Hervey Bay Holidays

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Located two hours north of the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay is a place I once visited and didn't understand. Perhaps that was because I wasn't paying enough attention, or maybe it was because in those days I was kid-free. Nowadays, with three young kids in tow, Hervey Bay has become our go-to holiday location. There are so many reasons why. With Easter and school holidays fast approaching, perhaps Hervey Bay will make it on your holiday shortlist.


With its incredibly pristine aqua waters running along the coastline matched by an abundance of wildlife, my children see and do new things each time we visit. We have spent time with the kangaroos at Point Vernon , played at Wetside Water Park until we ran out of energy, visited the Arkarra Lagoons and Tea Gardens , cruised to K'gari multiple times, boom netted with Boat Club Adventure Cruises, visited Reef World Aquarium , eaten amazing Chinese, Thai, Italian and fish and chips, and basically become experts in Hervey Bay playgrounds.


Accommodation doesn't need to cost the earth. This is a destination with options galore. This choice enables families to find something to suit every budget and need. We prefer staying at Scarness as we enjoy the beach there and the Beach n' Bay Takeaway Cafe does the best food you can find. The kids love their children's packs and at $8.50 for fish and chips with a drink, it is hard to beat price-wise. Enzo's on the Beach is across the road and extremely popular for parents looking for something fancier and a view of one of the prettiest places around. The seating overhangs the beach and the subtle sea breeze will ensure you remember your trip to Hervey Bay fondly. Next door is a great kids' playground, under the shelter of a possum-filled old tree. Mind you, it would be hard to rate this playground against the ten or so other outstanding ones as all are very clean, relatively new, different in their equipment, and largely sheltered from the biting sun.

Health and well-being seem to be a focus in this location. Loads of people start their day with a swim at the beach and a run along the beautiful foreshore. If the kids take their scooters or bikes, and you take a pram for your younger ones, this is the right place to have a healthy and active holiday. There is a plethora of places to walk, so many jetties to conquer, great picnic and BBQ facilities along the water, and very little reason not to get out and about. We have seen wild koalas, dolphins, turtles, lorikeets, kangaroos, possums, eels, crabs and owls all within 5km of our apartment. I can understand why animals choose to share their homes with the locals along the foreshore. The vegetation is dense, the water clean, and beautiful parks and reserves in which to live.


The highway between the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay is being upgraded in places that lead to some slowing of travel at present. However, once this is completed (and it appears that won't be far away) this trip will be even easier up the QLD coastline. Watch for wildlife in the area early in the morning and at dusk and slow down to avoid injury. Fuel in the region is typically a bit cheaper than on the Sunshine Coast so fill up before you travel home. Try to spend at least three nights in the area as there are so many free and serene things to do and you don't want to rush this experience. Mind you, even with three days, your kids will complain it is not long enough. Well, mine certainly do.

If you are on a budget, use popular online booking sites to compare accommodation deals. Find somewhere with a kitchenette and cook your own meals. Swim and walk and make use of all the free facilities in the area, including Wetside Park and the Arkarra Lagoon. Don't confuse price with quality as there are some great budget-priced venues along the water that offer way more than budget accommodation. If money is no option, there are some swish resorts to turn your head and some very classy restaurants. The local seafood is up there with Australia's best and the regional markets offer great locally-made crafts and food.


Hang on... I forgot the bit about the whales. Yes, Hervey Bay is well known for whale watching and the season is fast approaching. It is yet another great adventure with the kids, cruising alongside Mummy & Bubby Whale. Yet, there is so much more than whales about Hervey Bay. I could go on....and on .....and on......but to save us all time, please pop "Paradise" on your list of holiday destinations and make your own memories. You will probably see us there.

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#weekend_escapes
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