Welcome to Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia and gateway to Fraser Island. Pick up your hire car at Hervey Bay Airport and explore this coastline of natural wonders.
Hervey Bay began life as a series of seaside villages, but the region’s enchanting beaches, warm weather, wildlife and natural beauty have assured its transformation into a city that supports a massive tourism industry. Today, you can enjoy top-notch restaurants, cafes and pubs in Hervey Bay and the surrounding area.
When its time to cool off, head to Hervey Bay’s free WetSide Water Park – there’s an array of slides and other water features that everyone can enjoy. It’s right on the foreshore so once you’ve had your fun you can relax on the beach, enjoy some seaside dining.
Hervey Bay is also known for its vibrant and regular markets – almost every weekend of the year there’s a craft market or farmer’s market to enjoy, full of amazing local produce and the unique handicrafts of the area. Spend a pleasant day wandering the stalls shopping and feasting on local delicacies.
Its also a world-famous place for whale watching – humpback whales migrate to this region every year between July and November, with the region often hosting as many as eight thousand whales during the season. You can see them from shore, or get closer on one of the many whale watching boat tours that go out of Hervey Bay. All are conducted under strict guidelines to ensure the continuing welfare of these magnificent creatures.
For even more close creature encounters, pay a visit to Reefworld Aquarium at nearby Urangan, a natural seawater aquarium that has been operating for more than thirty years. Here you can feed giant green sea turtles and large reef fish by hand, and there’s also an opportunity to swim with sharks for a truly unforgettable experience.
Mary Poppins fans won’t want to miss a visit to the nearby town of Maryborough, home to the Maryborough Heritage Centre, which happens to be the old bank building where the author, P.L. Travers was born in 1899. It now houses some great memorabilia and a statue of Mary Poppins out the front for all your selfie needs.
Hervey Bay, in addition to being an enviable tourist destination in tis own right is also a popular gateway to Fraser Island, one of the world’s largest sand islands and a World Heritage area. As one of the worlds most exciting 4WD destinations, you may want to choose one of our rugged 4WD options, ready for all of Fraser Island’s amazing sand roads, allowing you to fully explore this incredible place. Visitors can access Fraser Island from Hervey Bay by ferry and stay in one of Fraser Island’s many campgrounds. A hike through rainforests and eucalyptus woodland to dreamy sandy beaches is not to be missed; then there is the island’s latticework of more than 100 freshwater lakes, which are some of the cleanest in the world.
Whether it’s an exciting drive along the beach, a winding trek though the rainforest, a slide down sand dunes or a dip in a lake, Fraser Island offers a vast array of landscapes and experiences to enjoy – it is easy to see why it is one of the world’s most treasured destinations.
With your hire car giving you all the freedom and flexibility you desire, you’ll be able to explore all the wonders of Hervey bay with ease and in comfort.
