Things to do in

Hervey Bay

Your adventure begins with pickup from your Hervey Bay accommodation, or make your own way to River Heads. Take a 40-minute ferry ride to Fraser Island, keeping a look out for dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Once on the island, your local guide will take you to see the stunning natural sights.   Learn fascinating facts about the island’s history, and its fauna and flora. Travel in an air-conditioned bus to Central Station, a former logging station. Then stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk to discover the ancient king ferns, towering ghost gums, and pine trees. Continue to Lake McKenzie and swim in the crystal blue waters or relax on the sandy beaches. The next stop is Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Choose to take a flight over the island (at additional cost), or float down Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and enjoy a photo stop at the rusting wreck of the Maheno. You’ll also see The Pinnacles colored sands, and learn how these formations were created. Board the 5:00 PM ferry back to River Heads, and get dropped off at your accommodation between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of Fraser Island. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, slice, and biscuits. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the western side of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek on a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks, or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. From mid-July to the end of October each year, be on the lookout for humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they enjoy the calm clear waters off Fraser Island. If conditions are ideal, guests will have the opportunity to experience a humpback whale immersion. The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea: antipasti platter including cheese, cabana, crackers, pickled onions, and dip. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

This whale watching tour is led by certified marine naturalists who provide expert interpretation of the amazing whale behaviors you'll encounter. As an exclusive, you'll also interact with an onboard whale researcher. Listen to live whale songs with underwater hydrophones and learn the latest whale facts and findings. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are all available onboard. You'll cruise in comfort on Hervey Bay's newest, a state-of-the-art vessel the Ocean Defender. Enjoy a fast, smooth ride with panoramic water-level views from forward-facing seats offering plenty of shade. On this small-group tour, there are excellent photo opportunities. The Ocean Defender is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. Enjoy the knowledge that your ticket supports whale research, marine education, and ocean conservation in Australia and around the world. 

Embark on the region’s only tour of Lake McKenzie. Relax on island time, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear freshwater, and laze along the pristine white sands of K'gari (Fraser Island). Meet at the Boat Club Marina in Hervey Bay, and then set sail at 10.30 AM by fast boat to the Kingfisher Bay Resort. Feast on an inclusive lunch, and enjoy some quality resort time with full access to all the facilities. Then, board a 4WD coach for a guided journey to Lake McKenzie. Take some free time at the iconic lake to swim in the crystal-clear waters, or just sunbathe on its famous white sands. Refreshed, make a relaxing journey back to Hervey Bay by passenger ferry, including a courtesy coach transfer back to the Boat Club Marina or your local accommodation.

Join the only cultural tour on the Fraser Coast. With your local Butchulla guide onboard, obtain first hand knowledge of the history, hunting and gathering techniques.  Your ecotour begins at 10:30am departing from the Great Sandy Straits Marina onboard a 10 metre glass bottom vessel. Travel through the spectacular waterways of the Great Sandy Marine Park, with stops at Round Island and Big Woody Island and visit coral reefs for snorkelling and viewing through the glass panels. Lunch, tropical fruit platter, water, tea and coffee are all included in your tour. Be intrigued by the history spanning thousands of years, through the eyes of a local aboriginal guide, a direct descendant from the Butchulla tribe - the custodians of K'Gari. Take a walk in the Butchulla footsteps and discover the deep connection the aboriginal people share with the land and sea.

This half-day whale watch cruise departs twice daily from the Hervey Bay Marina on the luxury 20-meter catamaran Tasman Venture. Experience a tranquil cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and past rugged islands before sailing along the pristine western side of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. The catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching, offering clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and a unique water-level viewing platform for the ultimate personal experience. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime up-close and personal encounters with the majestic humpback whales and marvel at their sheer size and athleticism. Friendly, experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour and serve a morning or afternoon tea and delicious antipasti platter.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of Fraser Island. The fast and comfortable 12 meter catamaran is perfect for a small number of passengers ensuring an intimate, personalized tour. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the western side of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek during a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious buffet lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. Be on the look out for Humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm clear waters off Fraser Island.  Marvel at their sheer athleticism as they explode out of the water in a spectacular breach or be awestruck as you come face to face as they spy hop right next to the boat.  Be one of the few and very fortunate to experience an intimate, immersive whale experience that allows you to get closer to these creatures than ever before as you swim with them in their own natural environment (subject to conditions). The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

Hervey Bay has a reputation as one the best places in the world in which to observe Humpback whales, enjoy this excursion with the guarantee of seeing these wonderful animals. See these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat on this enthralling half–day tour.  Depart from your hotel or accommodation in Hervey Bay and travel to the marina to begin your aquatic adventure. Travel across the beautiful blue, clear water of Hervey Bay and take in the stunning views. Spot humpback and other majestic species of whales as they frolic in the water. Look out also for birds, turtles, dugongs and 3 different species of dolphin. While you watch whales and a whole host of wonderful sea creatures, the friendly crew will serve morning tea and lunch (on Extended Morning cruise) or afternoon tea and dinner (on Afternoon and Sunset cruise).

A luxury yacht invites you to sit back and relax as you’re taken on this Champagne Sunset Sail. Soak up the panoramic views of Hervey Bay and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Watch a spectacular sunset cast shadows of amber and gold on the Great Sandy Strait. Enjoy a 90-minute sail along the calm waters of Hervey Bay and around Fraser Island. Choose your favorite drink from the sparkling wine, beer, wine and soft drinks available. Savor the delicious finger foods, and sit back, relax and unwind. The Blue Dolphin Marine Tours Champagne Sunset Sail provides the perfect setting for a magical sunset in a tropical paradise.

Relax on a tranquil evening cruise from Hervey Bay into the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park. This is the perfect appetizer for your evening ahead. Nothing beats watching the sunset at sea and the experience of returning to the port at dusk. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as you soak up the changing colors of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife that frequent the Marine Park at dusk. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset. Early evening is a special time to be on the water as marine wildlife of the harbor comes out to play. You will find the peacefulness of the water perfectly reflecting the evening light, and the lights of Hervey Bay twinkling in the distance mesmerizing.