Hervey Bay may seem like a quiet seaside town but it has plenty to offer. Here are some of the different activities and places to check out while you’re there.
1. Urangan Pier
This historic pier is the longest to grace the coastline of Hervey Bay. At around a kilometre long the pier extends out into the channel and is a popular spot for fishermen. There is an assortment of wildlife that can be spotted both in the skies and water around the pier.
2. The Botanic Gardens and Orchid House
In Urangan, off Elizabeth Street, the Botanic Gardens and Orchid House can be found. The extensive gardens sport a variety of bushland and crafted gardens, and also includes the tranquility of a large pond.
The pond is home to a variety of wildlife including ducks, ibis and turtles. As are the grounds.
The gardens are free to wander through and are open daily. The Orchid House is open Monday to Friday from 9am-2.30pm and sports a wide variety of orchids.
The gardens have many picnic areas and tables for people to use to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
3. Arkarra Lagoons and Wetland Reserve
The Arkarra Lagoons are a mixture of natural and man-made wetlands located in Dundowran Beach. It does not take long to wander through the paths of the wetlands, however it is a great spot to enjoy the natural. beauty of the wetlands.
The wildlife is plentiful in the area with a wide variety of bird life present, roosting bats, native bees and turtles to name a few.
Once you have enjoyed the wetland paths the cafe is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee, or glass of wine and enjoy it in one of the huts.
4. Reef World Aquarium
The aquarium is located on the foreshore of Urangan. This is an interesting spot to visit for a morning where you can see a large variety of fish. There is evena ‘touch tank’ where you can get a little closer to some of the starfish. The aquarium is also home to three Green Sea Turtles (who unfortunately are deemed un-releasable) who you are allowed to feed at certain times of the day.
Reef World is open from 9.30am-4.30pm and for an adult was $22 and child is $12.
5. Walk the Esplanade
The Esplanade runs around 14km from one end (Point Vernon) of Hervey Bay’s foreshore to the other (Urangan). The boardwalk is well maintained, flat and a popular place to take a stroll, ride a bike or exercise.
Winding along the beach, the walk passes through sections of bush and parks, and opens up to the beach in other sections. Along here are plenty of benches and tables to stop and take in the view.
Facilities for barbecuing are easily accessible. There are numerous public restrooms, exercise equipment that can be accessed and playgrounds.
6. Spend time at the beach
The beach is a great spot to swim, play and relax. The waters are calm and great for paddle-boarding, swimming and other water activities. There are places along the esplanade where watercraft can be hired.
It is also a great place to take in the sunrise or sunset as well as look out for dolphins.
7. Go whale watching
Undoubtedly one of the aspects that Hervey Bay is most well-known for is it’s status as a migration highway for whales, in fact it is a recognised World Heritage site for it. In the winter months from July-November the whales return to the warm waters around K’gari to teach the youngsters , “how to whale”.
To witness the incredible sight of humpback whales breaching, waving fins and tails, and blowing large spouts of water there are many tours which offer the chance to go out on the water and get a bit closer. This sight can also be seen off the coast of K’gari for those who watch the waters closely.
Dolphins , sharks and turtles can also be seen in the waters around Hervey Bay.
Humpback whales breaching.
8. Check out some of the restaurants and bars
There are plenty of bars and restaurants the span the length of the Esplanade. There is something for everyone. Check out our other page for further details.
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