The Best Travel Guide to Fraser Coast

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Fraser Coast

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Overview

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Fraser Coast The guide was updated: 2023-01-16

Though famous for its paradise-like Fraser Island and the visiting whales, the Fraser Coast offers plenty of other amazing places and adventures. This picturesque region is centred on the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. Check out the former gold mining town of Gympie and the beautiful nature surrounding Fraser Coast, both on land and in the water. The warm and mild climate means that the Fraser Coast is perfect to explore all year around.

Facts

Population:	111,032 (2021)
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police/Fire/Ambulance: 000 Poison information: 13 11 26 Lifeline: 13 11 14
Newspapers:	Fraser Coast Chronicle (part of The Courier Mail) www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast
Website:	www.visitfrasercoast.com www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au
Opening hours:	Opening hours vary but most shops are open from 9 am to 5:30 pm, with large supermarket chains open until 9 pm on weekdays and Saturdays from 9 am to noon. On Sundays some bigger shopping centres are open from 10 am to 4 pm. Many of the bigger centres have Thursday night shopping until 9 pm.
Tourist information:	Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre 227 Maryborough Hervey Bay Road, Urraween www.visitfrasercoast.com Open daily 9am–5pm +61 1800 811 728 Maryborough Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre 388 Kent Street, Maryborough Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat & Sun 8:30am–12:30pm +61 1800 214 789 Tiaro Visitor Information Centre Mayne Street, Tiaro Open daily 9am–4:30pm +61 7 4129 2599

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Section in Fraser Coast

The whole area is a playground for any visiting animal lover wishing to encounter the migrating whales at sea, the egg-laying and hatching of loggerhead turtles on lovely Mon Repos Beach and other abundant marine life. Why not travel back in time to visit the charming old Victorian town of Maryborough and the gold mining museum in Gympie that re-presents the time of its golden era, which had gold diggers flocking to the town and saved Queensland from bankruptcy. You will for sure find some favourite activities to do whether it is 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, racing on the Hervey Bay Go-kart Track or jet skiing along the coast. Whatever you choose to do make sure to enjoy this stunning region.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island

World Heritage listed Fraser Island seems like — and its suitable Aboriginal name K'gari literally calls it — a Paradise. The world's biggest sand island is a haven for wildlife. Make sure you take a dip in Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

Turtle Watching

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 also bike along the Turtle Track, connect with the island's history or just hit the beach.

Maryborough

Maryborough

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

Reef World Hervey Bay

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, Urangan.

Tin Can Bay Dolphin Feeding

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 volunteers on site to ensure it is an enjoyable experience for both humans and dolphins. Make sure to read and follow all the rules.

Lady Elliott Island

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 island.

Lake Mckenzie

Lake Mckenzie

Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island is probably the most well-known freshwater lake in Australia. Located a 100 metres above the sea level, it is classified as a “perched lake” — all of the crystal-clear water comes from the rain. High levels of acidity in the lake and the fact that all nutrients have been washed out of the shimmering white silica sand make the water unsuitable for nearly all forms of plant and fish life. It is likely the purest water you'll ever dip your toes in. The Aboriginal name for the lake is Boorangoora, which means "waters of wisdom". It was and still is knowns as a place for decision-making.

Hervey Bay Whale Watch

Hervey Bay Whale Watch

Watch some of the world’s biggest and most fascinating animals. Most trips go from Hervey Bay — best enjoyed from July to November when the whales migrate further north.

Water Sports

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 here!

Carlo Sandblow

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 way.

Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum

Gympie Gold Mining and 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 and visit the market held here every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month.

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