Fraser Coast

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Fraser Coast

The paradise-like Fraser Island is known first and foremost as a whale watching destination. The wider Fraser Coast region offers plenty of other amazing places and adventures. This picturesque area is centred around the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. Check out the former gold mining town of Gympie and the beautiful natural surroundings, both on land and in the water. The warm and mild climate makes this region perfect to explore all year round.

The Region

The Fraser Coast Region in the Wide Bay–Burnett area of Queensland offers an amazing diversity: from the stunning Fraser Island to Hervey Bay and the Great Barrier Reef — these are just some of the world-class attractions that draw visitors. Experience the iconic Australian landscape, including World Heritage-listed natural wonders, a spectacular coastline, tranquil hinterland, and ancient rainforests. Located about 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, the region is centred around the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough, and also includes Fraser Island, known officially by its traditional name K'gari. The name came into common use in the early 90s from a combination of Fraser Island and Cooloola Coast. It was not until March 2008 that the City of Hervey Bay merged with the City of Maryborough, Shire of Woocoo, and part of Tiaro to form the Fraser Coast Regional Council. Whether you seek a relaxing sun-and-sea holiday or a more active adventure, the Fraser Coast offers the best of both worlds.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The whole region is a playground for animal lovers wishing to encounter migrating whales at sea, witness the egg-laying and hatching of loggerhead turtles on Mon Repos Beach, and explore other abundant marine life. Travel back in time to visit the charming Victorian town of Maryborough and the gold mining museum in Gympie, which represents its golden era when gold diggers flocked to the town and saved Queensland from bankruptcy. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether it's relaxing by the beautiful beaches or exploring the amazing nature. If you're a fan of adrenaline, the region offers plenty of activities like hang gliding from the Carlo Sand Blow or jet skiing along the coast. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to enjoy this stunning region.

Fraser Island

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island has a traditional name, given to it by the native people — K'gari, which literally means Paradise. The world's biggest sand island is a haven for wildlife. Make sure you take a dip in Lake McKenzie and Lake …

Turtle Watching

Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg is a large turtle rookery. Watch nesting turtles from November to February while turtle hatchlings crack their shells and head into the sea from January to March. Outside turtle nesting season, Mon Repos Turtle Centre will give you an informative guided tour complete with some spicy turtle facts. You can …

Maryborough

Maryborough, established in 1847, is one of Queensland’s oldest and most charming towns, known for its beautiful colonial architecture. Thursdays are market …

Reef World Hervey Bay

See Australian wildlife in natural settings at the Hervey Bay Nature World on Maryborough Rd, Pialba. You can also admire the sea-life in the living natural reef aquarium at Neptune’s Reef World on Pulgul St, Dayman Park, …

Tin Can Bay Dolphin Feeding

Tin Can Bay is a lovely town with only 2,000 inhabitants. It is a great holiday destination for all nature fans. For a truly unique experience, do not miss the opportunity to feed dolphins here between 7am and 11am. The dolphin feeding is regulated and closely monitored by the Queensland Government with a group of …

Lady Elliott Island

These coral reefs and cays are easily accessible from the mainland and they each offer a different island experience. Diving here is simply amazing and there are plenty of bird and turtle sanctuaries to admire. Magnificent manta rays can be spotted in the waters around the …

Lake Mckenzie

Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island is probably the most well-known freshwater lake in Australia. Located 100 metres above the sea level, it is classified as a 'perched lake', which means that all of the crystal-clear water comes from the rain. High levels of acidity in the lake and the fact that all nutrients have …

Hervey Bay Whale Watching

Watch some of the world’s biggest and most fascinating animals. Most trips depart from Hervey Bay and are best enjoyed from July to November, when the whales migrate further …

Water Sports

The coastal towns along the Fraser Coast offer plenty of in, on and high above water activities like diving, jet skiing, hang gliding, deep sea fishing, paragliding and more. You name it, it is all …

Carlo Sandblow

Soak up the sun and enjoy the "moonscape" appearance of Carlo Sandblow. During the day, it's the ideal place to relax and spend some time with the whole family. For breathtaking sunsets or endless beach strolls visit in the evening and then drop by in one of the cocktails bars or restaurants along the …

Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum

Discover the region’s past through its gold mining era and history. Gympie was once cited as the 'Town that saved Queensland from bankruptcy'. Learn why with over thirty display areas housed in fifteen buildings. Try to visit the market held here every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of the …

Dining

The splendid climate is perfect for al fresco dining and Hervey Bay’s Esplanade and marina offer plenty of great dining experiences with views to the sea, as do the towns all along the Fraser Coast. Maryborough also has some fine dining with plenty of good restaurants overlooking the Burnett River. You can find a wide range of international cuisines but seafood is, of course, the speciality here including the famous Hervey Bay scallops.

Kingston House Impressions (Gympie)

This modern restaurant in traditional surroundings is run by a couple with a passion for food – which by the way is delicious here. They serve light lunches and à la carte dinners. Here you can enjoy tasty dishes such as spicy seafood hot pot, szechuan pepper duck breast, grilled eye fillet mignon and …

Beach House Hotel (Scarness)

The Beach House Hotel is justifiably popular for lunch and dinners and is — as the name suggests — located right on the beach. On the menu you will find mouthwatering dishes like fish of the day, seafood basket, chicken parmigiana, steaks and …

Arkarra Gardens Café Restaurant (Dundowran Beach)

This stunning restaurant has a perfect balance between excellent food, great service, and beautiful surroundings in the form of tall trees, birds, and other native flora and fauna. Guests will dine in their own Balinese rotundas, allowing for private, intimate or possibly romantic dining experiences. The menu offers tasty dishes like sweet chilli chicken …

