial Park is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Visit the Cape Hillsborough National Park
The Cape Hillsborough National Park is an approximately 1-hour drive from Hervey Bay. It’s a beautiful place to visit for anyone who loves wildlife, bushwalking, and waterfalls.
The Cape Hillsborough National Park has many walking trails that are wheelchair accessible and new nature-friendly facilities that help people of all ages learn more about the environment they are exploring while they enjoy nature at its finest.
Cape Hillsborough National Park is a great place to go for a walk with friends and family during the day, or even at night so you can see some of the amazing wildlife up close.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
Rainforest, eucalypt woodland, beaches, hoop pine-covered rocky headlands, and volcanic rock formations all makeup Cape Hillsborough National Park’s wild beauty. Vacationers can pitch tents and go on hikes through the bush. The area is adjacent to a marine park.
Relax on the Deck at Hervey Bay Boat Club
The Hervey Bay Boat Club is a great place to visit for anyone who loves boats and yachts. The club hosts many activities including sailing lessons, sunset cruises, crabbing trips, skippered excursions, and more. You can also hire boats or join in on the fun at Sunset Yacht Cruises or the Dolphin Watch Eco Cruise.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
The Hervey Bay Boat Club is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Visit the Stop Off to See Nala
Nala is an elephant that lives at the David Fleay Wildlife Park. The park is a great place to visit with friends and family either by yourself or as part of a tour. You can go on a driving safari, have a walk in the forest, meet some of the wildlife or even see some shows.
There are plenty of places to park nearby if you want to go there by car, bike, or on foot. The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
The Hervey Bay Zoo is a great place to visit with friends and family, or even just by yourself if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Hervey Bay.
Visit the Hervey Bay Maritime Museum
The Hervey Bay Maritime Museum is a great place for anyone who loves boats and yachts. The museum has many objects on display including models of boats and yachts, charts, navigational gear, and other maritime-related items.
The Esplanade includes several cafes and restaurants, so you may find somewhere new to try with friends or family.
The Hervey Bay Maritime Museum is a fun site to visit with friends, family, or by yourself.
Explore the Hervey Bay CBD on a Bike
Bicycles are perfect for exploring the city of Hervey Bay whether it’s part of a bike tour or going by yourself. We have plenty of places to park near the city so it’s really easy to explore on your bike.
The Esplanade has many great cafes and restaurants so you can easily find somewhere with something different to try if you’re looking for some food and drinks with friends or family.
There are plenty of places to park in the city so it’s really easy for people to get there by car, bike or on foot.
Hervey Bay is an amazing city with so much to see and do. There’s something for everyone in Australia’s top holiday destination. You can swim, surf, or scuba dive in the Great Sandy Straits, walk down the Esplanade to admire boats and yachts, or visit our wildlife parks to witness endangered animals.
Dayman Park In Urangan
Weddings can be hosted at this park. Grilling areas, picnic tables, and kid-friendly playsets are all available.
Because of the abundance of exciting activities available, this location is ideal for taking advantage of Hervey Bay’s pleasant climate and bonding with loved ones.
Cafe Balaena
Restaurant-goers in Hervey Bay often choose to dine at Cafe Balaena. It may be found on Buccaneer Drive. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with the family by eating dinner while taking in the view of the lake.
Those who have eaten at the cafe boast about the quality of the food, and after sampling a few items, you will understand why. The most popular items on the menu are steak, carol trout, scallops, eggs Benedict, and coffee.