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Freedom Park Lighthorseman

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Freedom Park

Freedom Park is in the historical heart of Hervey Bay. The Pialba War Memorial, unveiled in 1921 to commemorate the men from the district who served in World War I, forms the centre of a memorial complex that includes the former Pialba railway station building, Shire Council hall and a dramatic life-size statue of an Australian light horseman from the famous charge at the Battle of Beersheba in 1917. The war memorial at Freedom Park was designed by the Fraser Coast’s most famous architect, P.O.E. Hawkes

Hervey Bay QLD

0.2 km away

Seafront Oval and All Abilities Playground

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Seafront Oval and All Abilities Playground

Over the years, the Seafront Oval has played host to a variety of events, from festivals to charity cricket matches and everything in between. The 2.77acre site boasts a full-sized sports field. Additional facilities include an undercover stage, public toilets, a sheltered picnic table, barbeque, a skate ramp and a basketball half-court. The Seafront Oval can be found on the Esplanade, Pialba. Situated right next to Seafront Oval is their all-abilities playground which features accessible amenities block located next to the playground, sheltered barbecue and picnic areas, an accessible drinking fountain, disabled car parking, rubberised soft-fall and concrete surfacing. The playground features a wheelchair-accessible carousel, a range of swings (including a basket swing and swings with supportive seating), a look-out, a kick-about area, a custom-designed shipwreck, an elevated sand table, an interactive musical turtle with sounds, a hand pump, totems marking the Southern Cross, a vortex maze (including explanatory panels, tactile poles and a movement-activated sound installation)

Hervey Bay QLD

0.4 km away

Sunsets behind Hervey Bay Regional Gallery with Nala statue in foreground.. — Image credit: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery (HBRG) is a public gallery located on Butchulla Country in the heart of Hervey Bay's civic precinct. HBRG features a curated programme hosting national touring exhibitions alongside their own internally curated shows, focusing on hyper-local themes with a universal meaning for contemporary audiences, local and visiting alike. The home of HBRG Shop, the Butchulla Seasonal Garden and HBRG Art Walk.

Hervey Bay QLD

0.6 km away

Catch of the Day

Shopping and Markets

Fisho's Tackle World Hervey Bay

Fisho's Tackle World Hervey Bay is a Hervey Bay icon that has been operating for over 40 years and has established itself as the premier fishing tackle store on the Fraser Coast. Hervey Bay is quite unique as there is a distinct cross over between northern and southern species and anglers are literally spoilt for choice. Whether heading offshore chasing big pelagics and reef fish, exploring their vast and expansive estuary systems or enjoying the picturesque sweetwater lakes, then a visit to Fisho's will always ensure that you are armed with the best local advice and the equipment to give you the best chance of success. The staff at Fisho's, with their countless combined years of local experience are all experts in their field as when they're not working in the store they're out on the water exploring and chasing all manner of species, specialising in everything from fresh to saltwater. Regardless of whether you're a complete novice, part time fisherman with limited success or a seasoned angler the team at Fisho's can advise you on all the right gear, techniques and locations to catch your target species. Fisho's stocks a huge range of gear, at very competitive prices, to cater for any situation and carry all the major brands, as well as offering a complete in house service and repair department.

Hervey Bay QLD

0.8 km away

Timezone Hervey Bay

Entertainment Venues

Timezone Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay – gateway to Fraser Island, famous for sunshine, beaches, and dolphins delighting tourists. But let's be real: sometimes the best holiday moments happen indoors, away from the sand and surf. Enter Timezone Hervey Bay, your trump card when the weather turns, the kids need a break from beach mode, or you're simply craving a different kind of fun that brings everyone together. Picture this: you've spent the morning exploring all that's best and brightest of nature, and now it's time to switch gears. Step inside and discover 80+ arcade icons, redemption games, and immersive VR experiences that transport you from coastal paradise to virtual adventures. Challenge your crew to beat your high score or lose yourself in the satisfying feeling of Powertickets adding up. Then there's the Winner's Vault – stocked with incredible prizes. Here's why families keep coming back: Timezone Hervey Bay creates those genuine connection moments that holidaymakers crave. Grandparents become kids again. Teens actually engage. Little ones squeal with delight. It's the kind of quality time that makes a holiday truly matter. Located close to Stockland Hervey Bay shopping centre near Maccas and KFC, Timezone Hervey Bay is perfectly positioned for a quick detour or an all-afternoon adventure. Come make some noise, rack up some wins, and create the stories you'll be retelling long after the tan fades.

