Australian road trips conjure up images of vast distances which take time to travel. For those wishing to see more of Australia’s Sunshine State the Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip is an easy journey that can be taken over a weekend, long weekend or a week’s holiday.
Hervey Bay is a hidden treasure on the Fraser Coast of Queensland. Family friendly beaches stretch along its shore, and it is much loved by fishing and boating enthusiasts. Hervey Bay is famous for the migratory humpback whales that visit the area between July and October and is a gateway to the wonders of Fraser Island.
Best time to visit Hervey Bay
The regions subtropical climate makes Hervey Bay the perfect place to visit year-round. During summer average temperatures reach between 29 to 21 Celsius. Average winter temperatures can hover between 22 and 12 Celsius, making the region a popular choice for snowbirds escaping the cold winters of Australia’s southern states.
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For those wanting to take a whale watching tour the best time to take a Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip is between July and October.
Brisbane to Hervey Bay distance
When planning a road trip, a frequently asked question is How far is Hervey Bay from Brisbane? The distance from Brisbane to Hervey Bay is 282 km via the M1 and Bruce Highway (A1). The Brisbane to Hervey Bay drive time is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Things to do in Hervey Bay
There are many things to see on a Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip. What you do will depend on how relaxed or active you want your break to be. Waters sports and fishing are popular activities and there is a fabulous foodie scene for those who want to enjoy magnificent coastal views over a delicious meal and glass of wine.
Hervey Bay Beaches
The beaches at Hervey Bay are family friendly with calm sheltered waters and golden sands that extend along the coast. It is hard to pick the best beach in Hervey Bay, but popular choices are Torquay, Scarness, Urangan and Pialba.
Scarness is Hervey Bay’s central hub and close to all amenities. Urangan is home to the historic Urangan Pier which is one of Hervey Bay’s favourite fishing spots. Torquay is located at the heart of the Esplanade and close to many Hervey Bay eateries. Pialba is a great place to keep the kids entertained by visiting the WetSide Water Park which is located on the esplanade foreshore.
Visit Urangan Pier
The Urangan Pier is the place to drop in a line. If you don’t have a fishing line handy be inspired by other fishermen hauling in their catch. The water under the pier is crystal clear and you can watch the fish swimming below. The Urangan Pier is a popular place for a stroll and to catch views of the Hervey Bay foreshore.
Visit the Boat Harbour Hervey Bay
The Hervey Bay Boat Harbour has stunning views of the impressive boats and tour boats that are anchored alongside the walkways. Here you will find restaurants, hotels and resorts, art galleries and shops. The Boat Harbour is also a pickup point for many of the Whale Watching Tours and Fraser Island Tours.
Restaurant & Café Scene
No Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip would be complete without sampling the region’s restaurants and cafes. Hervey Bay has a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes, many of which showcase the fresh local seafood of the area.
Popular choices include the delicious Asian cuisine of Vinvero’s Café, the tapas menu and boat harbour views of the Dock Bar & Restaurant and if you are looking for breakfast in Hervey Bay you can’t beat Bayaroma Café.
Hervey Bay Tours
Hervey Bay is considered the whale watching capital of Queensland and a hub for tours to nearby Fraser Island.
Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours
Humpback whales visit the region each year and the best way to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is to take a Hervey Bay whale watching cruise. There is a good selection of cruises, but it is advisable to book early as places fill quickly.
Fraser Island Tours
Fraser Island truly is a natural wonder! The world’s largest sand island is home to ancient rainforest and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The island is crisscrossed with sandy tracks which are only accessible with 4wd vehicles. Taking a Fraser Island tour is an attractive option for those without a 4wd.
Fraser Island tours from Hervey Bay showcase the island’s unique ecosystem, its logging history and the beauty of Fraser Island’s lakes, creeks and endless beaches.
Hervey Bay Accommodation
Hervey Bay has a large range of accommodation options which include hotels, holiday apartments and resorts.
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Popular Hervey Bay accommodation include the BreakFree Hervey Bay and Mantra Hervey Bay Resort which has picturesque views of the Hervey Bay Boat Harbour. Another is Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa which is on the Esplanade and a short walk to Urangan Pier.
Caravan Parks Hervey Bay QLD
If you are planning a camping or caravanning holiday there are a good choice of caravan parks in the Hervey Bay area.
For those wanting a caravan park on the Hervey Bay beachfront look no further than the Torquay Beachfront Caravan Park at Torquay.
Last Words on Brisbane to Hervey Bay Road Trip
A Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip will have you escaping the rat race and recharging in the casual slower paced lifestyle of Hervey Bay. The city is home to some of Queensland’s best loved attractions and draws travellers of all ages and is family friendly.
If you are planning your next Queensland road trip, make sure to put the Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip on your list.
Have you taken a Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip? We would love to know your favourite attraction, feel free to leave a comment!
