Official Visitors Guide 2015
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Disclaimer: Fraser Coast Opportunities publish the Official Visitors Guide as a guide only. Maps are for general use only and not to scale. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, Fraser Coast Opportunities accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the information presented. Any specific prices and information are subject to change from the time of printing - please check directly with advertisers. Thank you to Tourism and Events Queensland and the many operators and advertisers who supplied editorial and images for this publication.
Where nature comes alive The Fraser Coast is world famous for some of the most interactive natural experiences on earth. The Fraser Coast is one of the few places you can experience three of the world’s most incredible natural experiences back to back, as well as enjoying a captivating mix of stunning beach retreats, historic streetscapes and hinterland hideaways. One day you can be staring into the eyes of a massive humpback whale as she swims up to play in the water around you. The next day, be dwarfed by ancient, gravity defying trees growing out of only sand as you explore the
lakes and coloured sand dunes of one of the most incredible islands on earth. A new day, and it’s another new iconic experience as you step off Lady Elliot Island to snorkel with giant manta rays and turtles among the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef. The Fraser Coast is truly where nature comes alive. It’s where you are guaranteed some of the world’s best natural attractions and can experience the ultimate nature-based holiday.
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Fraser Island
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Explore incomparable World Heritage listed Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world with towering rainforests, over 100 fresh water lakes, huge sand blows, rock pools and an amazing 75 mile beach highway.
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Whales and Wildlife Encounters
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Experience one of the world’s only immersive encounters with Humpback whales in Hervey Bay. Snorkel with manta rays, watch turtles hatch, spot dolphins and dugongs and discover rare bird species.
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Lady Elliot Island
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Uncover the wonders of the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef on Lady Elliot Island - an unrivalled reef experience.
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Special places, naturally amazing spaces...
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Nature’s Playground
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Experience eco-adventures and amazing aquatic action at Hervey Bay, a coastal delight with one of the most protected and stunning coastlines on the eastern seaboard.
Pelican Bank, Great Sandy Strait 4
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The Home of Australian Fishing
The Fraser Coast is arguably Australia’s best fishing destination. Catch a diverse variety of both warm and cool water species side by side and experience all types of fishing, from game and deep sea to beach and river fishing.
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Family Fun
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Get hands on with nature by visiting the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere and make lasting memories for the whole family.
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Coffee, Culture & Collectables
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Filled with living history and vintage style, Maryborough is one of Queensland’s oldest cities. Explore riverside parks and streets filled with colonial architecture, museums and galleries.
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Country Charms & Bush Adventures
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The Fraser Coast’s amazing hinterland is full of natural beauty, hotels from a bygone era, old mining villages and small towns oozing country charm.
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Dine...
With an emerging food scene featuring up and coming talented young chefs, the Fraser Coast dining experience is sure to excite.
Plus... Boating page 21, Maps page 26, Events page 34, Directory page 36, Travel Essentials page 51
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Fraser Island With its spectacular sand formations, natural beauty and exceptional eco-experiences, World Heritage listed Fraser Island is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Did you know? Fraser Island’s complex sand mass extends up to 500 metres below sea level and it is estimated that the combined sand mass above and below the island is more than can be found in the Sahara Desert!
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FRASER ISLAND
Fraser Island has the absolute best that one island can offer - cool ancient rainforests to walk through; over 100 freshwater lakes to swim in; huge sand blows to climb; cliffs of stunning coloured sands and an amazing 120km beach highway complete with a shipwreck to explore. Lying just south of the Great Barrier Reef and off the coast from Hervey Bay, Fraser is the world’s largest sand island stretching for 123 kms. It is the only place on earth where you can stand dwarfed by ancient rainforests which defy the laws of nature to grow to soaring heights out of nothing more than sand. The island has been built up by over 800,000 years of tidal action - the world’s largest and oldest dune building sequence.
Named K’gari (meaning paradise) Fraser Island was home to the Butchulla people who lived on the island for over 5,000 years.
The sands of Fraser Island provide the base for an incredible landscape of stunning freshwater lakes including pristine Lake McKenzie and spectacular Lake Wabby. Nature is alive with over 325 bird species plus wallabies, possums, turtles, flying foxes, echidnas and the famous Fraser Island dingo. From Indian Head and Waddy Point see whales playing in the ocean on the horizon and turtles, dolphins, manta rays and dugongs in the waves below. There are many ways to experience the island’s exceptional landscapes - take a self-drive getaway; join a guided tour; go on a camping safari or explore the island by foot on the Fraser Island Great Walk.
Explore the rainfores t.
Hanging out
at the rock po
ols!
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Did you know? You can float down the fast flowing Eli Creek as it pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour. Floating down Eli Creek.
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FRASER ISLAND
Exploring the SS Maheno on 75 Mile Beach.
Unforgettable Fraser Island Treasures: Central Station Home to a community of more than 100 people in the 1920s timber logging days, Central Station showcases its history along with several forest walks to peaceful Wanggoolba Creek and Basin Lake.
Lake McKenzie White sand and sparkling blue water - Lake McKenzie is one of the best known freshwater lakes and a popular swimming spot. To see one of the world’s rare dune lakes visit Lake Wabby.
OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ECO-ADVENTURES Fraser Island’s mirrored lakes, rebellious rainforests, mesmerising sand blows and historic icons are simply unforgettable.
