The Fraser Coast is a popular tourist destination for Australians and international visitors, alike. What draws people to this stunning region is its natural beauty and array of attractions.
Fraser Coast boasts a number of townships, each of which offers its own unique charm. Among them, Hervey Bay is a bustling tourist hub that caters to every taste. From July to November, Hervey Bay is privy to humpback whales frollicking in its waters before their migration back to the Antarctic. If you’re around during whaling season, be sure to catch these wondrous creatures in their natural
habitat. There’s plenty more to arouse your curiosity and sense of adventure in Hervey Bay, from aquatic activities to gastronomical experiences to cultural events.
While you’re in the region, check out K’gari (Fraser Island), which is World Heritage listed, and Lady Elliot Island. Both islands showcase unprecedented beauty and enable visitors to explore the local marine life.
Maryborough, located within a half hour drive of Hervey Bay, is rich in colonial architecture and history. Take a guided walk through the city, cruise along the Mary River or visit one of its many museums during your visit.
The Fraser Coast is a diverse and stunning region that offers visitors a taste of the good life. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, emerald rainforests and rolling hinterlands, the region offers plenty to see and do.Hervey Bay
We have a little bit of everything for everyone here- from the beachside tourist centre of Hervey Bay to the riverside heritage city of Maryborough and the rustic charm of our many towns and villages.
You can watch whales play, tour heritage-listed K’gari Fraser Island; explore the aquatic playground of the Great Sandy Strait; discover fascinating living history in Maryborough; meet quirky characters and visit charming rural villages.
The Great Sandy Strait, the passage between Fraser Island and the mainland, is a paradise for boaties and fishermen. It is also a world-recognised bird-watching paradise.
The beauty of the Fraser Coast is that you can enjoy an early morning dip in the ocean, take in breakfast with a view of the ocean; soak up the history of early Queensland and enjoy lunch overlooking the Mary River; take in an afternoon at a country pub; go for a bushwalk in rainforest and finish with a night out watching touring acts from across the world.
And you can do all that without having to fight through traffic or push your way through the maddening crowd.
The region has something to offer people of all ages and I’m sure you’ll make the most of your time here.
Mayor George Seymour Fraser Coast Regional Council
FRASER COAST DISCOVERY SPHERE
The Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere offers an interactive experience to learn more about the humpback whale and the Mary River’s eco-system. Located along Old Maryborough Road, a nominal fee for entry is required.
FRASER COAST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located in Maryborough, the Fraser Coast Sanctuary allows visitors to get up and close with local native fauna. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
REEFWORLD HERVEY BAY
Enjoy a close encounter with sharks, sea turtles and reef fish at this iconic Hervey Bay attraction. Located on the corner of Kent and Pulgul Streets, the aquarium is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.
Hervey Bay Fly and Sport Fishing, Hervey Bay, Credit: Tourism Australia
Breathtaking Hervey Bay is one of Queensland’s best natural holiday destinations, offering visitors a year round aquatic paradise and the world’s closest whale-watching encounters with humpback whales.
In 1850, the first land was taken up in Hervey Bay. The beach front town originated, though, in 1868 when several allotments were offered for sale. Since that time, Hervey Bay has developed into a thriving city of approximately 57,000 people. The city district stretches from Gatakers Bay to River Heads, taking in Point Vernon, Pialba, Scarness, Torquay and Urangan, linked by golden beaches with a back drop of blue waters, sheltered by Fraser Island.
With an ideal climate and the bay’s calm water, there is no shortage of things to see and do. There is an abundance of water sports, shopping, restaurants and attractions. Dotted along the Hervey Bay Esplanade are cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes, shops, parklands, picnic areas, playgrounds, piers and a vibrant marina.
For the serious minded sports person there are golf courses, tennis courts, squash courts and bowling greens. The 800 metre long jetty at Urangan is one of Hervey Bay’s icons. Opened in March 1917, the pier served as a terminal for ships loading local coal, timber and bagged sugar at the pier head. It is now used for recreational purposes, being one of the best fishing platforms in Australia.
HUMPBACK WHALES
From late July to early November, Hervey Bay plays host to the magnificent humpback whales. The whales play with their new born calves in the warm waters, sheltered by Fraser Island, before continuing their annual migration south to the Antarctic.
Whale watching is an experience of a lifetime for which thousands of visitors flock to Hervey Bay to witness each year. Turtles and dugongs are equally at home here and dolphins often put on displays of swimming and diving in front of boats.
For more information on whale watching tours, contact one of the seven operators operating in Hervey Bay.
The Esplanade, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Hervey Bay, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Hervey Bay Marina, Credit: Tourism & Events QueenslandAQUATIC ACTIVITIES
There is no shortage of water activities in Hervey Bay from swimming to waterskiing, jet skiing, diving and snorkelling.
