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, with spectacular colored sands, freshwater lakes and towering rainforests.
And then there's Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia and a popular access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The Fraser Coast is the perfect destination for those who want to get close to marine life, with many opportunities to get up close and personal on offer.
In Hervey Bay, from July to November you can watch humpbacks frolic in the calm blue waters up close and personal. And there's also the 75 miles of pristine beaches for you to explore too. The clear tranquil waters of the Great Sandy Strait provide a perfect backdrop to hire a houseboat or sail a yacht and uncover the host of amazing bird and marine life.
Fraser Island
The world's largest sand island, Fraser Island, is a World Heritage Listed site that is truly breathtaking.
One of Queensland's most renowned national parks, around 98 per cent of Fraser Island is protected. The 165,280 hectare park was named K'Gari in local Aboriginal language, or "paradise".
With more than 75 miles of ocean beaches, coloured sandstone cliffs and 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. Take a tour to visit the Wreck of the Maheno, Central Station, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and The Cathedrals. There are giant sand dunes or "blows" and more than 40 freshwater lakes plus the largest rainforest growing in sand in the world.
Hervey Bay
Bordered by 25 miles of pristine beaches, Hervey Bay is one of Queensland's best holiday destinations offering convenient access to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and Lady Elliot Island, the first coral cay on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Hervey Bay is Australia's hub for whale watching. The vast calm water is sprinkled with a few smaller islands at the southern end and bordered to the east by Fraser Island.
A wide choice of accommodation lines the esplanade from caravan parks to motels, resorts and holiday apartments. Hervey Bay has several attractions including marine displays, animal displays and animal sanctuaries or explore Great Sandy Straits Marina complex with its shopping gallery and cafés. With so much to do and some great holiday options it's worth spending a few days relaxing, seeing the whales and exploring the Fraser coast.
Great Sandy Strait
The tranquil waterways of the Great Sandy Strait are home to fish, dugong, turtles and dolphins. Townships along the Great Sandy Strait include Rainbow Beach with its surf and sandy white beaches and Tin Can Bay, a peaceful seaside town for fishing and boating. Heritage town Maryborough offers a change of pace.
Maryborough
Visit the Wharf Street precinct or view the classic Queenslander homes, built of local timber. There are graceful tree-lined streets and you'll be able to picture yourself at home on the broad verandas of these high-stilted homes. Maryborough was settled in 1847 by Europeans and is one of Queensland's oldest provincial cities. At one time a major immigration port, you can see the past at Brennan and Geraghty's Store, the Bond Store Museum or Custom's House.
Whale Watching
Around 2000 Humpback whales migrate to Australia's east coast each year - a 3730 mile 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.
