Sunrise seascape in Hervey Bay, Australia

Things to do in  Hervey Bay

Have a whale of a time

Hervey Bay overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and its calm waters make it an ideal stopover for migrating humpback whales who play in the expansive bay. The city’s long history of sustainable whale- and dolphin-watching earned it the title of First Whale Heritage Site in the world. While whale-watching tops the list of things to do in Hervey Bay, there are plenty of other activities on offer—the long esplanade that follows the coastline is perfect for walks and bicycle rides, while swimmers and snorkelers flock to Torquay Bay.

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Explore Hervey Bay by interest

Top activities in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

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479
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$100.22
Hervey Bay Whale Swim and Watch

Hervey Bay Whale Swim and Watch

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158
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$124.44
K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

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2254
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$183.63
K'gari (Fraser Island) Explorer 2-Day Tour

K'gari (Fraser Island) Explorer 2-Day Tour

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733
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$470.17
Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure

Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure

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123
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$84.08
Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience

Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience

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129
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$167.48
Mary Valley Rattler

Mary Valley Rattler

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831
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$46.41
K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay

K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay

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136
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$94.17
Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

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848
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$121.07
Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

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325
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$94.17
Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience

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453
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$95.85
Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure

Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure

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147
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$73.99
Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns

Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns

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30
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$53.14
Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

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392
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$131.16
Remote Fraser Island Experience
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Remote Fraser Island Experience

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337
From
$167.48
2 Day PINK4WD Tagalong Tour - K'gari/Fraser Island

2 Day PINK4WD Tagalong Tour - K'gari/Fraser Island

From
$349.77
Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay

Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay

From
$36.99
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All about Hervey Bay

When to visit

The whale-watching season runs July–November, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot some. The early months offer cooler, dryer weather before temperatures start to rise in September. While most private tour operators close by the end of October, whales can still be spotted into November. November is a good choice if you want classic Australian weather and a quieter town, but there will be fewer whales to see.

Getting around

Hervey Bay is walkable and compact, especially if you’re staying within the central city. You’ll find restaurants, shops, and the beach in close proximity to most hotels. It’s also a great city for bikes and scooters—explore the endless esplanade, or bike to the nearby Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens for a morning wander. The city and surrounds are serviced by the Wide Bay Transit buses, which provide another alternative to renting a car.

Traveler tips

A perfect day in Hervey Bay starts on the esplanade. Pack a picnic and rent a bicycle and ride till you find one of the many outdoor public barbecues that dot the esplanade. You’ll fit right in with the locals—an afternoon barbecue in the park is a favorite activity for most Australians, and the grocery shops are full of Australian specialties such as kangaroo sausages and lamington cake.

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People Also Ask

What is Hervey Bay known for?

Hervey Bay is best known for its whale-watching opportunities. Known as the whale-watching capital of Australia, the coastal city fills with nature lovers in winter and spring. You’ll mostly spot humpbacks, but southern right whales are also known to visit.

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How to spend a day in Hervey Bay?

Start your day with a whale-watching tour where you can learn about the region’s vital significance to the migrating whales. Don’t forget your camera! Later, grab lunch at Enzo’s on the Beach and unwind with a stroll on the esplanade.

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Can you swim in the ocean in Hervey Bay?

Yes—Torquay Beach is a calm, sandy beach that is easily reached from Hervey Bay’s central neighborhoods. If you want more excitement, there are plenty of day cruises that depart from Hervey Bay and offer snorkeling experiences.

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How many days do you need in Hervey Bay?

It’s easy to while away the days in Hervey Bay, from long days on the beach to evenings browsing the local markets. For those with more limited time, Hervey Bay is an excellent destination for a 2- or 3-day getaway.

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Does it get cold in Hervey Bay?

Not really. The average annual temperature in Hervey Bay is 71°F (22°C), but air temperatures dip in July to an average of 63°F (17°C). Water temperatures stay pleasant year-round, with the average never dropping below 70°F (21°C). Pack layers and don’t forget a windbreaker for whale-watching.

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Are there sharks in Hervey Bay?

Yes—sharks including tiger sharks, bull sharks, great white sharks, and hammerhead sharks have all been spotted in Hervey Bay. However, most sharks tend to congregate on the eastern side of Fraser Island. The beaches of the towns of Hervey Bay are considered some of the safest in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top activities in Hervey Bay?
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