Destinations

Fraser Coast

The Fraser Coast region is a rare destination, filled with natural wonders and some of the world's most unique attractions. It boasts World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, and the Great Sandy Strait with its calm protected waters and abundant marine life. And then there's Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia and a popular access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Fraser Island

This is nature at its awe-inspiring best. Four wheel drive along the 75 mile (123 km) highway of sand on the ocean beaches or explore the sandy tracks that lead through thick forest to secret lakes, hidden in subtropical rainforest, their glassy surfaces reflecting the vegetation and deep blue sky.  It is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.

Home to possums, gliders, wallabies and dingoes, Fraser supports rainforest trees such as satinay and brush box, some more than 1000 years old. There is resort accommodation and camping facilities on the island and tours available to see the breathtaking sites including the Wreck of the Maheno, Central Station, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and The Cathedrals.

Whale Watching

Around 7000 Humpback whales migrate through the Fraser Coast each year - a 6000 kilometre journey from Antarctica. There is no better place to experience their antics and their awesome size than close up on a whale watching cruise in the protected waters of Hervey Bay. Pods of humpback whales seek out the haven of Hervey Bay's calm seas from July – November, in Hervey Bay’s designated Marine Park zone.

The Fraser Coast region offers a change of pace – serene national parks and pristine coastlines. It is the perfect destination for those who appreciate nature and marine life, with many opportunities to get up close and personal on offer.

Places to Visit

Hervey Bay
Known as Australia’s whale watching capital, Hervey Bay is bordered by 40km of pristine beaches and is a popular resort holiday destination.

Hervey Bay offers convenient access to Fraser Island and those who prefer to do a day trip to the island can opt to stay at the wide choice of accommodation lining the Hervey Bay esplanade, from caravan parks to motels, resorts and holiday apartments.

Sheltered by Fraser Island, the calm, safe waters of Hervey Bay attract hundreds of humpback whales and calves every year from the beginning of August until the end of October.

The whales stop here to rest and play on their migration south to the Antarctic. Mothers take time to fatten up their calves so they can survive the long journey and cold waters.

Great Sandy Strait
Perfectly situated between Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Strait features mangrove-lined shores, protected beaches and a maze of tidal creeks and islands.

Its tranquil waterways are home to fish, turtles, dolphins and even dugongs. This area is also a valuable roosting area for migratory trans-equatorial shorebirds with almost 30,000 birds stopping annually. It is truly a haven for nature and photography enthusiasts.

Stop at one of the islands or Garry’s Anchorage for a picnic, go fishing, catch a feast of mud crabs or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Townships along the Great Sandy Strait include Rainbow Beach, with its surf and sandy white beaches, and Tin Can Bay, a peaceful seaside town ideal for fishing and boating.

Maryborough
Located three hours north of Brisbane, this heritage town is home to charming tree-lined streets and classic Queenslanders - high-stilted homes built of local timber, with broad verandas.

Maryborough was settled in 1847 by Europeans and is one of Queensland's oldest provincial cities. It is widely recognised for the abundant examples of colonial and Queenslander architecture, majestic public buildings and beautiful gardens. Much of the city's character has been preserved in these classic buildings.