Hervey Bay is known for its amazing whale watching tours, but there is so much more to do, especially for the little ones! We break down what we feel are some of the best – and best value – attractions in Hervey Bay and surrounding areas that the kids will love!
The below places have been selected based on a number of criteria such as value for money, quality of attraction and popularity with kids, and all receive rave reviews from numerous travel sites as well as visitors. Here’s the list:
5. Play at WetSide Water Park
Location: 29-31 Ellengowan St, Urangan
Hervey Bay’s water park is not only great fun for everyone but it’s free! The eco-friendly water education park was opened in 2009 to educate people on the water and its sustainable use. The park is described as water infotainment for the way it educates and entertains the young ones.
If you’re worried about your little toddlers, don’t worry! The Totside area is designated specifically for kids under the age of 5 to enjoy. This is a safe area for them to play and enjoy the water park out of harm’s way, away from the energetic big kids.
The park also has Flipside Boardride, a wave machine for the daring young ones to test their skills and see if they can stay up on the board. Even though the park is free, the wave rider chargers $6 per surfer.
Prices
- FREE entry
- Flipside Board ride: $6 per ride
4. Travel to Fraser Island
Make your way out to Fraser Island to spend the day relaxing on the beach and taking in this beautiful part of the world. Kids will love the exciting challenge of trying to spot as many turtles and dolphins they can off the shore!
Visiting Western Beach and Pelican Banks is must when in the area. Pelican Bank is a popular sandbank located between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. This Fraser Coast treasure is a popular destination for people wanting to throw in a line or wade in the blue waters, barely a metre above high tide, there isn’t anything to do there but relax on your way to and from Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
You can take a tour out to Fraser island which will give you up to 1.5 hours on the shore as well as stops at Western Beach and Pelican Bank. The tour includes morning tea and an Aussie barbecue lunch, so all you need to worry about is what activity you’re going to try first!
You will have the option of swimming, kayaking or fishing on the island, plus a much more. Tours begin at the start of November until the middle of June.
Prices
- Kids (4 to 14 years): $55
- Adults: $90
- Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids): $260
- Family (2 Adults + 3 Kids): $300
3. Explore Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo
Location: 51 Lucketts Road, Childers
This fun and affordable reptile park will the kids ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at the exciting range of animals on display.
It’s not the biggest zoo but it is a great size with a great range of animals. The little ones will love getting the chance to hold a slithering python or baby salt water crocodile!
All included in the price, visitors also get access to two different snake show, including the venomous snake demonstration, a crocodile show, reptile handling demonstration, koala talk, guided tours of the area as well as entry into the kangaroo and emu reserve.
The park is open throughout the week excluding Wednesday and is open from 9:30am until 3pm.
Prices
- Kids (4 to 12 years): $14
- Students/Seniors: $18
- Adults: $22
- Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids): $66
- (Additional kids: $8)
2. Visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Location: 141 Mon Repos Road, Mon Repos
Technically this isn’t in Hervey Bay, but it is only just over an hour away easily reached by car, and it is worth it! Home to the largest group of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland, the kids will be so excited to get so close to these beautiful animals and they might even get the chance to touch them!
Between November and January guided walking tours will take place to watch on as the turtle’s nest on the shore and then from January to March the guided tours will take visitors to watch the little baby turtles hatch and find their way to the ocean!
The centre is there to educate everyone about turtles and the special journeys they go through when at the centre. This is a unique opportunity that will put a big smile on the little one’s faces and for a $2 donation, they’ll also receive a special certificate to remember their visit.
Prices
- Kids (5 to 14 years)/Concessions: $6.05
- Adults: $11.60
- Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids): $27.80
1. Go Whale Watching
Hervey Bay is THE place for humpback whale watching in Queensland. It has become know as the signature activity for tourists visiting the area during migration season.
There are a range of tours that head out during the season for full day or half days to give visitors an up close look at these amazing creatures. The young ones will be jumping for joy as the humpbacks jump out of the water and play in the ocean so close to the boat.
The season runs from July to November and those who visit the area will get the chance to see these playful creatures frolic around the area as they make their way to their tropical calving grounds. However, the later months are when most want to visit as they’ll be returning to Antarctica with their new calves in tow!
Organised tours are the best way to get a glimpse and have a close encounter with these giant sea animals. Multiple tours leave from Hervey Bay all through whale season.
In addition, if you’re looking for all the top things to see and do in and around Hervey Bay including activities, attractions and more, be sure to check out our main region section to browse and book online!
