Hervey Bay Destination-Information Listings

Fraser Coast South Burnett Region

The Fraser Coast South Burnett region is rich in diversity and natural beauty. Discover the beauty of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows from sand. Australia's whale watching capital from July to November, Hervey Bay also offers 20 kilometres of sweeping golden beaches and a beautiful, safe aquatic playground. Rich in history and culture, Maryborough is one of Queensland's oldest and largest provincial cities. Maryborough was a major immigration port into Australia and the city retains many reminders of this period. Dotted along the mainland of the Great Sandy Strait lie the seaside townships of Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay, Tinnanbar, Poona, Tuan, Boonooroo and Maaroom. Providing a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, the Great Sandy Strait offers holidaymakers a great place to 'take time out'. Inland from Maryborough is the South Burnett region, an area rich in history, agriculture, wineries and welcoming country towns. The town of Kingaroy is arguably the most well-known of the South Burnett towns, which include Kilkivan, Goomeri, Murgon, Cherbourg, Wondai, Nanango, Yarraman and Blackbutt. The majestic Bunya Mountains are also located nearby and provide a lush backdrop for the South Burnett Valley. The Fraser Coast South Burnett enjoys and warm mild climate year round. Casual, lightweight clothing is generally recommended. Something a little warmer may be needed for winter evenings on the coast and the winter months do become a little chilly in the inland areas and up on the Bunya Mountains. Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen lotion are essential for all outdoor activities, especially fishing, swimming and bush walking.

Nikenbah

Nikenbah, at Hervey Bay, is best known for its very good markets which are scheduled on the first and third Sundays of each month. Items for sale at these popular markets include arts and crafts, fresh produce, trash and treasure, cakes and jams and much more. Come early to score a bargain. You could even pick up man's best friend whilst shopping, as the market stands are set up near an animal refuge.

Pialba

The first attempt to create a central business district for Hervey Bay was at Pialba. It is the original part of the city and business enterprises were established, but no wit shares commerce with the Boat Harbour Drive business sector. It's also home of the local university campus. There's a library and an art gallery too. Check out the original post office and also the railway station, both of which have been retained, although the former no longer hosts rolling stock. Freedom Park houses the region's war memorial. You may have noticed that Hervey Bay has strong connections with caravan enthusiasts, and this is clearly evidenced by the number of caravan parks strategically located along Hervey Bay's beachfront. Pialba is just one of them. Just out from the caravan park is one of a number of coral reefs in the region. This one features some really vibrant coloured coral.

Point Vernon

South Sea Islanders originally settled the area which is now known as Point Vernon in Hervey Bay. They were known as Kanakas and were 'blackbirded' (captured and sent to Queensland to work the sugar cane plantations). The Polsen Cemetery and a monument are reminders today of the tragic role they played in Queensland history. That sets the scene historically. Today there are more pleasant reminders, such as the turtle hatchery, fishing at Gatakers Bay (also home of a delightful restaurant set right on the coast, in a plant nursery). Just off the shoreline is a coral reef, popular with those who fancy a spot of snorkelling. An osprey family offers thanks to the local council for the construction of a tower for nestings. It is here where the 13 kilometres walking/cycling/wheelchair waterfront track starts, ending up at the southern beach community of Urangan. The local council has constructed a walkway and converted a former railway line into The Links Corridor. This is slightly inland, and is a sealed walking/wheelchair/cycling track, part of a 10 year development plan. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, one of many in the seaside city, with free barbies at selected spots along the coastal walkway.

River Heads

Located 15 minutes from Hervey Bay, River Heads is a major departure point for vehicles to Fraser Island and has magnificent views of Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Strait and the Mary River estuary. The boat ramp is suitable for launching a large range of craft and there is ample car & trailer parking available. Rock fishing at the point will give you a good opportunity to land yourself an impressive catch as well as giving you the chance to admire the dolphins, turtles and dugongs which frequently pass by.

Scarness

Between Pialba and Torquay is the site of the original Hervey Bay holiday centre. In those early days, anyone looking for a bayside holiday headed towards Scarness. This was where the term 'the caravan capital of Australia' came about. That term no longer applies, even though the Bay does still offer pretty good holiday park facilities and right beside the beach too. Facilities include top picnic areas with barbecues. Scarness is home to the Maryborough Sailing Club, and the lads and lasses from Maryborough take to the water en masse particularly between September and April. There is also boat access. Not to mention wheelchair access too. Wheelchair access includes floating wheelchairs. One of the first museums in the district was set up in this community. They call it the History Museum, although aren't most museums history orientated? Culture with a capital 'C' is also experienced in these parts. There's almost constant use of the Z Pack Theatre, when local amateur thespians hit the boards.

Torquay

The stretch of road which hugs the Torquay coastline has quite an array of restaurants. Whilst there are plenty of restaurants throughout the Hervey Bay area, it is Torquay which has the greatest proliferation. Torquay has one of the best beaches in the bay city. It's also home of the Hervey Bay Sailing Club, and between September and April, the boys and girls are out with their playthings catching every wisp of a breeze. What a picture! If anyone suggests you go visit Bill Frazer Park, and if you have any younger members of the family with you, follow their advice. It is a park created especially for kids. Along the beachfront at Torquay there are plenty of barbecues, picnic spots and also boat access.

Urangan

Sure, Hervey Bay is renowned for its great long stretches of beaches, 40 kilometres in fact. There's boat access points, picnic and barbecue areas, and of course easy access to Fraser Island. Urangan features all of these attributes, plus some surprises. There is a wonderful marina, at the eastern end of the Bay. This is the departure point for whale watching tours and ferries to Fraser Island as well as a very long pier, measuring just under a kilometre. It is ideal for a brisk pre-breakfast walk. Slightly inland, just up from Kondari Resort, is one of the 10 best botanic gardens in the State. This is the Great Sandy Region Botanic Garden. It features a landscaped garden area, plus a relatively raw (natural) walking area along with an orchid house. The latter opens at 10.00am. At the end of the Esplanade, south of the marina, are the remains of an Aboriginal fish trap. It isn't in pristine condition, but its 'bones' can still be identified. The Urangan markets are popular. These are held on the sencond, fourth (and if five weekends) fifth Sunday of each month. Historically, it was in this area where Matthew Flinders proved that Fraser Island was just that, an island, separated from the mainland by a bay. There is a memorial to Flinders.