WHAT
WHERE
HERVEY BAY & MARYBOROUGH
quintessential FRASER COAST
Here's an overview focused around the main towns of the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
Situated around 290km North of Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, the Fraser Coast and surrounds in the greater Wide Bay-Burnett region, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and discover some of Australia’s most prized natural wonders.
With its delightfully warm climate, pristine coastline and stunning scenery, the Fraser Coast is a perfect destination for those wanting some quintessential Australian beach-life and adventures on the water.
Hervey Bay and Maryborough are just 30km, or about 20 minutes drive apart making it easy to move between the two and the road through from Brisbane provides easy access. There are also flights depending on where you're traveling from.
HERVEY BAY
A relaxed town with a population of around 63,000, is a great base to stay, explore the town itself and relax into the many beach activities and café culture right there. From here, you can access what are without a doubt, the ‘must experience’ activities and destinations. There are plenty to choose from and luckily, very well resourced information available in regional tourism sites, to help you plan exactly what you want to do.
With over 40km of pristine beaches stretching out from it, Hervey Bay is the place to experience world class fishing; boating culture; water sports of every type - and the 'laid back' vibe that can give even the most over-worked city visitor the chance to change down a few gears and totally relax. If you like fresh seafood then you're in luck too!
MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough by contrast to Hervey Bay’s salty, beach-led lifestyle, has a lovely change of pace into a historic, heritage town that offers a wonderful insight into colonial life and industry of days gone by. The charming old port city of Maryborough was in the mid 1800s, a thriving port town second only to Sydney as Australia’s main immigration point for thousands of new settlers who flocked here. The original wharf district has now been converted to a heritage precinct, Portside which is another ‘must see’ to add onto the list.
One claim to fame loved by the locals, is the fact that Maryborough, named for the Mary River, is the birthplace of much loved Mary Poppins author, Pamela Travers.
A good way to explore the town is a peaceful wander around the historic streets with the old homes and pubs giving a glimpse into times gone by in some part of Australian history.
DON'T MISS...
We’ve selected just two special features of the surrounding region to feature. There are so many things to choose from, including all water sports, fishing and boating, but whale watching, and of course, a trip to the iconic Fraser Island had to be top of the list.
FRASER ISLAND
World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is surely one of the Earth’s ultimate islands. The incredible beaches accessible by boat and from the stunning 120km of beach highway have to be experienced to be believed. As do the astonishing coloured sands. And as if that’s not enough, you then have the cool of the towering, ancient rainforests to walk through plus over one hundred freshwater lakes to swim in including the iconic Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.
Of course with all this to see, it’s ideal to dedicate at least a few days to the island. Accommodation on offer ranges from casual and low budget, right through to luxury eco lodges.
If you’re short on time however, even a day trip over from Hervey Bay will give you a taste of the beauty that is Fraser Island.
WHALE WATCHING
The Fraser Coast is recognized at the World Capital for whale watching. Seeing the magnificent humpback whales in close proximity from a boat and hearing all about them from well-educated staff is something not to be missed. There are all sorts of tours and packages to choose from so it’s worth having a browse to find one that suits your wishes.
Boats are well equipped and tours often include lunch or other refreshments. It’s a great family experience to have and a memorable one for anyone.
Don’t forget your camera!
EATING & DRINKING
Like many parts of Australia, there is a growing passion on the Fraser Coast for local, seasonal food and an emphasis on sustainable fishing and good practices for farming and looking after animals and land. It’s worth exploring seeking out the restaurants and cafes that live by these principals.
Here you can browse a comprehensive guide to cafes, restaurants and bars all over the Fraser Coast, find exactly what you want, whether it’s fine dining, chips on the wharf, or anything in between.
Farmers markets are always the places to find the best produce, artisan products, healthy food, indulgent treats and a offer a chance to interact and get to know some of the friendly locals.
This link to farming, food and produce, gives you a great overview of the locations and details for all the local markets.
This incredible, year-round warm and sunny climate, teamed with the myriad of wonderful natural experiences on both land and sea, make it a pretty appealing place to come for a few days or more. See the links provided throughout this article further information to help you choose some ideal activities for you.
Prescript can help great Doctors find great places to work (Locum or Permanent) in Hervey Bay & Maryborough. Interested? Call me +61 0405429799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au - I'd love to hear from you.
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