The Best of Hervey Bay: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore

Whale season is almost here and there’s no better excuse to pack a bag and head north. Hervey Bay has long been a favourite for its calm waters, laid back pace and front row seat to one of the world’s best whale watching experiences but there’s more to this coastal town than its marine life.

In this special feature, we’ve pulled together the standout places to stay, eat and explore while you're there. From beachside stays to top-tier seafood and easy day trips, here’s how to do Hervey Bay properly this season.

Tres Salsas

Sure, Hervey Bay has sunshine, sea breezes and enough fish and chips to sink a boat, but when you’re craving something with spice, crunch and real personality, Tres Salsas in Torquay is where you’ll want to be. This laid back cantina dishes out bold, authentic Mexican cuisine that locals...

Go Girl

Go Girl is your go-to boutique by the beach! Looking to indulge in a little retail therapy during your trip to Hervey Bay? Look no further than Go Girl, the boutique with the big pink sign on the scenic Charlton Esplanade in Torquay. This locally loved store is all about...

Hervey Bay Holiday Apartments and BnBs

For a relaxed coastal stay with a touch of luxury, this collection of Hervey Bay stays offers comfort, privacy and unbeatable locations across the bay. The Freshwater BnB is their flagship Bed and Breakfast, perfectly located in the heart of Hervey Bay’s tourist precinct, only 50m from the Esplanade waterfront,...

Tannins at Torquay

You know that place where the wine list goes on forever, the food makes you want to share everything (but also order one of each for yourself), and the vibe feels like your new favourite hangout? That's Tannins at Torquay. We're all about celebrating great wines—think boutique Australian drops alongside bold reds...

Beaches of Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay’s coastline is home to some of the region’s best loved beaches, each offering something a little different but all perfect for a relaxed day by the water. Scarness Beach stretches along the bustling esplanade, where calm, shallow waters make swimming safe and easy for families. The wide...

Planet 72 Icecreamery

If you’ve wandered along the Esplanade in Torquay and found yourself drawn to the scent of sugar and waffle cones, chances are you’ve discovered Planet 72. This Hervey Bay institution has been scooping the goods for over 20 years, offering a rotating lineup of 72 ice cream and gelato...

Nikenbah Markets

If you're in Hervey Bay on a Sunday morning, Nikenbah Markets is the place to be. Held twice a month on the first and third Sundays (and the occasional fifth), it’s a local favourite set behind the animal refuge on Maryborough Road. You’ll find fresh produce, plants, handmade crafts, vintage...

Urangan Pier

When people think of Hervey Bay, whales come to mind. But there’s another must see attraction: Urangan Pier. Stretching 868 metres into calm, turquoise waters, it’s one of Australia’s longest timber jetties and a favourite for anyone after a taste of coastal charm. You can wander its length, cast a...

Great Ocean Helicopters

If you want to see Hervey Bay from a new angle, climb aboard Great Ocean Helicopters. Their tours lift off from Urangan Airport and whisk you high above the bay, Fraser Island and the nearby reef. You can choose a short flight for whale watching or a longer tour that...

Enzo’s on the Beach

Enzo’s on the Beach nails that barefoot luxury vibe without trying too hard. Sitting pretty along Hervey Bay’s esplanade, it’s the kind of place where your morning coffee comes with ocean views and sand between your toes. They’ve nailed the beachside setup with umbrellas, deck chairs and a soundtrack...

K’gari

If your idea of paradise involves crystalline lakes, rust red cliffs towering over turquoise waters and ancient forests where dingoes roam freely, K’gari (Fraser Island) has long been etched onto your bucket list. Recently restored to its traditional Butchulla name, K’gari (pronounced “GUR-ree”), meaning “paradise,” this UNESCO World Heritage site transcends...

Quarterdecks Retreat

Quarterdecks Retreat sits in the quiet end of Hervey Bay’s Boat Harbour Drive, offering the kind of stay that makes you want to slow down. The villas are bright, spacious and designed for longer stays, with everything you need, full kitchens, laundry facilities, open plan living, private courtyards and...

Hervey Bay Boat Club

Perched on the edge of Urangan Marina, Harbourview Restaurant at the Hervey Bay Boat Club offers a dining experience that pairs straightforward, satisfying meals with panoramic views of the Great Sandy Marine Park and K’gari. The menu covers a range of options, from fresh local seafood to hearty meat dishes...

The Best of Hervey Bay: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore

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