Things to do on the Fraser Coast: a planning guide to Hervey Bay, K'gari and beyond

The Fraser Coast stretches along Queensland's coast north of the Sunshine Coast, with Hervey Bay at its centre and K'gari (Fraser Island) lying offshore. It is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch humpback whales rest with their calves, swim in a perched freshwater lake, walk through rainforest growing in sand and stroll a heritage river city, all within a short drive or ferry ride of each other.

This hub brings together our planning advice. We do not sell tours or publish prices; check current details with operators, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Visit Fraser Coast before you travel.

The Fraser Coast at a glance

Things to do in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay faces north-west into the sheltered waters of the bay, so its beaches are generally calm and shallow, unlike Queensland's surf beaches. The Esplanade runs for kilometres past parks, cafes and swimming spots.

• Watch humpback whales. In the migration season, whales rest in the bay, often with calves. Hervey Bay was recognised as the world's first Whale Heritage Site in 2019. Our whale watching page explains the season and how tours work.
• Walk Urangan Pier. The historic pier stretches far out over the water and is popular for walking, fishing and sunsets.
• Swim at the calm beaches along the Esplanade, from Point Vernon to Urangan.
• Visit the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and the bayside parks.
• Join a fishing charter or hire a boat in the marina.

Many of these cost nothing. See our guide to free things to do in Hervey Bay.

Things to do on K'gari

K'gari is the largest sand island in the world and has been World Heritage listed since 1992. Its Butchulla name, K'gari, means paradise. The island is part of the Great Sandy National Park and is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Butchulla people recognised as Traditional Owners.

Highlights include:

• Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora), a perched lake of clear fresh water over white silica sand
• Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek, where rainforest grows from sand beside a crystal-clear creek
• Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the island's eastern ocean beach, which also serves as a highway
• Eli Creek, a freshwater creek you can float down to the beach
• The Maheno shipwreck, a rusting hull on the eastern beach
• The Pinnacles coloured sand cliffs, Indian Head (Takky Wuddy) lookout and the Champagne Pools

The ocean beach is not safe for swimming because of strong currents and sharks. Swim in the lakes, creeks and Champagne Pools instead, and always follow park signs.

Our K'gari page covers the island in more depth, and the guide to getting to K'gari explains ferries, permits and tours.

Things to do in Maryborough and the small towns

Maryborough, on the Mary River, is one of Queensland's oldest cities. Its heritage streetscapes, museums and riverside walks make it a good day trip from Hervey Bay. It is also the birthplace of P. L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins, and you will find references to the character around town.

Beyond the cities, the Fraser Coast has small towns with their own character: Burrum Heads for fishing and estuary beaches, Howard and Brooweena for country history and museums, and Poona and Tuan on the Great Sandy Strait. See towns for each one.

How many days to allow

• 2 days: Hervey Bay and a one-day tour to K'gari.
• 3 to 4 days: add whale watching in season, a day in Maryborough, or a night on K'gari.
• 5 days or more: stay two or more nights on K'gari, explore the small towns and fish or kayak the Great Sandy Strait.

Our itineraries include a K'gari day trip and a five-day Fraser Coast plan.

When to visit

The Fraser Coast has a subtropical climate. Winter and spring (roughly June to November) are mild and drier, and coincide with the humpback whale season, when most sightings fall between July and October. Summer is hot and humid with a higher chance of storms, and is the peak domestic holiday period. On K'gari, tides, rain and wind affect beach driving all year.

Getting here

Hervey Bay is roughly three and a half to four hours' drive north of Brisbane. You can also take a train to Maryborough West with connecting transport to Hervey Bay, or fly into Hervey Bay airport. Our guide to getting from Brisbane to Hervey Bay compares the options.

Safety and respect

• Dingoes (wongari) live wild on K'gari. Never feed them, keep children within arm's reach and walk in groups. Read our dingo safety guide.
• Beach driving on K'gari is real driving on soft sand and tidal beaches. Read our four-wheel driving tips before you go.
• Respect Butchulla Country. Stay on tracks, leave cultural sites undisturbed and take all rubbish with you.

Our in-depth Fraser Coast guides

• How to get to K'gari: barges, passenger ferries, tours and permits.
• K'gari 4WD driving tips: tides, tyre pressures, soft sand and road rules.
• K'gari dingo safety: how to be dingo-safe around camps, beaches and walks.
• Free things to do in Hervey Bay: beaches, the pier, parks and markets.
• Brisbane to Hervey Bay: driving, train, coach and flights.
• Fraser Coast FAQ: twenty quick answers for first-time visitors.