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 line for whiting and flathead or simply park yourself on a bench and watch the world drift by. Keep your eyes on the water though, you might spot schools of fish, stingrays or pods of dolphins just metres out to sea.
The pier first opened in 1917 to serve the Fraser Coast’s booming sugar and timber exports. At its height, steamers would tie up at its end to load hundreds of tonnes of cargo. Commercial shipping wound down in the 1980s and after a period of decline, the jetty was restored and reopened in 1988.
Today it’s purely for pleasure – a place to fish, picnic or soak up sunrise and sunset views. Pack a hat, grab your camera and make a day of it.