Hervey Bay QLD

1.3 km away

Hervey Bay Coastal pathway

Parks and Gardens

Hervey Bay Recreation Pathways

Walk, cycle, skateboard, scoot or rollerblade along Hervey Bays Recreation Pathways along either 15 kilometres of coastal paths or 14 kilometres along the links corridor which follows an old rail line. The links corridor is part of a long term plan to continue the pathway all the way to Maryborough, a distance of 32 kilometres along the disused rail line which ran from Urangan Pier to Maryborough. You can tackle the coastal pathway along the Esplanade in one go or you can break it up into smaller trips from precinct to precinct. Experiences along the Trail include beaches, parks, botanic gardens, playgrounds, piers, swimming, fishing, shopping, dining and glimpses into local and aboriginal history. The paths along the Trails are shared and cyclists are required to give way.

Hervey Bay QLD

1.3 km away

Curious

Natural Attractions

Whale Watching

When it comes to soul-stirring, up close interactions with Humpback Whales, there's no place like Hervey Bay. The stunning intimacy of these gentle giants will truly take your breath away, leaving you with amazing memories and even better pictures. The Fraser Coast is one of the few places in the world that is now also offering an immersive Humpback Whale experience. Unlike Whale Watching in the open ocean, where the whales simply pass by en route north or south, the whales stay in Hervey Bay, using time to rest, play and socialise. You can experience the incredible Humpbacks up close and personal from July to mid-October each year.

Hervey Bay QLD

1.7 km away

Botanic Gardens Orchid House

Parks and Gardens

Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House

Situated on 26 hectares in Elizabeth Street, Urangan, the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens display plants of the Wide Bay and Great Sandy Strait regions. It incorporates the Orchid House, with a collection of around 20,000 orchids. Facilities include seating, toilets, tables, shelters and barbecues. The Bush Chapel provides an open-air cathedral surrounded by rainforest trees for weddings. Natural bushes, formal gardens and wetlands merge together to provide an environmental delight Areas of interest include the Japanese Bridge, Bush Tucker Garden, Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden and the Woodland/Wetlands area. The Bush Chapel provides an open-air cathedral surrounded by rainforest trees for your special day.

Hervey Bay QLD

5.5 km away

Nikenbah Markets

Agritourism

Nikenbah Markets

The Nikenbah Markets are held at the Hervey Bay Animal Refuge on the first, third and fifth Sundays of each month. Items for sale at these very popular Markets include arts and crafts, fresh produce, trash and treasure, cakes and jams and much more. The Nikenbah Markets are held to raise much need funds to care for the animals at the Hervey Bay Animal Refuge.

Hervey Bay QLD

5.6 km away

Urangan Pier

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Urangan Pier

A must-see attraction at Queensland's Fraser Coast is Hervey Bay's famous and historic Urangan Pier - it's one of the longest in Australia. It stretches for almost one kilometre into the ocean. A walk to the end will reward with spectacular views of Hervey Bay and the chance to see schools of fish, stingrays or pods of dolphins just metres out to sea. Another must-do is fishing off the Pier. It is one of the best fishing spots for people of all ages and is the perfect place to catch whiting, one of Hervey Bay's most sought-after fish. Picnic or enjoy fish and chips by the beach in the parkland around the pier and explore the Urangan precinct with its boutique shops, alfresco dining, resorts and clubs. Pier Park is a starting point for the links corridor, a landscaped environmental walk and cycle corridor along the former rail line which once connected the Pier with Pialba's Central Business District. The water next to the pier is one of the Bay's best locations for windsurfing or kite surfing, with surfing conditions suitable for beginners to experts.