WHALE WATCHING
Spot the magnificent humpback whales that come to rest and play with their newborn calves during July through to November. The region is also home to turtles, dugongs and dolphins, which you’ll likely see frollicking in the waters.
FISHING
Fishing in Hervey Bay can be enjoyed from the 800m Urangan Pier, a boat in the harbour, the foreshore or the deep waters of the ocean where you’ll find species such as coral trout, emperor and snapper. The Great Sandy Strait and other seaside villages are also great spots for fishing.
ADVENTURE
Set out on an adventure on horseback to get amongst Hervey Bay’s pristine surrounds. Thrill seekers can also venture out for some sky diving or enjoy a jet ski tour to Fraser Island. The HMAS Tobruk, an ex Navy vessel, was scuttled off the coast between Hervey Bay and Maryborough in 2018, so keep this dive site on your radar. Consider a tour to see Fraser Island by air.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
WetSide Water Park is a fun, family friendly area with something for everyone including waterslides, water play area and a coffee shop nearby. Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre features multiple pools, tipping bucket, play equipment and pool inflatables at select times. The kids can also enjoy everything from indoor trampolining to go karting, mini golfing and gaming at Timezone. Hervey Bay has a number of playgrounds along the foreshore which includes Gatakers Bay, Esa Park, The Pines, Scarness Park, Ernie Organ Park Torquay and Dayman Point in Hervey Bay. Playgrounds in Maryborough include Anzac Park, Brendan Hanson Park and Oakhurst Park.
Visit Hervey Bay Historical Museum, a significant attraction where volunteers dress in period costume demonstrating various skills including wood turning, corn husking, rope making and blacksmithing.
The Maryborough Military Museum is regarded as one of the best in Australia. Trained volunteers conduct guided walks through the new Gallipoli to Armistice Walk in Queens Park.
Visit the World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island) with its unique combination of landscapes and surf beaches, fresh water lakes, vast sand dunes, crystal clear streams, dense rain forests, 72 different coloured sands, rocky headlands and mangrove forests. The island boasts an array of activities such as swimming, bushwalking, boating, fishing, birdwatching and 4WD. Explore Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, Maheno Shipwreck, The Cathedrals, Fraser Island Great Walk, float down Eli Creek, take a scenic flight and watch wildlife at night.
Hammerstone Sandblow and Lake Wabby, K'gari (Fraser Island), Credit: Tourism Australia
Lady Elliot Island aerial view
Hervey Bay Fly and Sport Fishing, Credit: Tourism Australia
Whale watching, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Lady Elliot Island is only a short air flight away. Located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the island gives you the chance to see green and loggerhead turtles, an underwater landscape of beautiful coral, giant clams and spectacular marine life.
Abundant in fresh local produce, Hervey Bay offers a sumptuous range of dining options to cater to all tastes. For more information on dining out, visit www.visitfrasercoast.com/foodie-moments
Hervey Bay celebrates the Whale Festival in August. In the same month, visitors can enjoy entertainment and fresh local seafood at the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival. Hervey Bay hosts many more fantastic events during the year.
Tranquil Burrum Heads, located 35kms from Hervey Bay, is a popular fishing village also known for its wildflowers in spring. The township of Howard is home to Brooklyn House built in 1890, which is open for guided tours. Meanwhile, the tiny township of Toogoom is an ideal location to stop and fish. Drive to Maryborough and see one of the oldest cities in Queensland. First settled in 1847, the city today retains many of its key historical buildings, ranging from workers’ cottages to mansions.
A short 40-minute ferry ride from Hervey Bay, World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) is iconic for being the world’s largest sand island, with an area of 184,000 hectares stretching over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point.
Fraser Island's World Heritage listing ranks it with Australia's Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. Along with it being the only place on Earth where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes at heights of more than 200 metres, it is also home to half the world's perched lakes.
Translated to paradise by the Traditional Owners of the land, the Butchulla people, K’gari is rich in diverse landscapes with long stretches of picture-perfect beaches, crystal clear freshwater lakes and creeks, lush rainforests and native flora and fauna.
There is a wilderness adventure here for everyone. Drive on wide-open beaches with the wind in your hair, experience the phenomenon of shifting sand blows, swim in crystal clear waters and witness playful marine life just metres from the shore.
4WDs are the only vehicles permitted to drive on K’gari (Fraser Island). If you are driving your own vehicle, doublecheck your vehicle meets the requirements. Alternatively, you can hire a 4WD for your time on the island. All vehicles traveling to Fraser Island must have an official permit. This can be obtained from the Department of Environment and Heritage offices in Brisbane or on the Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay, Maryborough & Rainbow Beach).
