Hervey Bay (pronounced Harvey Bay) is a string of beachside towns located in south east Queensland, around 3 1/2 hours drive north of Brisbane. Hervey Bay is home to many retired people. Its main attraction is an 868 meter long pier that extends into the ocean.
The town (population approximately 50,000 and growing fast) is a centre for whale watching. People flock to Hervey Bay every Whale season, which starts late July and goes through to early November. It is also a gateway to K'gari and the southern Great Barrier Reef. It has fantastic weather and consequently draws 'sea-changers', backpackers and those who don't like living in houses. Its offshore protection provides beaches almost free from waves. The large bay is formed by K'gari and the coast.
Can rental facilities are easily available. Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget all have car rental depots. Hervey Bay Rent A Car. 5 Cunningham Street, Hervey Bay. (07) 4194 6626. Rent small, medium and large vehicles, motor scooters and bicycles. All vehicles are automatic, power steering, and have air conditioning. Short and long term rentals are available. Taxis are available. Call the national 131 008 taxi number for service. There is 18km of waterfront cycleway, starting from Urangan and going to Point Vernon, and there is never a need to cycle on the Esplanade roadway. If you want to make better time the back streets tend to be wide, flat and quiet.
Explore Urangan Jetty (980m long), if only for its "pier rats" and their local dialect. A variety of fish can be seen from the Jetty, as well as many people with a line trying to catch them. Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Pialba, ☏ +61 -7-4197-4210. The exhibits are updated every six to eight weeks. Coral Viewing Boat Tours. View coral from a glass bottom boat. Both day and night viewing coral tours are available. Enjoy the natural beauty and also see a variety of fish. Burrum District Museum, ☏ +61 7 4197 4201. A collection of natural and cultural artifacts. The emphasis is on the history of mining in the Hervey Bay region.
Swim. Hervey Bay's has calm waters, and a range of sandy beaches. Cycle. The 18km bay foreshore cycleway. Whale Watching. Hervey Bay is the end of the line for many of the Antarctic humpback whales that migrate north annually. Although many places along the New South Wales and Queensland coast offer opportunities for whale sightings as the whales pass, this is where they stay for a while. Whales are around from August to October. Susan River Homestead Horse Riding. Go on a horse ride for up to 2 and a half hours. Get picked up and dropped off from Hervey Bay for $15 per person. horse ride is $85 for each adult. Fish.
There are a number of restaurants and take-away places situated in town and along the esplanade. You will have no difficulty finding Thai, Italian, Chinese and Mexican restaurants. There are kiosks, fish and chips, bakeries and cafes located near the beach. The Deck Restaurant & Bar. A premier seafood restaurant open seven days a week. It also has a seafood buffet dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Drovers Dog Bar & Grill. Open for dinner seven nights a week. It is a fine dining restaurant that serves both steak and seafood. Morocco’s Party Bar. Eat at one of the trendiest places in Hervey Bay. International sports shown on big screens to create a fun atmosphere.
Some of Hervey Bay's pubs are on the Esplanade. The Torquay Hotel, and the Beach House, all of which are across the road from the beach and perfect people-watching locations. There are other pubs on Boat Harbour Drive. Hervey Bay Boat Club is a large club near the marina and K'gari ferry wharf. It serves meals, and has live music country style. Bay Central Tavern, ☏ +61 7 4124 4111. Enjoy food and drinks at the tavern. Bayswater Bar. Carries a broad list of Australian and International beers, a vast list of wines and a cocktail menu featuring 20 traditional and innovative cocktails. It is located inside the Bayswater Hotel and also provides live entertainment.
The town may have a relaxed feel to it and is considered safe. There has been a growing (albeit minor) drugs problem, but shouldn't impact your visit.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Hervey Bay typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 3 rainy days.
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