The Cathedrals
Champagne Pools
The Butchulla people believed these iconic cliffs of coloured sands were permanently stained when the gods brushed up against them.
Swimmers flock to this location where waves crash over rocks lining sandy pools with a golden froth reminiscent of champagne bubbles.
Indian Head
75 Mile Beach
This distinctive rocky cliff is a natural grandstand for absorbing captivating views of crystal clear water painted with manta rays, dolphins and other marine life.
This spectacular stretch of beach running along the east side of Fraser Island is actually a national highway and an unique landing strip for light aircraft.
Eli Creek
Once renowned for the fastest trans-atlantic crossing and as a World War I hospital ship, the Maheno succumbed to a cyclone before wrecking on the shores of Fraser Island.
Pumping four million litres of water into the ocean every hour, Eli Creek is the largest freshwater creek along the east coast.
The ‘Maheno’ Shipwreck
Take a cruise to discover the untouched beauty of the western side of Fraser Island. Swim in the sparkling, pure waters of Lake McKenzie. Drive along Fraser’s amazing 75 Mile Beach highway, complete with the remarkable Maheno Shipwreck and cliffs of stunning coloured sands. Relax in the frothy bubbles of the Champagne Pools - naturally formed pools of volcanic rock. Climb the imposing Indian Head for breathtaking views. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Great Sandy Strait and Fraser Island with a scenic flight, and experience the thrill of a beach landing on famous 75 Mile Beach.
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Whales & Wildlife Few things compare with a breathtaking, close encounter with our planet’s fascinating marine wildlife. On the Fraser Coast, you can experience five of the world’s most iconic sea characters – from giant manta rays, turtles, dolphins and dugongs to our majestic humpback whales.
Did you know? Hervey Bay The shape of s of h the 123km combined wit rally forms a natu Fraser Island und calm playgro protected and es love. that the whal
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WHALES & WILDLIFE
From late July to early November set your course for Hervey Bay to come and experience the best up close and personal whale encounters in the world. So close you can almost touch the whale.
Is this close en
ough for you?
Humpback whales – guaranteed in Hervey Bay When it comes to awe-inspiring, up close interactions with humpback whales, there’s no place like Hervey Bay. The stunning intimacy of these gentle giants will truly take your breath away, leaving you with amazing memories and even better pictures. This is one of the few places in the world to now offer an immersive humpback whale experience. Twenty years of research has recently confirmed that the Fraser Coast is the only genuine stopover along the migration route where up to 10,000 whales deviate from their annual journey back to Antarctica. Unlike whale watching in the open ocean, where the whales simply pass by en route north or south, the whales stay for up to 10 days in Hervey Bay, using the time to rest, play and socialise. You can be certain that your whale watching experience in Hervey Bay is like nowhere else on the planet. Boats offering decks with 360 degree views, underwater viewing rooms, hydrophones to listen to the whales and underwater cameras on the whale tour vessels, ensure incredible, interactive whale encounters. Those who choose to immerse themselves into the whales’ world can be submerged in boom nets, tethered to a mermaid line or lowered on special platforms in the water allowing the whales to freely approach within arms reach. Hervey Bay is the only place where these spine-tingling, jaw-dropping, heartstirring encounters are guaranteed, so start planning your adventure now. visitfrasercoast.com
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Did you know? Hervey Bay is the only place in the world where you want to get ‘mugged’. This is what the whale watch operators call it when their boat is surrounded by these gentle giants.
Whale piggyback!
AWE-INSPIRING CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Watch in awe as these majestic mammals perform spectacular feats of aquatic acrobatics. Ninety-five percent of the whales return each year and the crews can identify and name some of their favourites. Learn about their different personalities from the experienced whale watch fleet. Get in early to enjoy adolescent whales entertain with high speed chasing, pectoral fin and tail fluke slapping, spy-hopping and breaching. Experience ‘people watching’ at its best as once protective mothers bring their calves right up to the boats to say hello.
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WHALES & WILDLIFE
Top Wildlife Encounters The gentle seas of the Fraser Coast are teeming with marine life – dolphins surf the bow waves of boats, dugongs graze on seagrass and turtles and manta rays glide effortlessly across the sandy banks.
Manta Rays
Dugongs
Coming face to face with the world’s largest ray, with a wing span of up to seven metres, is a thrilling underwater encounter you will never forget. Lady Elliot Island is known as the ‘Home of the Manta Ray’ and these graceful, giant kites of the sea can be seen feeding around the island throughout the year. Water visibility during May and June is exceptional and this is when the manta rays gather in large numbers.
Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait have one of the world’s largest populations of these beautiful, gentle sea mammals. Once thought to be mermaids, these sea cows are a wonderful sight to see munching on the seagrass beds and gracefully surfacing to breathe. You can often spot dugongs on a dolphin cruise and in the calm waters off the coastline of the Great Sandy Strait villages, or while snorkeling or diving off Hervey Bay.
Dolphins
Turtles
Sailing or kayaking on the ocean, or even from shore, you can spot up to three species of dolphins frolicking in the waters of the Fraser Coast. Join a dolphin cruise from Hervey Bay to watch these highly intelligent, friendly marine mammals at play in their natural environment. You might even spot a rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin - the region is one of the few places in the world where you can see these creatures up close.
