Life's a breeze at Hervey Bay – the sun on your back, sand caressing your toes and the melodic orchestra of waves washing up upon the shore. Experience life at your own pace in Australia’s whale-watching capital with a swathe of outdoor entertainment options and seaside leisure the entire family will appreciate.
Uncover what makes Hervey Bay residents some of the happiest in the country as one of the fastest-growing regional cities across Australia. Home to the world’s first Whale Heritage Site and the gateway to the world’s largest sand island – become one with mother nature on this coastal adventure of a lifetime with your rental car from Hervey Bay Airport.
The majestic creatures and beaches of Hervey Bay
It’s whale country in Hervey Bay, with the sprawling tourist city playing host to a wealth of migrating Humpback whales seeking respite in the bay’s alluring sheltered waters just offshore. The coastal sanctuary provides the ultimate stopover for these majestic creatures on their 6000-kilometre journey to their breeding grounds at the Great Barrier Reef.
As veils of sunshine envelop the bay, schools of migratory whales are often seen reclining in the shallows. July through to November – Hervey Bay’s resplendent waters spring to life capturing the hearts of nature enthusiasts. Join a dedicated whale-watching tour for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim, dive or observe the whales at the most globally unique Humpback whale site in the world – departing from Urangan Boat Harbour.
A small city with a big lure, Hervey Bay is brimming with treasures with none more special than its wonderful array of world-class beaches. Experience the soft velvety sands of Torquay Beach to stinger-free reef snorkelling at Scarness Beach. Popular beachfront living at Pialba Beach Tourist Park or cast a line at fishing hotspot – Dundowran Beach.
From land to sea, uncover the best of both worlds with a scenic stroll along Hervey Bay’s iconic Esplanade walkway. A stunning sensorial experience, the popular waterfront walkway stretches 16 kilometres from the Urangan Pier to Gatakers Bay, featuring sparkling ocean vistas from the city’s seemingly endless assembly line of premier beaches. As day turns to dusk, watch the city transform – a sea of colour illuminating the night sky. Spy the Hervey Bay sunset from the ultimate vantage point, 850 metres into the ocean on the historic Urangan Pier.
Looking to fill your trip with more awe? Visit the highly decorated Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum; dive along the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef; bask in a sunset cruise through the bay or enjoy a lovely day trip in your rental car to one of Queensland’s oldest towns – Maryborough.
Gateway to the World's Largest Sand Island – Fraser Island
Queensland is truly blessed with a bounty of breathtaking natural wonders. Just a quick 15-minute drive from Hervey Bay Airport to River Heads is the ferry departure point to the world’s largest sand island – Fraser Island.
Park your Hertz rental car at the pier and aboard the ferry to a slice of paradise. Witness the peace and serenity the second you grace the island’s sandy shores. Explore Fraser island’s untamed coastline and depth of natural marvels. Uncover a wealth of enchanting scenery varying from archaic rainforests to soaring sand dunes, island shipwrecks to fresh crystalline lakes. Bathe in the pellucid waters of Lake McKenzie; spy the island’s diverse wildlife; scale the rainforest boardwalk to Wanggoolba Creek; examine the eerie remains of the Maheno Shipwreck; or hike to Indian Head & Champagne Pools.
There’s plenty that awaits at Hervey Bay and it's ready to fuel your love for nature and adventure. Just book your Hertz rental car and let’s go!