Book Fraser Coast hotels

Walking on the largest sand island in the world, you’ll feel white sand crunching between your toes on the heritage listed Fraser Island. Marvel at the native Aboriginal carvings, 1000-year-old rainforests, stunning wetlands and historical shipwrecks or go off road for some serious four-wheel driving. And when it gets too hot, snorkel in the cool turquoise waters and through your goggles catch a glimpse of the tropical fish as they swim by.

During May to September Hervey Bay is the place to go if you want to get up close and personal with humpback whales as they migrate through the warmer currents. The pristine waters surrounding Hervey Bay provide the perfect setting for kayaking, sailing, fishing or swimming.

If you’re a nature lover, why not take the ferry across to nearby Lady Elliot Island or Lady Musgrave Island and see the giant sea turtles first hand as you dive through the majestic waters. Or you can walk around the picturesque foreshore and stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the Harvey Bay Esplanade.

Step back in time when you visit historic Maryborough and wander through the colonial streets that were once home to merchant banks and opium dens or scare yourself silly as you listen to some spine tingling tales on a Saturday night haunted ghost tour. Amble through historic museums and art galleries or just wander the streetscapes reminiscent of Mary Poppins – whose story was born by writer Pamela Lyndon Travers while she lived above a bank building in Maryborough.

Portside Maryborough is the place to go for a bite to eat at one of the lovingly restored pubs, restaurants and cafes along the old wharves, or shop for bargains and sample local produce at the bustling outdoor markets, which are held every Thursday and a must see for first timers.

The banks of the Mary River in Tiaro provide the ideal spot for a riverside picnic where you can gaze at the natural pine forests and scenic mountains that abound in this idyllic hinterland oasis. When you feel revived head down the river on your very own canoe or kayak, or perhaps just splash about in the water or catch your own fresh fish dinner if you can be bothered to think that far ahead!

With its diverse mix of marine life, wetlands and clear crystal waters, the Great Sandy Strait rivals the Whitsundays and runs between the mainland and Fraser Island. It’s the perfect place for a stunning cruise or sailing adventure where you can set anchor in one of the sheltered bays or delightful fishing villages, including Tin Can Bay, Poona, Boonooroo and Rainbow Beach.

Getting to the Fraser Coast is as diverse as the many things to see and do, whether you catch a flight to Hervey Bay and take a 4WD day tour to Fraser Island or simply stroll along the magnificent stretches of beach on the mainland.