Great things to see & do
Fraser Coast is a popular playground for tourists all year round because of its mild climate, with K’gari (Fraser Island) just off the coast of Hervey Bay. Separating mainland from Fraser Island is the 70 kms of the Great Sandy Strait. It extends south to Inskip Point, with numerous named and unnamed islands.
The famous & historic Urangan Pier - it's one of the longest in Australia and in March 2017, Urangan pier saw its 100 years since first completed. It stretches for almost 1km into the ocean where you can stroll and spot marine and bird life or look back at 14 km of the Bay’s foreshore. It is a good platform for fishing in all conditions. The Mary and Susan River enters the strait at River Heads and is also the barge landing access point to the Island. Set aside a day and join the Spirit of Hervey Bay’s popular Mary River Cruise that twists & turns its way down the mighty Mary, right through to Maryborough township from Urangan Harbour. Whales can be encountered, (Jul - Oct) and the whale watching fleet also departs from the Urangan Boat Harbour, which is the location for some of the best holiday accommodation in the region such as Ramada, with either studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Whale cove offers a variety of modern, self-contained one & two bedroom apartments. You can dine at the Harbour, la carte, specialty coffee, quick meal or a decadent dessert overlooking the Hervey Bay marina, across the Strait to the Islands and much more at the Hervey Bay Boat Club. They also have Fraser Getaway cruise, a 3hr tour from Hervey Bay along the West coast of the Island.
If sailing is your thing, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours offer eco-friendly sailing tours across Hervey Bay and the islands. On their tour, you may spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, seabirds & other marine life. On board this luxury yacht, you can enjoy the all-inclusive drinks and delicious finger food platter during Champagne Sunset Sail, and simply sit back, relax and enjoy a relaxing 90-minute sail of the Great Sandy Strait and its views of Hervey Bay & Islands as the sun sets.
World Treasure Designs is a small, independent jewellery business with qualified jewellers and a state-of-the-art jewellery workshop, they offer all types of jewellery repair and restoration services, valuations and watch repairs and maintenance. They specialise in 100% Australian made, ethical and sustainable jewellery. Their exclusive designs are locally inspired, featuring Australian gemstones and sustainably sourced metals. Carefully handcrafted, right here at their studio workshop in Urangan not far from the Pier. Combining his passion for the ocean and marine life with his skills as a jeweller, Nick launched the Ocean Collection in an effort to raise awareness and cultivate a greater love for threatened marine species. At the other end of the beach at Scarness is the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum. This multi-award winning attraction has managed to preserve some of that early history and now you can walk through the museum that covers 1.2 hectares and explore 21 buildings with over 12,000 items, both large and small.
Take part in interactive demonstrations. Something for the whole family!
13 Zephyr St, Scarness.
Don't miss out on seeing the area by helicopter! Great Ocean Helicopters do scenic helicopter flights in Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast and surrounds, they also offer private transfers to Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gladstone and Agnes Water. They can do Lunch packages at Kingfisher Resort or Orchid Beach. Elopement package are also available. Many destinations are in reach from Hervey Bay, a short drive getaway. North from Hervey Bay and Maryborough is the historical village of Howard. Discovered as coalfield back in the late 1800's by William Howard and throughout the years, collieries opened up in Howard and ultimately led to the construction of the railway. Serviced twice daily by the Tilt Train to this day.
Established over forty years ago, VanCootens Drapery is jam packed with over 6000 bolts of patchwork fabric and patchwork accessories and a large range of haberdashery, curtain fabrics, Manchester, men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, bags and giftware. VanCootens Grocery, hardware, stockfeed & grocery store is located just across the road for those last minute supplies.
Bamboo Land is located on the beautiful Burrum River, 2km west of the Bruce Highway between Torbanlea & Howard.
This well established bamboo, ginger and heliconia specialist nursery features a collection of the world's finest non-invasive bamboo. The 50 acre property with 10 acres of
landscaped tropical parklands is for customers, enthusiasts and the general public to view the plants they grow and supply for sale. It is completely free for all to visit. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the many available picnic tables along the river and throughout the gardens.
On the way to Howard is the “home of the pink cow”,
The Australiana Cottage Crafts & Herb Farm. Recognised as one of Australia's leading Arts & Crafts Galleries, you are sure to be impressed by the range of 100% locally made, quality Australian gifts perfect for giving to family & friends in Australia or overseas.
Open 10am-4pm, closed Wednesday at 403 Torbanlea Pialba Road, Takura.
With FREE Admission!
If you like to wander through markets, it won’t take you long to realise Fraser Coast has some of the best community, country and farmers markets around. Urangan Pier Markets ranks as one of the top ‘market’ destinations in the region.
There is a large range of local regional produce in the farmers market section, some organic produce, fresh flowers, spices, olives, delicatessen goods and jams. As you stroll along the paved paths, you will find creations by local artisans such as handmade wooden puzzles, toys, timber products, baby clothes, clothes, crocheted hand towels, fashion, crystals, leatherwork, handbags & so much more. The food court has a large choice of goodies. Live entertainment on the stage on a Saturday opposite the Food Court and undercover seating is available.