Remember to keep an eye on the tides when you’re driving along the 75 Mile Beach sand highway. The best time to travel is around low tide. Avoid two hours either side of high tide.
The Post Office Hotel, Maryborough Seafood at Hervey Bay Marina, Credit: Tourism and Events QueenslandExplore the world’s only ancient rainforest that grows from sand.Lake McKenzie, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
4WD TRACKS
K’gari (Fraser Island) is all about off-road adventures. Here you can enjoy the exhilaration of driving down wide-open white sand beaches right next to the ocean.
WHALE WATCHING
From August to October, thousands of humpback whales and their newborn calves come to the protected and pristine waters off Fraser Island.
LAKE MCKENZIE
Nestled among the rainforest, the famous pure white silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) make this a popular spot for visitors. Filled with turquoise water and natural tea tree oil, its blue hues shimmer off the silica white sands, creating an idyllic swimming haven.
CHAMPAGNE POOLS
Located along 75 Mile Beach, one of the island’s most visited hot spots is the Champagne Pools. Formed by volcanic rocks, the secluded saltwater baths are a like natural jacuzzi. At low tide you can relax in the calm pools and at high tide waves crash over nearby rocks filling the pools with frothy bubbles, liking it to a glass of champagne. Located on the eastern side of the island between Waddy Point and Indian Head.
MAHENO SHIPWRECK
Beached since 1935, the SS Maheno, the most famous of the Fraser Island wrecks, washed ashore about 10kms north of Happy Valley on 75 Mile Beach during a cyclone. Once a wellknown trans-Tasman liner this Japanese ship has become a piece of K’gari’s history and is a definitely worth checking out.
ELI CREEK
On the eastern beach of the island coming out on 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek is a popular spot for visitors. Here you can swim or float down the peacefully flowing freshwater river through the rainforest and sand dunes. Each hour around 4 million litres of freshwater from Eli Creek is pumped into the ocean. There is a boardwalk from the base of the creek to the top where you can make your way back down. Bring a tube or floatie and enjoy the ride!
The Cathedrals are a stunning array of coloured sand cliffs located south of Indian Head on 75 Mile Beach. The unique sand cliffs have been sculpted by the wind and rain blowing in off the Pacific and display a phenomenon of colour, with sands of red, brown, yellow and orange all mixed together.
Discover serene lakes, lush rainforest and sweeping lookout points by hiking through a section (or all) of the Fraser Island Great Walk. Take the time to be immersed in the tranquillity and scenery.
Get a birds-eye view over the world’s largest sand island with a scenic flight. Take in the picturesque lakes, lush rainforest and blue ocean from up above.
Eli Creek, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland SS Maheno, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Champagne Pools K'gari (Fraser Island), Credit: Tourism Australia Pile Valley, Fraser Island Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Glorious colonial architecture, outstanding museums, riverside dining, chic boutiques and magnificent parklands make Maryborough a must-see attraction when visiting Fraser Coast.
GUIDED WALKS
Take a guided city walking tour with Mary Heritage. Dressed in period costume, the world famous city ambassador will help you discover Maryborough’s colourful past. Free tours with Mary or another city ambassador depart City Hall
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9am. Otherwise explore Maryborough at your own pace and pick up your Heritage Walk Map from the visitor information centre on Kent Street.
MARY POPPINS
Maryborough’s claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of author P. L Travers who wrote the popular Mary Poppins novels. In honour of this loveable character and its author, the city has erected a statue of Mary Poppins on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets, which is free to view at any time. In July each year, Maryborough pays homage to Mary Poppins in a festival of the same name.
BRENNAN & GERAGHTY STORE MUSEUM
The Brennan and Geraghty Store opened for trading back in 1871 and operated all the way up until 1972. For this reason, it functions today as a museum preserving over 100,000 items from different eras. Located on Lennox Street in Maryborough, the museum is open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm. Contact directly for bookings on other days.
MARY RIVER CRUISES
From November to April you can cruise the Mary River and enjoy entertaining historical commentary and 360 degree river views. Keep an eye out for the local birdlife that call this waterway home.
WHARF STREET PRECINCT
The Wharf Street precinct boasts many of Maryborough’s first colonial buildings. Meander around the area and take in the opulence of the architecture while re-imagining its historical relevance. Take the time to explore the many museums in the region.
The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum is one of Australia's best war museums. The museum forms part of the Portside Heritage Precinct. For more information, visit www.maryboroughmuseum.org
BROOWEENA HISTORICAL VILLAGE & MUSEUM
Brooweena is a quaint historical village located 50kms from Maryborough. Boasting a range of artefacts from musical instruments to Aboriginal rock carvings to equipment, visitors can explore what life was like in a bygone era. Open 10am to 3pm on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, a nominal entry fee is required.
