Hervey Bay Adventure Guide Queensland

While many living in Australia’s southern states dream of a winter escape to Queensland, Hervey Bay adventures might not be on your radar. However, Explorer Kellie recently uncovered the charm of this coastal gem, revealing why it’s the perfect place to dodge the winter blues.

Living in Melbourne, the dream of escaping our harsh winters with a trip to warmer weather is a constant lure, but I’ll admit that Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast wasn’t on my radar until now.

Over a long weekend, this coastline, rich with a welcoming community and natural beauty, revealed itself as a hidden gem full of adventure. Whether for a long weekend or an extended stay, this lesser-known stretch of Queensland offers countless experiences waiting to be discovered.

Melbourne winter could never

Where is Hervey Bay?

Seeing photos of pristine beaches and turquoise waters, I assumed Hervey Bay was much further north, but to my surprise, it’s only 290km north of Brisbane.

With Jetstar recently launching direct flights from Melbourne to the Fraser Coast, I touched down to warmth and sunshine in just two hours and 25 minutes, making it a very accessible winter escape. If you prefer to travel by car, it’s a scenic 3.5 road trip from Brisbane.

Read more: 5 Easy Hiking Trails Near Brisbane for Beginners

Very serious about the water being turquoise

Whale Watching

Between mid-July and early October, the calm waters around Hervey Bay become a haven for Humpback whales on their journey north. Witnessing these giant creatures in their natural habitat is a bucket list experience for many, and for me, it was one I’d yet to tick off.

Arriving on the Fraser Coast just before the peak of whale season, I held little hope of seeing any, but my experience exceeded all expectations.

My first whale sighting left me awestruck by its sheer size and graceful movements. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from the sea, eagerly searching for more.

Managed to capture a dingo AND a whale splash! Hervey Bay adventure success!

My patience was rewarded with whales breaching, pecs flopping, and tails slapping so close, it felt like I could almost reach out and touch them.

Watching the whale migration isn’t limited to boat sightings, either. Driving along 75 Mile Beach on K’gari Island, I was in awe as at least 25 whales, including calves, swam close to the shoreline. Whalesong Cruises offers several tours with guaranteed Humpback whale sightings during the whale season.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to K’gari / Fraser Island Camping

K’gari Island Adventures

You may be more familiar with K’gari’s former name, Fraser Island, but in June 2023, it was officially renamed K’gari (pronounced ‘gurrie’), restoring its original name given by the Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people.

K’gari means ‘paradise’ in the Butchulla language and it’s a fitting name. The first thing that struck me upon arriving on the island was the vibrant birdsong – a symphony of calls from diverse species, creating a lively and beautiful soundtrack. The island boasts an incredible diversity of environments, including beaches, wetlands, and rainforests.

K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, is brimming with adventure and just a short 40-minute ride on the barge from Hervey Bay.

Paradise is here

4WDing along the beach is a must – just be mindful of the dingoes lounging in the sand!

Visit the iconic S.S. Maheno shipwreck, driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935, and enjoy floating in the fresh waters of Eli Creek. I highly recommend packing a picnic, visiting the sun-dappled Pile Valley rainforest in the island’s centre, and taking a refreshing dip in Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, famous for its pure, white silica sand and cool turquoise water, created solely by rainwater.

I experienced all this in one day with a Beauty Spots Tour operated by Kingfisher Bay Resort. They also offer two-day tours, and you can bring your own 4WD over by barge from the mainland, or hire one on the island.

For those eager to explore less populated areas, Tasman Ventures offers day trips on a luxury catamaran from the mainland, featuring snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, and bushwalking. Those after a bit of adrenaline are also offered tubing.

Kingfisher Bay Resort offers four-star eco accommodation. You can also rent holiday homes or camp at numerous sites to sleep under the stars.

Kayaking with Tasman Ventures

Discovering Lady Elliot Island

While K’gari often steals the spotlight on the Fraser Coast, Lady Elliot Island, a tiny 100-acre coral cay, found 130km north of Hervey Bay, is an absolute treasure just waiting to be discovered. Nicknamed ‘the home of the Manta ray,’ the island’s eco-resort offers the chance to swim with these gentle giants and over 1,200 other marine species.

Its rivals the Great Barrier Reef, plus it’s not affected by stinger season!

After zipping up my wetsuit, I eagerly joined a Master Reef Guide in a glass-bottom boat that took us to one of the snorkelling trails. The underwater life visible through the glass was mesmerising and built great anticipation.

Once I slipped on my snorkel and fins, I was in the water and immediately immersed in a vibrant aquatic world. Turtles glided gracefully by, reef sharks darted below, and schools of colourful fish swam all around me. The healthy, untouched coral added to the surreal beauty, and at one point, a turtle swam so close that I gently paddled backward to give it space.

As reef surrounds the island, the only way on and off is by a small aircraft, with flights from Hervey Bay taking a scenic 40 minutes.

Lady Elliot Eco Resort is the sole accommodation on the island, providing an incredible array of experiences for both day-trippers and overnight guests.

The island also offers scuba diving, fish feeding, kayaking, bird watching, and seasonal turtle treks. You can also circumnavigate the island in less than 45 minutes by joining a walking tour or opting for one of the self-guided walks.

Flying High on Adrenaline

There’s something uniquely profound about experiencing a destination from the air. Just as many argue that a trip to Uluru isn’t complete without seeing its iconic shape from the sky, or that the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking drops are best appreciated from a helicopter, the Fraser Coast also offers a different kind of magic from above.

I lifted off with Great Ocean Helicopters on another Hervey Bay adventure to witness turquoise waters shimmering in the sunlight. We soared over the coastline, with sandy shores stretching like a golden ribbon and the lush greenery of K’gari’s centre providing a stunning contrast.

Saying hey hey to Hervey Bay from the heli

Where to Eat on the Fraser Coast

If you’re up for a culinary adventure, there are plenty of choices.

In Hervey Bay, Odyssey Bistro offers a three-course meal with a mystery menu delivered in a wax-sealed envelope, while local seafood and steaks are the stars at Banksia Seafood and Grill.

K’gari Island’s, Kingfisher Bay Resort features multiple restaurants and bars, including Dune Restaurant, which offers a curated Asian fusion menu.

On Lady Elliot Island, the resort provides buffet and à la carte meals, available as part of both day trip and overnight packages.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

It’s time to throw your puffy jacket into the closet and pull out your shorts and thongs. From family vacations to luxury getaways, this region has something for every type of Explorer. Whether you’re looking to embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, enjoy a romantic island retreat, or build sandcastles with the kids, the Fraser Coast has it all.

The writer was a guest of Fraser Coast Tourism & Events and Jetstar Australia.

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