Cruise or dive the waters of the Fraser Coast and you are almost guaranteed to encounter a graceful sea turtle. Six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are found here. The Loggerhead and Green sea turtles use our waters as their home base, while the Hawksbill, Flatback, Leatherback and Olive Ridley will travel up to 3,000 kms to nest in local waters. During summer, Green sea turtles lay and hatch eggs on Lady Elliot Island, providing the chance for captivating, up close encounters.
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There are untold ways to get up close and personal with the amazing wildlife on the Fraser Coast - from eye-balling majestic humpback whales to snorkelling with manta rays, watching turtles hatch and spotting rare bird species.
Nature’s Calendar
The Fraser Coast’s diverse natural environment is home to some of Australia’s most interesting and rare animals. January to April: Turtle hatching - Lady Elliot Island May to June: Best diving visibility - Lady Elliot Island July: Humpback whale sightings Hervey Bay November to February: Green and Loggerhead turtle nesting season - Lady Elliot Island November to December: Coral spawning - Lady Elliot Island 14
all year round... • See dolphins, dugongs, turtles, fish and coral - Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, Lady Elliot Island. • View over 350 species of birds along with wallabies, possums, dingoes, gliders and rare frogs - Fraser Island. • Look for some of Australia’s most endangered creatures, including the Mary River Turtle and the ancient lungfish - Mary River and Petrie Park, Tiaro. • Watch marine life from the top of Indian Head - Fraser Island.
Did you know? If your trip falls between November and March you could find yourself captivated by the Green sea turtles during egg laying and hatching.
WHALES & WILDLIFE
Start of the Great Barrier Reef Where else can uncovering the mystery of the Great Barrier Reef be as simple as stepping off the beach and into the ocean.
Lady Elliot Island Stunning visibility allows you to witness and interact with boundless varieties of marine life. In fact, the island is internationally recognised as having the best visibility on the Great Barrier Reef. The iridescent coral gardens surrounding this island are also considered some of the finest on the entire reef. The waters around Lady Elliot teem with marine life. Reef fish are joined by Loggerhead turtles, dolphins and a school of up to 40 resident manta rays that when swimming in unison create one of the most graceful spectacles you will ever encounter. Lady Elliot Island is now one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the entire Great Barrier Reef and is a magnet for bird watchers. The diverse corals on the reef surrounding Lady Elliot Island are in excellent condition. Divers can enjoy a wonderful mix of hard and soft corals including magnificent fan corals while diving on the island’s many bommies, wall dives and on the wreck of a schooner. The adventure starts with a 40 minute scenic flight from Hervey Bay over Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Strait to the reef. It is simply one of the most visually stunning flights you can experience. visitfrasercoast.com
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Nature’s Playground As the gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, access to the start of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s best whale watching encounters and 16 kilometres of picturesque beaches, Hervey Bay truly is nature’s playground.
Beachside dining.
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If you are searching for one of the best destinations to experience the fun, the beauty and the magic of the ocean then you’ll find it at Hervey Bay.
NATURE’S PLAYGROUND
Hervey Bay At the Bay, life is built around its white sandy beaches, sheltered waterways and stunning esplanade. This water lover’s paradise is made for swimming, fishing, water sports and fun activities on the beach no matter what the season. Dotted along the 16km Esplanade are alfresco cafés and restaurants, shops, parklands, picnic areas, playgrounds, piers and a vibrant marina - all with stunning views of the coastline and Fraser Island. Encounters with humpback whales, turtles, dolphins and dugongs can be found in the form of organised tours and chance encounters while out sailing or cruising on the water.
Pods of dolphins are often spotted playing off the shoreline or at the end of the Bay’s iconic Urangan Pier, where you can also see schools of fish and rays in the deep waters below. The wonderful Urangan Pier, which stretches almost a kilometre out to sea, is one of Australia’s oldest and longest piers. Do like the locals do and cast a line or wander along to the end and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Bay. Hervey Bay offers a range of accommodation options - from five star luxury to beachfront caravan and camping sites. Its splendid natural setting, accommodation and attractions combine to ensure the Bay offers something for everyone. It is the ideal family getaway, a wonderful romantic escape and an eco-adventure mecca for the young and young at heart.
Stand up paddle board.
HERVEY BAY ADVENTURE Discover the thrill of a jet ski tour to Fraser Island. Head out for a stand up paddle and explore the hidden coral reefs just off the beach. Kite surf the waters of Hervey Bay for an adrenalin rush like no other. Take in Fraser Island from a completely different angle as you jump into one of the most beautiful skydive locations in the world. Visit and stay at an African themed adventure park where you can abseil, kayak, canoe, ride mountain bikes and more. Experience Fraser Coast’s natural playground from a private chartered luxury catamaran.
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Fishing Three of Australia’s most iconic sports fish species – black marlin, golden trevally and barramundi – can all be found on the Fraser Coast - an angler’s dream.
Did you know?
Australian Fishing Championships!
The Fraser Coast is a world class destination that guarantees Australia’s most diverse fishing.
Adding weight to our claim of being the nation’s best fishing destination, the Fraser Coast will be the home of the Australian Fishing Championships (AFC) until 2016. The AFC is the pinnacle of tournament fishing in Australia where the best bream, bass and barramundi anglers go head to head.