Hervey Bay QLD

6.3 km away

Dayman Park

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Dayman Park

Dayman Park offers barbeque and picnic facilities, a playground with climbing net in the lower section adjacent to the Waterfront Restaurant and Reefworld Aquarium. The upper section of Dayman Park offers great views of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the marina and the Great Sandy Strait. It is in the upper section where you will find the Mathew Flinders Memorial and the Krait Memorial overlooking the Great Sandy Strait.

Hervey Bay QLD

6.7 km away

Reefworld Aquarium Hervey Bay

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Reefworld Aquarium Hervey Bay

Located right on the beautiful foreshores of Hervey Bay you will find Reefworld Aquarium in Urangan. This iconic tourist attraction established in 1979 and has captivated and amazed locals and visitors from around the world with their unique displays of marine life. Reefworld Aquarium is an all-natural aquarium, using only sand filtered seawater and natural sunlight. There are very few all-natural aquariums in the world, making Reefworld quite unique. Adults and children of all ages can participate in feeding some marine life. Green sea turtles, sharks and large reef fish, are all fed daily. You can experience firsthand what marine life feels like at our touch tank, throughout the day.

Hervey Bay QLD

6.7 km away

Sam our Male Green Sea Turtle

Amusement and Theme Parks

Reefworld Aquarium

Located right on the beautiful foreshores of Hervey Bay you will find Reefworld Aquarium in Urangan. This iconic tourist attraction was established in 1979 and has been operating for well over 40 years. Reefworld Aquarium is an all-natural aquarium, using only sand filtered sea water and natural sunlight. There are very few all-natural aquariums in the world, making Reefworld quite unique. Reefworld Aquarium is a fabulous attraction that the whole family can enjoy visiting whilst on their next holiday. It is home to many different marine creatures including Green Sea Turtles, colourful tropical fish, and large reef fish. Hidden in the tanks customers will find tubeworms, crabs, shrimp, and starfish. Adults and children of all ages can participate in feeding our marine life. The Green Sea turtles, Sharks & large reef fish, are all fed daily. You can experience firsthand what marine life feels like at our touch tank, throughout the day. Make sure you bring your camera so you can capture the natural beauty of the living reef. There is a wide range of memorabilia at Reefworld Aquarium that you may wish to purchase after you have enjoyed your day out admiring and taking part in everything there is to see and do here

Hervey Bay QLD

6.9 km away

Boat Club Cinema

Entertainment Venues

Boat Club Cinema

Everyone's welcome at The Boat Club Cinemas showing the latest movies. Big Screens, big sound, big comfy chairs, awesome popcorn including caramel flavour, big choc-tops, easy free parking, licensed bar, take club cafe food, coffee and drinks into the cinemas. Everyone's welcome! Each theatre is also available for private hire. Please contact the Boat Club Cinema for details.

Hervey Bay QLD

7.0 km away

Tobruk — Image credit: FCTE

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

HMAS Tobruk Dive

Experience this incredible world-class dive site on the Fraser Coast. The 127-metre heavy-lift former navy ship involved in 26 major operations will spend the rest of its life in the waters between the Fraser Coast and Bundaberg as a dive site. The dive site will cater for divers of all levels and abilities. The upper rear decks of the ship are anticipated to be in water shallower than 18 metres, while the internal tank deck is likely to be 25 metres, appealing to advanced and technical divers. Ex-HMAS Tobruk will become a 'sister wreck' to ex-HMAS Brisbane, which was sunk off the Sunshine Coast 11 years ago. Call Hervey Bay Dive Centre or visit their website to book an ex-HMAS Tobruk dive tour with their expert local team.

