A Backpacker’s Guide to Hervey Bay
Known as the whale watching capital of the world, Hervey Bay is one of Australia’s hidden gems that you just can’t miss. The cozy seaside town is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Fraser Coast in all of its beauty. Whether you’re stopping by on your way to K’gari or spending a weekend seeing the sights, you won’t want to miss the charm Hervey Bay has to offer.
Where to Eat:
With plenty of cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the city, it can be hard to choose just one. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of some of our top eats in Hervey Bay!
The Hungry Pelican – Located just a 5-minute walk from the hostel, The Hungry Pelican is the perfect cafe for a fresh bite or specialty coffee. With locally sourced seasonal produce and a rotating specials menu, there’s always something new to try.
Enzos – If you’re in the mood for a view with your meal, stop by Enzo’s on the beach. With an extensive bar, it’s a great venue to pop in and watch the sunset. Stop by on a Sunday from 3-6 PM to catch some live music!
Aquavue – You can never go wrong with treating yourself to some bottomless brunch, so why not make it even better with a view? Priding themselves on great coffee and cruisy vibes, Aquavue is the place to be for sightseeing from the comfort of the cafe. When you’re done eating you can rent out paddleboards, kayaks, and bike cruisers to explore the bay. Let them know you’re a guest at Hervey’s for 10% off your meal!
What to Do:
Urangan Pier – Stretching nearly a kilometer into the bay, the pier is great for anyone looking to spot some marine life or watch the boats sail off to K’gari. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of stingrays, dugongs, or whales playing in the water. If you’re in on a Wednesday or Saturday morning you can stop by the local markets and grab some locally made souvenirs and foods or an insta-worthy matcha from Sunni Sips, open from 7am- 1pm.
Torquay Beach – For a fun day in the sun, head to Torquay Beach, one of Hervey Bay’s many beaches stretching along the coast. The calm waters make for a great location for a swim, to practice your paddleboarding skills, or take a tour of the bay on a kayak.
Point Vernon – Cap off your day with a breathtaking sunset at Point Vernon. As one of the few west-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia, it has stunning views of the sun setting over the sea. Afterwards, head over to the Polson Cemetery just down the street to see kangaroos hanging around at dusk.
Day Trips:
Whale Watching – It isn’t a trip to Hervey Bay without a ride on one of the many whale watching boats. From July to November each year, visitors can book a tour and see whales in their natural habitat as they use the bay as a pit stop on their migration. Some tours even give you the opportunity to swim with the massive mammals!
K’gari – For those of you looking for a bit more adventure, hop on over to K’gari from Hervey Bay through Fraser Dingo 4WD Tours. Once you’re on the island, enjoy cruising down the long sandy beaches and floating along the freshwater lakes perched upon the dunes. Camp under the stars and sneak a peek of a pack of dingoes with your tour.
Lady Elliot – The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic sights. Why not explore the underwater oasis on Lady Elliot Island, situated at the southernmost tip of the reef? Lady Elliot is home to sea turtles, sharks, fish, pristine coral gardens, and more vibrant marine life than you can imagine. Only accessible by a scenic flight, a trip to the island is an experience that is absolutely unforgettable.
Hervey Bay offers plenty to do for those looking for an unforgettable time in Queensland, so make sure you stop in for a stay!