Our ocean forms a meeting place for warm northern and cooler southern ocean currents, bringing with them double the species found elsewhere. The Great Sandy Strait - between Fraser Island and the mainland - provides one of Australia’s largest seagrass beds to act as a nursery for many larger fish species, and a feeding ground for prawns and fish. Add to this mix the protection of Fraser Island from prevailing winds and the
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result is some of the world’s most ideal fishing conditions to suit every angler. The choice of fishing is just as impressive, with some of the best sport and game, sheltered beach and deep sea fishing to be found in Australia. But don’t just take our word for how great the fishing is. Grab your fishing gear and find out for yourself. A word of warning though - you’ll be hooked!
FISHING
Giant Trevally!
FISHING MOMENTS
Fraser Island
The ocean side of Fraser Island is described as the ‘holy grail’ of beach fishing with whiting, dart, tailor, flathead and jewfish - all regular catches. On the western side, fly fishers come from all over the world to cast on the flat sandy shallows near the island for golden trevally and the chance to snag the highly sought longtail tuna. The west coast of Fraser Island is also one of the few places in the world where anglers can sight cast for black marlin!
Great Sandy Strait
The Strait is a maze of sandy channels that house almost every fish that anglers dream of. Species include coral trout, bream, whiting, flathead, mackerel, tailor and mangrove jack, along with sand and mud crabs.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay’s 800m long Urangan Pier gives shore-based anglers the opportunity to fish deeper waters for whiting, bream, flathead, reef fish and pelagics including giant trevally, tuna and mackerel.
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Lake Lenthall
Toogoom & Burrum Heads
Regarded as one of the most consistent bass fisheries in the country, the lake also has good catches of yellow belly (golden perch) and barramundi along with silver perch, spangled perch and eeltailed catfish. A fishing permit is required.
Toogoom, Burrum Heads and the surrounding waters are a haven for many species including flathead, bream, snapper, tailor, summer and winter whiting, mangrove jack and queen fish.
The Mary River Maryborough and the Mary River is the southern limit of the great northern sports fish, the barramundi. It is also the northern limit of the great southern sports fish, the Australian Bass, which can be found in local creeks and dams. From Beaver Rock to the mouth of the Mary at River Heads, you can also pick up king salmon, flathead, summer whiting and cod.
Burrum River
Big Woody Island and the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef The inshore reefs around Big Woody Island and the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere - are easily accessible from Urangan Harbour and offer a large variety of reef fish and pelagics.
The river is one of Queensland’s best kept barramundi secrets and you can catch mackerel out from the mouth. The river’s extensive sand flats, channels and mangrove-lined banks offer the angler great fishing, crabbing and prawning.
Poona, Tuan & Boonooroo The townships of the Great Sandy Strait are made for fishing - either on shore or from mangrove lined creeks and sheltered waters. Species include coral trout, bream, whiting, flathead, mackerel, tailor and mangrove jack.
Golden Trevally!
Barra! 20
BOATING
With protection from Fraser Island, the calm waters of the Fraser Coast are blessed for boating.
Boating In 2009, the Great Sandy Region was awarded Biosphere Reserve Status by UNESCO recognising it in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon, the Everglades and Uluru. The Great Sandy Strait rivals the Whitsundays with its ideal sailing conditions and stunning scenery. Sail this marine sanctuary and explore the remote western side of Fraser Island or discover the Southern Hemisphere’s
largest artificial reef and the remains of two of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses. A stopover at Pelican Bank is a must on any boating trip. Swim in the shallow turquoise waters or walk along the sparkling white sands of this remote gem. Yachts, catamarans or even the humble tinny can all be hired at the Hervey Bay Marina. Whatever your choice, the Fraser Coast is easy to navigate and full of adventure.
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Family Fun With the world’s largest sand island, incredible encounters with wildlife, eco-adventures and mind blowing heritage – Queensland’s Fraser Coast is guaranteed to engage, entertain and excite the whole family.
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FAMILY FUN
Meet the wildlife. Enjoy close encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic native animals at the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, near Maryborough. Pat a dingo in a safe controlled environment, feed kangaroos, emus, camels and even hold a reptile.
Discover the delights of steam. Take a ride on a replica of Queensland’s first steam engine, the Mary Ann. Little kids (and grown-ups) can also ride delightful miniature trains at Maryborough’s Sunday in the Park, the last Sunday of every month in stunning Queens Park.
Make a splash. Children will absolutely love Hervey Bay’s free water education park, ‘Wetside’. Get soaked by the giant water bucket or learn to surf on the Flipside Board Rider! For the little kids, ‘Wetside’ also offers a special area called ‘Totside’ for under 5’s.
Discover an aquatic playground. The protected waters of Hervey Bay and the region’s seaside villages create perfect conditions for year round swimming, fishing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing while their white sandy beaches are ideal for sandcastles, beach cricket and other family games.
Discover the magic of Mary Poppins. Maryborough is the birthplace of the creator of the world’s most famous nanny and it offers many practically perfect experiences with a Magical Mary Trail, statue, heritage-listed birthplace, Mary Poppins characters and more. Have a blast exploring Queensland’s colonial past. In Maryborough, children will discover history served with a side order of fun with haunted sites, time cannons, 19th century costumed guides and intriguing museums. Get hands on with the pioneering past at historical villages and museums at Bauple, Brooweena, Hervey Bay and Howard.