Hervey Bay QLD

7.1 km away

Birdwatching on the Fraser Coast

Natural Attractions

Birdwatching on the Fraser Coast

The Fraser Coast offers a great range of birdwatching opportunities with over 250 species identified. Every year thousands of migratory shorebirds visit Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait from destinations as far away as Japan, Alaska and Siberia. The sand and mudflats are important feeding grounds for nearly 20 different species of long distance flyers. The range of habitats within close proximity of Hervey Bay will ensure that even the keenest birdwatcher will be amazed at the variety of bird life. Their waterways are home to many species, from the striking black and white jabiru, and the graceful silver-grey brolga, to the distinctive brahminy kite with its deep chestnut wings and white head, neck and breast of the amazing comb-crested jacana that seemingly walks on water thanks to its incredibly long toes. The undergrowth below trees can be protection for so many of those little jewels of nature that live on insects, small fruit and grass-seeds, and are always an enjoyment to observe. Those who visit Hervey Bay are indeed fortunate to experience such diverse habitats suitable for a range of different bird species.

Hervey Bay QLD

7.4 km away

Roy Rufus Artificial Reef Dive Site

Natural Attractions

Roy Rufus Artificial Reef Dive Site

The most popular dive site in Hervey Bay is the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef. Located off the eastern side of Big Woody Island, this large artificial reef was started in 1968 and covers a wide area in depths to 18 metres. Scattered across the site are car bodies, tyres, concrete pipes, two barges and four ships. The barges and ships offer the most rewarding diving, and fortunately, three of them (Otter, Pelican and Lass O’Gowrie) are positioned closed together and can be explored on the one dive. Limited penetration is available, but with the wrecks covered in corals and a great variety of marine life to be seen on and around the ships, you don’t need to venture into darken rooms. Exploring the artificial reef divers will encounter wobbegongs, stingrays, turtles, gropers, sea snakes and a great range of reef fish and invertebrates. Stonefish and scorpionfish are common, so watch where you place your hands. Like all dive sites in Hervey Bay the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef is affected by tidal currents, so can only be dived on the high tide, and the bay doesn’t have good visibility, averaging 5 metres, and rarely more than 10 metres.

Hervey Bay QLD

13 km away

Great Sandy Biosphere

Natural Attractions

Great Sandy Biosphere

In 2009, the Great Sandy region was awarded Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO, the global organisation that also awards World Heritage Listings. The decision gives world-wide recognition to the Fraser Coast region, neighbouring Gympie area and the Bundaberg coastline and puts it in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon, the Everglades and Uluru. The concept of the UNESCO's Man and Biospheres program is to protect natural resources while using them at the same time - or balancing conservation and sustainable development. What makes the Great Sandy Biosphere so special? Major breeding site for endangered marine turtles, oldest and largest unconsolidated sand mass in the world, 7558 recorded species of fauna and flora, declared Dugong sanctuary, RAMSAR wetlands - internationally declared feeding ground for migratory birds, critical habitat for rare and endangered species, best observable ancient dune chronological sequencing, world's largest and highest perched dune lakes, whale sanctuary and major transitory point for humpback whales on their annual southern migration.

Great Sandy Strait QLD

13 km away

Toogoom Mountain Bike Trails start point

Natural Attractions

Toogoom Mountain Bike Trails and Skills Park

The Toogoom Bike Trails is a fabulous trail network established by a group of passionate locals with over 40 kilometres of trails to suit the beginner right through to the expert rider. The network includes a skills park, Joey trail, and shelter shed to keep the kids happy and the adults who don't ride some shelter. There are toilets and showers available to the public, and at the beach end of Toogoom road there are two cafés that are available for a post ride coffee, beer or snack.

Hervey Bay QLD

18 km away

Bird Watching

Natural Attractions

Bird Watching Dolphin Waters

Situated at Burrum Heads, Dophin Waters is a residential area built around a natural waterway and small forested area which is a magnet for various bird species and a drawcard for local and visiting bird watchers. Beach Stone Curlew, Shining Flycatcher, Tawny Frogmouth, and many other interesting birds are possible to spot here. The bird-watching area is off Ivor Drive in Burrum Heads which has on one side a small water way with grassed area around a section, while on the opposite side of the road is a pathway leading for 750 metres around a copse of natural bushland.

