Hervey Bay
Whale watching is a must for visitorsHervey Bay offers convenient access to World-Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, and Lady Elliot Island, the first coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Long sandy beaches and colourful communities such as Burrum Heads, Howard, Toogoom and Torbanlea fringe its safe sheltered waters.
From August to October the region has become famous as the playground for rare humpback whales on their return to the Antarctic. Hervey Bay is a popular viewing destination for its calm and safe whale watching conditions.
Celebrating the return of the humpback whales each year, Hervey Bay stages a Whale festival for two weeks in August. An aquatic carnival, including an alluminated procession of floats, and the Blessing of the Fleet are highlights of the week.
Hervey Bay itself boasts an aquatic environment featuring coral and artificial reefs all teeming with abundant marine life. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find the estuary, beach, jetty or reef and game fishing, and a variety of water sports including diving, water and jet skiing, wind surfing and snorkelling. Alternatively, simply enjoy a bicycle ride along the picturesque foreshore, visiting places such as the Botanical Gardens or the Urangan Boat harbour, or one of the many restaurants and cafes situated along the Esplanade.