Explore the great outdoors. The Fraser Coast is made for exploring, from Fraser Island to the region’s hinterland where you can camp on the banks of the Mary River and horse ride, hike or cycle along historic stock routes and country roads. Find a park. Train parks, space nets and skate parks guarantee unlimited fun at the Fraser Coast’s many playgrounds including botanic gardens in Hervey Bay and Maryborough, and Wook-Koo Park with its life-sized statues of early settlers and native animals.
Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
DISCOVERY The best place to start your family adventure is with a visit to the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere. Feed clown fish or stroke a sea star in the interactive touch tank. Pat a dingo, cuddle a kangaroo and get up close and personal with reptiles and snakes at a number of special weekly sessions. Come face to face with an ancient Mary River lungfish. Get hands on with discovering the wonders of Fraser Island. Become immersed in the incredible world of the humpback whale with an ‘underwater encounter’, and listen to them sing.
Did you know? Disney’s blockbuster ‘Saving Mr Banks’ depicted the life of Mary Poppins author P.L Travers, who was born in Maryborough.
After a visit to the Discovery Sphere, it is time to experience the real thing by exploring the Fraser Coast - where nature comes alive!
Annie Buckley, star of ‘Saving Mr Banks’ visitfrasercoast.com
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Coffee, Culture and Collectables Discover streets filled with architectural delights; striking public art celebrating a rich heritage; museums and collections capturing the spirit and memories of pioneers; and charming antique stores filled with whimsical treasures from the past.
Experience vintage style and quirky heritage in Maryborough, one of Queensland’s finest historical cities.
The streetscapes of Maryborough’s original wharf district, Portside, remain relatively unchanged from its days as a thriving river port when it was one of Australia’s largest and busiest destinations for immigrants in the mid to late 1800s.
Lovers of art and culture will delight in Gatakers Artspace - a stunning gallery located in Maryborough’s oldest warehouse. Also take in the latest stage productions at one of Queensland’s best regional venues - The Brolga Theatre.
Start your Portside experience with a Portside Heritage Gateway Pass which includes entry into the Customs House Interpretive Centre, Bond Store Museum and Military and Colonial Museum where experienced guides, exhibits and interactive displays help to weave colourful tales about early colonial life.
A visit to Maryborough is not complete without searching for ‘treasure’ in its many antique and collectable stores with their eclectic offerings of all things vintage and retro.
Within the city centre, grand federation style buildings date back to the colonial era with hotels and shops lovingly restored into galleries, antique stores, museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
n steam train.
Ride the Mary An
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The city’s impressive stone churches, magnificent City Hall and its Court House (one of Queensland’s oldest) help comprise what is considered one of the best displays of 19th and 20th century architecture. Maryborough is also famous for its old Queenslanders. Street after street in the older part of the city is lined with charming timber homes, ranging from quaint workers’ cottages to grand mansions.
COFFEE, CULTURE AND COLLECTABLES
Did you know? Mary Poppins is the famous, fictional creation of Pamela Lyndon Travers, who was born in Maryborough in 1899. Have your picture taken with a life-sized bronze statue of the world’s most famous nanny outside the heritage listed birthplace, and see striking public art which explores the themes of her novels.
Mary Poppins magic!
UNFORGETTABLE TOURS AND TALES Journey back into Queensland’s colonial past with a tour of museums, a sound and light show and cellar door port tasting among rum barrels left over from the 1860s. Discover where the Mary Poppins magic began on the self-guided Magical Mary Trail or take a private tour with your own Mary Poppins inspired character. Delve into the supernatural on a delightfully eerie tour of Maryborough’s many haunted historic sites. Recreate true stories of love and betrayal based on the city’s dark and colourful past. Relive the lively, bawdy days of colonial Queensland on a fully guided lamplight tour. Join Mary Rivers and the Night Watchman as they spin tall tales of sailors, smugglers, brothels and opium dens from years gone by. Follow the Fraser Coast Museums Trail to discover an impressive collection of museums including the store that time forgot, Brennan and Geraghty’s National Trust Store Museum. visitfrasercoast.com
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Maryborough Visitor Information Centre Maryborough City Hall 388-396 Kent St 1800 214 789
Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre 227 Maryborough-Hervey Bay Rd 1800 811 728
Biggenden
Mungar Woocoo
Brooweena
Oakhurst
Tuan
Poona
Maaroom Boonooroo
MARYBOROUGH
River Heads
Eurong
Great Sandy National Park
Happy Valley Kingfisher Bay
h
Torbanlea
Dundowran
FRASER BAY ISLAND
Orchid Beach
eac
Howard
Toogoom HERVEY
Burrum Heads
Whale Bay
Fraser Coast
ile B
Childers
Apple Tree Creek
Great Sandy Biosphere Woodgate Beach
Bargara
Buxton
Coral Sea
Bundaberg
Town of 1770
Lady Elliot Island
Lady Musgrave Island
Elliot Island
Call or visit one of our accredited Visitor Information Centres:
Let us help you to effectively plan your Fraser Coast holiday!