Burrum Coast QLD

26 km away

Lake McKenzie

Natural Attractions

Lake McKenzie

There are many different aspects to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), but the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake McKenzie makes it a must-see natural site on the island. It is a ‘perched’ lake, which means it contains only rainwater, no groundwater, is not fed by streams and does not flow to the ocean. The sand and organic matter at the base of the lake form an impervious layer, preventing rainwater from draining away. The sand here is pure, white silica and is not only beautiful to look at but feels beautifully soft to walk on. The sand acts as a filter, giving the water its clarity and helping to make the water so pure it can support very little life. The blues and greens of the lake are endlessly fascinating and it's well worth getting up early to look across it in the soft light of dawn. There are great hikers camping facilities here and toilets and cold showers nearby.

K'gari QLD

28 km away

Bamboo Land Lovers Bridge Alcove — Image credit: Bamboo Land

Parks and Gardens

Bamboo Land Nursery and Parklands

Now serving barista coffee daily! Bamboo Land is a well established bamboo, ginger and heliconia specialised nursery featuring a collection of the world's finest non-invasive bamboos. All varieties are growing for display on their 50 acre property with 10 acres of landscaped tropical parklands. Exploring the gardens is an enjoyable experience for the whole family - the kids are sure to run around the maze of tracks whilst the parents soak up the atmosphere and gather ideas for their garden. Admission to Bamboo Land is free. All the plants growing in the gardens are available to buy in the nursery. There you will also find a giftshop selling all sorts of unique and unusual furniture and garden ornaments. Espresso coffees, cold drinks and ice creams are available to purchase, or bring a picnic to enjoy in any of the tranquil picnic spots amongst the gardens or along the river.

Burrum Coast QLD

29 km away

Fay Smith Wetlands entry sign

Natural Attractions

Fay Smith Wetlands

For a different experience on the Fraser Coast, walk through one of the last remaining wetlands in the Maryborough area, Fay Smith Wetlands. The Fay Smith Wetlands consist predominantly of paperbark swamp. Additionally, woodlands of Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), Swamp mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Queensland blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and Acacias are found throughout. The reserve covers 10 hectares and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. A drain previously built into the swamp has evolved into a creek filled with reeds, bulrushes and bottlebrushes and is now teeming with wildlife. To date, over 70 species of birds, as well as multiple species of insects, reptiles and frogs have been identified within the Wetlands, with a series of walkways and trails throughout the Wetlands allowing visitors to enjoy the abundant bird life at their leisure. The Wetlands are dedicated to Fay Smith and have been named in her honour. Fay was a passionate environmentalist who was prominent in local conservation for over 30 years. She was a leading figure in tree planting, foreshore protection, environmentally conscious farming, and the protection of land against degradation and pollution. Fay Smith Wetlands is located in Maryborough on the corner of Neptune and Victory Streets. Access to the walking trails and boardwalk is available from Neptune Street.

Maryborough QLD

30 km away

Wongi Waterholes in Wongi State Forest. — Image credit: Chris Whitelaw

Natural Attractions

Wongi State Forest

Immerse yourself in a landscape of fragrant pine plantations and eucalypt forests surrounding a string of beautiful waterholes, fringed by paperbarks and rushes in Wongi State Forest. A photographer's dream, the tannins from the paperbarks have coloured the waterholes a golden-brown, creating striking reflections. Forest communities include hoop pine dominated rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and open woodland with a heath understorey. Exotic pine plantations are also grown here. Dogs are permitted in Wongi State Forest but they must be on a leash and under control at all times. Camp or picnic among the eucalypt forest near the edges of Wongi Waterholes. Set up camp or park your van in the shade and spend the morning birdwatching along the bank. Enjoy a picnic by the cool water or explore the tranquil waters by canoe.

Duckinwilla QLD

31 km away

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