MARYBOROUGH HERITAGE CENTRE
If you’re interested in genealogy, the centre is home to the largest volume of genealogy records in the state of Queensland.
MARY ANN STEAM ENGINE
Modelled on the first steam engine in Queensland, the Mary Ann chugs around the park on the same day as the Maryborough City Heart Markets. The Mary Ann Steam Engine is also operational on the last Sunday of each month.
Mary Ann steam locomotive in Maryborough
Statue of umbrella-wielding Mary Poppins in Maryborough
Interior view of Brennan and Geraghty Store museum in Maryborough
The Fraser Coast has an impressive collection of more than 80 parks, gardens, playgrounds and recreational areas including two botanic gardens - one of which is among the oldest in Australia while the other grows out of 6,000 year old sand dunes.
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is a beautiful green sanctuary growing out of 6,000 year old sand dunes. Situated on 26 hectares at Elizabeth Street, Urangan, the gardens display plants of the Wide Bay and Great Sandy Strait regions. Natural bushes, formal gardens and wetlands intermingle to provide an environmental delight. Areas of interest include the Japanese Bridge, Bush Tucker Garden, Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden and the Woodland/Wetlands area. Numerous facilities include seating, toilets, picnic tables, shelters and BBQs. Birds and turtles have made the lagoon their home. The Bush Chapel provides an open air cathedral surrounded by rainforest trees for weddings.
Located within the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, the Orchid House is home to a collection of around 20,000 orchids donated by a local resident.
One of Australia’s earliest botanic gardens, heritage-listed Queens Park, covers 5.2 hectares in the heart of Maryborough. It has river views, a waterfall, ornamental flower beds, towering trees and unique heritage features, including a rotunda, cannons and a wishing well. At Queens Park, there is something to discover at almost every step – including the magnificent banyan tree believed to be one of the oldest and biggest of its kind in Australia. The park has a playground, electric BBQ, picnic tables and toilets.
Next to Queens Park is the Mary River Parklands. This stunning riverside park is built on the site of the original Port of Maryborough and forms part of the Portside Precinct. The 500 square-metres of landscaped parkland offers natural terracing, a community forecourt, outstanding public art works, winding pathways, gardens, magnificent royal palms and advanced shade trees.
A favourite with visitors and locals is Wook-Koo Park on Woocoo Drive. The highlight of this park is the Wook-Koo Story Walk, which features lifelike sculptures of animals and first settlers, all created by local artists along a 135m coloured path which represents the Mary River. The park is located 9kms west of Maryborough on the Maryborough-Biggenden Road.
Queens Park, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Queens Park, Credit: Tourism and Events QueenslandJANUARY
• Australia Day Celebrations
MARCH
• Burrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic
APRIL
• Bay to Bay Trailerable Yacht Race (Apr-May)
MAY
• Fraser Coast Show
• Jobs and Careers Expo
JUNE
• Relish Food and Wine Festival
JULY
• Maryborough Mary Poppins Festival
• NAIDOC week
• Blessing of the Fleet
AUGUST
• Hervey Bay Seafood Festival
• Paddle Out for Whales
• W hale Festival
• Seafood Festival
• Fraser Coast Kite Karnival
SEPTEMBER
• T in Can Bay Seafood, Boat & Camping Show
• Technology Challenge, Maryborough
• Maryborough Open House
• Maryborough Open Garden
• Maryborough Masters Games
OCTOBER
• Torbanlea Picnic Races
• Maryborough Heritage Craft Fest
NOVEMBER
• Offshore Superboat Championships (Nov-Dec)
DECEMBER
• Carols in Queens Park Maryborough
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations
For the most up to date calendar of events and dates, go to visitfrasercoast.com
McKenzie Jetty, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
BURRUM HEADS MARKETS
2nd Saturday of the month, 7am - 12pm
Burrum Heads Community Hall, Burrum Heads
BAUPLE COMMUNITY MARKETS
4th Saturday of the month, 7am - 1pm
Bauple Hall, Bauple
HOWARD COUNTRY MARKETS
1st Saturday of every month (exc Jan), 7am – 12pm 50 Steley Street, Howard
KOALA MARKETS
2nd & 4th Sunday of the month, 6am - 12pm Kruger Court, Hervey Bay
MARYBOROUGH MARKETS
Every Thursday, 7am - 12pm
Adelaide & Ellena Streets, Maryborough
NIKENBAH MARKETS
1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday of the month (if applicable), 6am - 12pm
Nikenbah-Dundowran Road, Hervey Bay
PIER PARK COMMUNITY MARKETS
Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8am - 1pm
Park, Off Esplanade, Urangan
Every
Hall, Main Street, Tiaro