Gladstone
Flights to Lady
75 M
Discovery Trails
Explore Fraser Island
Dalby
Bell
253km
Maryborough
166km
204km
Maroochydore
113km
122km
Bundaberg
865km
875km
Airlie Beach
visitfrasercoast.com Toowoomba
Oakey
Gunalda
1104km
1114km
Townsville
1450km
1460km
Cairns
Caboolture
South Pacific Ocean
BRISBANE
Sunshine Coast
Great Sandy National Park
Noosa
Rainbow Beach Tin Can Bay
Nambour
Glenwood
Bauple
Gympie
Miva
Theebine
Gundiah
Tiaro
Distances sourced from http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/trip_planner
291km
Brisbane
Maidenwell
Nanango
Kingaroy
Kilkivan Goomeri
Moffatdale
Murgon Wondai
Hervey Bay
Travel Distances
Bunya Mountains
Choose from numerous discovery trails designed to take you to the region’s most famous attractions as well as unlocking its hidden gems. For more information visitfrasercoast.com
This map is for general reference only and not to scale.
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Sandy Cape
Fraser Island
Fraser Island Travel Essentials
Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Diray
Rooney Point
Ngkala Rocks
Whale Bay
Ocean Lake
Orchid Beach Waddy Po Point
Wathumba Creek
Indian an Head
Towoi Creek
Awinya Creek
Wungul Sandblow
Lake Bowarrady dy Coongul Creek
Woralie e Creek reek
Boomerangg Lakes La
Moon Point
Corroboree Beach
GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK
Bowarrady warrady Creek ekk
Great Sandy Marine Park
Champagne Pools
Lake Allom om m
Red Canyon
D db Dundubara Cathedral Beach
K’gari
The Pinn PPinnacles
Lake Coomboo
Knifeblade Sandblow Knife Maheno Wrec Wreck
Yidney Scrub
HERVEY BAY
Elii CCreekk
Lake Garawongera
Lakee McKenzie
River Heads
Kirrar Sandblow Poyungan Rocks
Wanggoolba W Wa Wan a Creek
LLake Wabby
Central Station Lake Birrabeen Lake B Benaroon
Eurong QWPS Information Centre
Eurong Dilli Village
Gre ndy
a at S
Air: Air charters and transfers to Fraser Island depart from Hervey Bay Airport. All air charters and transfers should be pre-booked.
it
Stra Coolooloi Creek
Rainbow Beach
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This map is for general reference only and not to scale.
Fraser Island Great Walk: Explore Fraser’s exceptional landscape on foot with over 90 kilometres of walking tracks between Happy Valley and Dilli Village. Follow the pathways of the island’s original inhabitants and see some of the hidden treasures like the Valley of the Giants. There are many shorter walks along the way. See www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/fraser and plan your trip carefully.
Access Self-drive : A four wheel drive vehicle is essential on Fraser Island, as all roads are sand tracks. Reasonable undervehicle clearance is also required. 4WD hire vehicles are available from Hervey Bay, Eurong and Kingfisher Bay Resort. Off-road camper trailers are allowed on Fraser Island, however caravans are discouraged.
Lake Boomanjin
Garrys Anchorage
Dingoes : Particular caution should be taken with the island’s dingoes. Do not feed, provoke or encourage the dingoes and stay close to children. If approached, face the dingo and retreat calmly. Heavy fines apply.
Accommodation: There are a number of National Park campgrounds located at: Waddy Point, Dundabura, Wathumba, Central Station, Lake Boomanjin and Lake Allom. Beach camping is allowed where signed. Fraser Island offers a number of excellent private accommodation options from holiday houses and units at Orchid Beach, Happy Valley and Eurong to the award winning Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Happy Valley Yidney Ro Rocks
Kingfisher Bay
Vehicle & Camping Permits: All vehicles require an access permit. National Park campers must have a prepurchased camping permit attached to their tent. Your camping and vehicle permits must be obtained in advance via: Online - www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/fraser Phone - 13 74 68 In Person - www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/ experience/over-counter-permits.html for a full list of locations.
Hook Point Inskip Point
The crystal clear water
of Fraser Island.
Barges : Vehicular barges and passenger ferries operate regular services each day between River Heads to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek and Inskip Point (Rainbow Beach) to Hook Point. Private boats can moor off the island with jetty facilities dotted around the island’s shores. Bookings are essential for all barges, except those leaving from Inskip Point.
Discover
Queensland
by Rail
Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey aboard the Tilt Train to Maryborough West, the gateway to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. It couldn’t be any easier with these great rail fares Economy Seats from Brisbane to: Maryborough West Hervey Bay
Rockhampton to: $49* $66*^
Maryborough West Hervey Bay
$67# $84#^
Visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467)
Conditions apply. Prices are per adult one way, based on B-Quick fare conditions on the Bundaberg* and Rockhampton# Tilt Trains only, subject to availability. ^RailBus sector included. Seasonal surcharge periods and blackouts may apply. Queensland Rail Travel reserves the right to make changes without notice, for full booking terms and conditions visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au
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Country Charms and Bush Adventures Discover wonderful bushland, quaint towns, hotels from bygone eras and even the ancestral home of the macadamia nut. You will love the country charm of the Fraser Coast.
The mighty Mary River defines the southern hinterland and provides the ideal spot for picnics, camping, fishing and canoeing. Settled in 1867, Tiaro is the perfect place to stock up on local knowledge and is the heart of the hinterland. A trip to Tiaro would not be complete without sampling old fashioned pub fare at one of its two historic hotels, built in the late 1800s. At nearby Bauple, savour the rare experience of eating macadamia nuts near where they were first discovered by local Butchulla people possibly 30,000 years ago. The mountain and its surrounds were a sacred place while the nuts - called Bopple nuts - were used for food, trade and gifts.
