Top Hervey Bay Culture

Travel back in time to the golden era of train travel with a journey on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway. Experience the old world nostalgia as soon as you step into the historic Gympie Station, where you’ll learn about the history of steam locomotives before boarding the Mary Valley Rattler. Enjoy the countryside views as you head out to Amamoor, where the train is turned around for the journey back.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Hervey Bay with this morning or afternoon half-day cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of passing marine life, which may also includes dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island.

Exploring K’gari’s vast landscapes in a single day can be challenging without the right transport and local knowledge, but this full-day guided tour makes it easy to see the island’s highlights. Depart early in a custom 4WD and spend the day visiting key sites such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and the Maheno shipwreck. With a local leading the way, learn about the island’s unique plant and animal life while enjoying time at its freshwater lakes, rainforest, and coastline.

The Mary Valley Rattler steam train is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most memorable experiences. Enjoy a more premium adventure on this journey that includes a plate of local cheese, a newspaper, and water. Share a booth with other travelers—unless your booking is for four or more guests, when your own booth is provided. On your return to the station, relax with a 2-course meal and a glass of something.

Explore the waters of Hervey Bay in search of whales on this guided whale-watching expedition. Board a rigid inflatable boat, then head out to the watery paths where humpback whales migrate and birth their calves. Enjoy water-level views of whales, listen to commentary and interpretations from a marine naturalist guide, and listen to whale communications on an underwater hydrophone.

Some call Hervey Bay the Whale Watch Capital of the World for the migrating humpbacks which glide through between July and late October. Marvel at these playful 44-ton (40-tonne) mammals from the comfortable MV Amaroo catamaran with guaranteed sightings (conditions apply). While packages include morning or afternoon tea on board.

Enjoy a full-day whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay that visits Platypus Bay, a prime location for whale-watching near K'Gari. Have plenty of time to witness the majestic humpback whales at play as they pass Australia during their annual migration to Antarctica. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea and a delicious lunch buffet. Learn about the whales and the marine environment from your crew’s informative commentary.

The sand island of K’gari (Fraser Island) is like nowhere else in Australia. On this two-day, guided tour, you can explore its best bits without the need to hurry, all while benefitting from pre-planned logistics. Follow your guide on rainforest walks, discover natural swimming spots, and see landmarks like the Champagne Pools and the Maheno shipwreck. Stay overnight at K'gari Beach Resort on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, with breakfast and two lunches included.

Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island and the Great Sandy National Park, and some of the best views are from the water. With this evening cruise, set sail at sunset and admire the views as you cruise along the Sandy Straits. Sip an included glass of Champagne, look out for dolphins along the coast, and perhaps even enjoy live music performed onboard (select dates only).

Set sail for a quintessential Aussie beach adventure with a half-day cruise to beautiful K’gari (Fraser Island). Look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you cruise out across Hervey Bay, then enjoy free time to explore the island. Swim, take a beach walk, or opt to kayak, fish, or snorkel. Back on board, tuck into a BBQ lunch, including fresh Hervey Bay prawns, on the return cruise.