Ambrosia Indian Restaurant (Gympie)

Craving Indian food? Then Ambrosia is the restaurant for you. Let the spices and curries tickle your taste buds and enjoy some chai tea with sweet desserts. Portions are generous and gluten free options …

Paolos Pizza Bar (Torquay)

Your place for quality pizza is Paolo's restaurant. But there is more to it than just the round dough: the menu features various pasta, lasagna and salad creations. The servings are generous and the prices …

EAT in the Bay (Torquay)

Enjoy an 'all-day menu' featuring smart, modern Australian cuisine at this popular restaurant with a relaxed, urban vibe. While savouring a mouth-watering dish, take in the amazing views of the bay. The menu includes dishes such as BBQ pulled pork, chicken and prawn noodles, roasted veggie salad, BBQ chicken pizza, and prawn and watermelon …

The Sand Bar

Sand Bar's spacious decks allow glimpses of the Great Sandy Strait and poolside dining offers a true taste of the Aussie lifestyle. It's a great place to break your boating day. The young ones will be amused in the gaming arcade and two adjacent swimming pools, while the adults can refuel with gourmet pizza, …

Cafes

The region’s sun-swept weather enhances the experience for a great stay on the Fraser Coast. Grab a coffee in the sun and enjoy a sunny day at the coast. There are plenty of opportunities here.

Enzo's on the Beach (Scarness)

Why not finish up a stroll on the beach at Hervey Bay with a cup of coffee at very cosy Enzo's? They serve a special blend of Italian coffee making this atmosphere even more …

Bayaroma Cafe (Torquay)

Situated on the Esplanade in Torquay, Bayaroma Cafe stocks heaps of homemade biscuits, cakes and tempting sweets to match their delicious …

Marina Balaena (Urangan)

This cafe and restaurant offers superb views, being at the water's edge at the Urangan Marina. It provides the ideal place to hang out while waiting for a ferry to Fraser Island or for a sunset …

Pie & Pastry Paradise (Pialba)

Pie and Pastry Paradise is a must stop for everyone craving pies. The wide-ranging menu includes everything from vegetarian to vegan to gluten free pies and pastries. For lunch, try their award-winning Chunky Steak Pie or their Fruit Flans accompanied by a good …

Goody’s on the Beach (Toogoom)

Goody’s is a family-run seafood restaurant and cafe with a laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous beach views, and live music on the …

Oodies Cafe (Bundaberg North)

This hidden venue, located in the outskirts of Bundaberg, has something for any guest. Leather armchairs and walls adorned with artwork are the main features of what formerly was nothing else then a simple garage. Take a seat and order a good coffee while waiting for the breakfast bruschetta or a home-made savoury mince. …

Sea Breeze Cafe (Scarness)

Sea Breeze Cafe, located by the sea, defines what it means to dine with a view. The coffee shop and restaurant offers breakfast sets and lunch, and although it is famous for its seafood dishes, the menu always features vegetarian and vegan …

Portside Cafe & Restaurant (Maryborough)

Portside is situated inside the original Customs House Residence of Maryborough, built in 1899, and offers a view over the Mary River and Queens Park. This cafe has a pretty varied menu, but most guests leave raving reviews of their authentic …

Bars & Nightlife

There are plenty of bars to visit on the Fraser Coast if you want to cap off the day with a night on the town. Below are a few recommended bars you can start the night with. The Fraser Coast does not swim in nightclubs, but the warm weather turns the outdoor cafés and pubs into late night drinking and dancing spots. In Hervey Bay you can find these along the Esplanade and on the parallel-running Boat Harbour Drive.

Beach House Hotel (Scarness)

Relaxed entertainment venue overlooking the Hervey bay and offering bistro meals, wraps and sandwiches along with 60 taps , cocktails, and a huge assortment of local and imported beers and wines. At the Beach House Hotel, there's something for everyone, including a kid's room with regular face painting and activities in the evenings as well …

Bay Central Tavern (Pialba)

The Bay Central Tavern is a laid-back rustic kind of pub with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. They have different themes throughout the year, so check out what is on while you are in …

The Dock Bar & Restaurant (Urangan)

The Dock is an iconic urban industrial-themed bar that offers a cool vibe, complete with funky furniture and quirky features with classy cocktail menu, epic beer list, wicked wine list and tapas style food menu. Great hangout spot overlooking the …

Crafty Cargo Taphouse (Torquay)

Crafty Cargo Taphouse is probably the best place for beer in the area: with 10 rotating taps and roughly 80 different cans to choose from, it offers a chill atmosphere and hearty food — the Echo Burger and chips are delicious. Graffiti-covered walls, beer kegs, and hanging lights add to the …

19XO Pizza & Cocktails (Torquay)

This fantastic little cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling windows adds a classy element to Hervey Bay. The bartenders are lovely and knowledgeable, and their cocktails are amazing. Try their cheese and cured meat boards, or order meals from nearby places. Drop in for afternoon or evening drinks and let your tastebuds …

The Bayswater Bar & Grill (Urangan)

The Bayswater Bar & Grill offers modern Australian cuisine in a stylish setting with ocean views. Featuring multiple bars and a terrace, it provides a relaxing yet lively atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of events and entertainment weekly, with excellent food, drinks, and a scenic …

Shopping

Torquay Road in Pialba hosts the bulk of Hervey Bay’s major shops, banks and a post office. Both sides of Boat Harbour Drive are lined with stores and shops. There is also the Bay Central Shopping Centre containing a Franklin supermarket, Target as well as several smaller speciality shops. The Esplanade is lined with shops in between all the cafes, restaurants and accommodations.