The small village of Bauple is nestled into the foothills of the mountain and its wonderful museum offers the opportunity to delve into the origins of the nut and learn about the history of the whole hinterland. Free overnight camping is allowed for self-contained caravans and RVs at Bauple, Rossendale Park, Petrie Park and in the heart of Tiaro. The quaint, former rail sidings of Gundiah and Theebine are both home to grand old hotels. Stop for a picnic at historic Munna Creek, or head to Miva to find the picturesque Dickabram Bridge. Glenwood Park south of Bauple is another great picnic spot and is home to a variety of wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies.
Did you know? Mount Bauple is the home of the ‘Bopple Nut’ now commonly referred to as the Macadamia Nut. Mount Bauple
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Just north of Maryborough are the former coal mining towns of Howard and Torbanlea with their old fashioned pubs and a number of important historical buildings, including the homes of former Prime Minister Andrew Fisher and Queensland’s first female Senator Dame Annabelle Rankin - Brooklyn House. This is where Queensland’s early coal mining industry began and the Burrum District Museum at Howard houses an impressive collection of memorabilia. There are great swimming, fishing and camping spots on the nearby Burrum River. Explore the nearby Wongi Waterholes - a beautiful picnic and camping spot, fringed by paperbark trees and surrounded by forest or go fishing in Lake Lenthall.
COUNTRY CHARMS AND BUSH ADVENTURES
Mary River
BUSH FUN AND ADVENTURES Take a quiet canoe or boat trip down the wide waters of the Mary River to spot some of Australia’s rarest species including the ancient Australian lungfish and the Mary River turtle. Visit Tiaro’s new ‘Giants of the Mary’ interpretive display to find out more about the Mary River and the region’s rare and endangered river creatures. Go bushwalking, horse riding and mountain biking on country roads and old stock routes including sections of the Bicentennial National Trail. Learn about the trials and tribulations of Queensland’s early pioneers at the impressive Brooweena Museum and historical village. Walk or drive across the historic Dickabram Bridge which was built in 1886 and is one of only two bridges of its kind in Australia that was traversed by car and train.
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Dine... Take a delicious adventure to discover food and wine experiences that are destined to be memorable.
Enjoying the culinary delights of the Fraser Coast is not just about its many wonderful restaurants and boutique cafés, but the many connections that can be made with our local food and wine. On Fraser Island, experience wonderful blends of seasonal, local produce, fresh seafood and Australian bush tucker while surrounded by pristine, World Heritage listed wilderness. Dine alfresco at the Boat Club overlooking the Hervey Bay marina. Soak up stunning views of the ocean while dining at beachfront cafés or one of the many restaurants dotted along the Bay’s esplanade, and tucked away in nearby seaside villages. History and culture provide the perfect settings for memorable food experiences in Maryborough where heritage buildings have been reinvented as boutique cafés, old fashioned lolly stores and ice-cream parlours. Sip regionally-crafted port underneath the floors of an old Bond Store, among rum barrels dating back to the 1800s and discover a charming boutique coffee shop operating out of the old servant’s quarters and kitchen of the former bank building where the author of Mary Poppins was born. Seafood is the centrepiece of the Fraser Coast food scene. Tuck into mouth-watering fresh seafood, including sweet Hervey Bay scallops, deep water Fraser Island prawns and blue swimmer crabs, on your plate within hours of being caught in local waters. Other local heroes also shine, including regionally produced dairy products, small goods, nut products, lychees, coffee and wine. Across the region, menus are crafted to showcase our fresh regional produce and support our local growers and fishermen.
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Did you know? You can tuck into mouth-watering Hervey Bay scallops and other wild catch seafood harvested fresh from local waters as you dine alfresco with million dollar views across the ocean to Fraser Island.
Hervey Bay Scallop
s
The Fraser Coast is one of Queensland’s most genuinely exciting places to eat, with a food scene that is being transformed by creative young chefs and stylish restaurateurs with a passion for fresh local produce.
FOODSCENE At the front of the food revolution is owner Julia Paussa and chefs Nick Street-Brown and Krista Graham from Coast Restaurant and Bar on the Esplanade in Hervey Bay. An obsession with quality ingredients and showcasing local produce - – especially Fraser Coast seafood to create memorable food is the secret to the success of this multi-award winning venue, earning itself an exclusive one hat rating. The trio’s newest food venture is Badger and Brown’s Burgerie - a gourmet burger bar overlooking the Esplanade which combines the best local and fresh food with a high end menu. Next door is EAT @ Dan and Steph’s, a creation of celebrity chefs and 2013 My Kitchen Rules winners Dan and Steph Mulheron. Dan’s much-loved sausages are the centrepiece of a creative menu at this café which features a modern relaxed vibe. Another new player adding to the talent and creativity of the Fraser Coast’s growing culinary scene is Silvia Turina of Café Cavour Gourmet Boutique and Deli, an authentic Italian style eatery and boutique deli overlooking the waters of Hervey Bay.
Proving a love of food runs in the family, Silvia is the daughter of renowned local Italian chef Rocco Turina who makes the pasta, pastries, cakes and antipasti daily on the premises using local seasonal produce. At Kingfisher Bay Resort’s signature Seabelle Restaurant on Fraser Island, innovative chefs are drawing inspiration from the island’s Butchulla people and using the distinctive flavours of native ingredients to create unique taste sensations. Bush-tomato chutney, bunya nut pesto, local barramundi baked in paperbark with lemon myrtle leaf, orange and wattle seed-glazed duck, quandong compote and handcrafted ice-creams infused with wattle seed, rosella and aniseed myrtle are part of the wonderfully crafted menu. For a unique, laidback dining experience, head to Enzo’s on the beach and meet owner Enzo Andreuzzi whose vision was to combine his love of coffee and water sports at this iconic Hervey Bay beachfront café. Enjoy the casual café style food while you listen to funky tunes and relax on a colourful beanbag overlooking the stunning water views to Fraser Island.
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Fraser Coast Events Life is eventful on the Fraser Coast with a full calendar of colourful events. For all the details and a complete list of events, go to
visitfrasercoast.com/events
Paddle Out for Whales
September RACQ Technology Challenge Maryborough This amazing race towards the future involves hundreds of students competing in one of the most gruelling endurance races for teenagers. Students design, build and race their own machines. Maryborough Open House Maryborough Maryborough opens its doors for a rare look inside the grandest buildings and homes. Unlock architectural marvels and peel back another layer of Maryborough’s fascinating cultural heritage.
October Illumination Parade Hervey Bay Whale Festival Hervey Bay lights up with the locals’ favourite Illumination Parade. Join one of the lantern making workshops and take part in this great parade. Whale Aid Concert Hervey Bay Whale Festival Rock out for the whales at this concert for conservation. Check out the latest artist line-up announcements online. Torbanlea Picnic Races Torbanlea Back a winner at the annual Torbanlea Picnic Races - one of Queensland’s favourite social occasions with a race meet included.
November
Australian Superboat Championships
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Australian Superboat Championships Hervey Bay F1 on water returns for final round action! The sound, speed and power of these machines are unmatched in ocean racing and the 2014 champion will be crowned in Hervey Bay.
Celebrity Chef Alastair McLeod at Relish Fraser Coast.
December Carols in the Park Queens Park, Maryborough Join in this beautiful open air concert featuring everyone’s favourite carols and ending with a fireworks spectacular. Explore-a-saurus Maryborough City Hall Discover a world of dinosaurs as you explore the science of palaeontology. On display from 13 December, 2014 10 April, 2015. New Year’s Eve Beach Fireworks Hervey Bay Esplanade The esplanade lights up to welcome in the new year with fireworks at Torquay Beach.
FRASER COAST EVENTS
May Bay to Bay Yacht Race Hervey Bay A colourful fleet of Australia’s fastest mono and multi-hull yachts compete in this two day race from Tin Can Bay to Hervey Bay. Fraser Coast Show Maryborough Showgrounds Experience the wonders of one of Australia’s leading regional shows.
Mary Poppins Festival
June Relish Fraser Coast Food and Wine Festival Portside, Maryborough This gourmet food and wine experience showcases regional cuisine, wineries and produce, including the Fraser Coast’s famous seafood. Savour the moment at Relish! World’s Greatest Pub Fest Maryborough A fun, moving festival around Maryborough’s historic pubs with thousands of revellers dressing in outrageous costumes - all in the name of raising money for charity. Teebar Rodeo Teebar Experience thrills, spills and fantastic atmosphere of a country rodeo at Teebar, west of Maryborough.
July Mary Poppins Festival Portside, Maryborough Held in honour of the Maryborough born author of Mary Poppins, this colourful, quirky festival is complete with nanny races, steam trains, sidewalk art, Poppins characters, vintage styling and more. Paddle Out for Whales Hervey Bay Whale Festival The International Paddle Out for Whales features hundreds of paddlers on all manner of flotation devices taking to the water for whale conservation. This event is part of IFAW’s National Whale Day.
Maryborough Markets
REGULAR EVENTS Maryborough Markets Every Thursday Maryborough’s city centre transforms into a colourful outdoor bazaar with stalls selling farm fresh produce, original hand-made craft, homemade treats, artwork, jewellery, clothes, accessories, natural beauty products and cut flowers. Live music, the Town Crier, Mary Heritage, and the firing of the historic time cannon add to the atmosphere of this famous, long time market.
Gatakers by Night Portside, Maryborough
August Blessing of the Fleet Hervey Bay Whale Festival In an age old tradition, the fleet is blessed and the skies light up to commemorate the famous whale watching season. Hervey Bay Seafood Festival Fishermen’s Park Urangan Seafood lovers will revel in Australia’s only seafood festival presented by those who catch it.
Enjoy a night of music, art, wine and food in the beautiful courtyard of Gatakers Artspace every last Saturday of the month, from 5.30pm.
Sunday Riverside Brolga Theatre, Maryborough Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon and evening by the river with free live entertainment showcasing local and visiting artists on the River stage.
Sunday in the Park Maryborough
World’s Greatest Pub Fest
Heritage listed Queens Park comes alive the last Sunday of the month, with steam train rides, music, jumping castles, food stalls and brass bands.
For dates, times and information, go to www.visitfrasercoast.com/events
Blessing of the Fleet
Sunday in the Park Scarness Park, Hervey Bay Live music, entertainment and stalls from 10am to 3pm the first Sunday of every month.
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