Hervey Bay Esplanade - Image 1
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Hervey Bay Esplanade

4.4
·7 reviews·Scarness, Australia

A picturesque 17km coastal strip with beautiful beaches, vibrant shops, cafes, and the iconic Urangan Pier. Perfect for relaxed strolls and family fun...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

July - October

Whale watching season

CrowdMedium
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Hervey Bay Esplanade - Image 1

Hervey Bay Esplanade

Best Time

July - October

Whale watching season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque 17km coastal strip with beautiful beaches, vibrant shops, cafes, and the iconic Urangan Pier. Perfect for relaxed strolls and family fun.

4.4
(7 reviews)

"Great location for Family or quiet get away holiday. Beaches are beautiful, Shops and food fabulous."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the 17km Path

Walk, cycle, or rollerblade the entire Esplanade for stunning views and to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

🐳 Whale Watching Tours

Book whale watching tours during the season for an unforgettable marine encounter. :whale:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Urangan Pier

Urangan Pier

Urangan

A historic, sprawling pier offering panoramic ocean views and a prime spot for sunset watching. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.

The Esplanade Pathway

The Esplanade Pathway

Stretching from Point Vernon to Urangan

A 17km scenic path perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery with shops and cafes along the way.

WetSide Water Park

WetSide Water Park

Scarness

A free, family-friendly water park with interactive water features, slides, and play areas. A hit with kids on sunny days.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pace of the Bay

Hervey Bay Esplanade is all about relaxed coastal vibes. Plan for leisurely strolls, beach time, and enjoying the local cafes. Don't rush; soak in the sunshine and sea breeze. It's the perfect spot for a chill holiday.

Timing is Everything for Views

While the Esplanade is lovely year-round, consider visiting during whale watching season (July-October) for a truly special experience. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photos and fewer crowds.

Best Times

When
July - October
Why
Whale watching season
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Calm seas & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

RAD Rolled Ice Cream, a closer look into our cool new store located at Shop 15/564 Esplanade, Urangan, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia #radrolledicecream #rolledicecream #foryoupage #icecream #foryourepage #fun #fyp #fypシ゚ #teamrad
@radrolledicecream
3.2K likes • 72.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the 17km Path

Walk, cycle, or rollerblade the entire Esplanade for stunning views and to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

🐳 Whale Watching Tours

Book whale watching tours during the season for an unforgettable marine encounter. :whale:

Last week we made the exciting announcement on tiktok live that we are opening our first RAD Rolled Ice Cream shop on the Esplanade, Urangan, Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.🌟 Here is our first teaser video! #newshop #radrolledicecream #rolledicecream #foryoupage #fyp #rad #holydooley #teamrad #icecream #openingsoon #fun
@radrolledicecream
2.5K likes • 106.9K views
Discover Hervey Bay, QLD, a coastal gem where natural beauty meets adventure. From the historic Urangan Pier to the vibrant Esplanade and family-friendly WetSide Water Park, this destination offers an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages. Dive into the heart of the Fraser Coast, renowned for its whale watching, pristine beaches, and gateway to the world-famous K'Gari (Fraser Island). Herv...
tasmanholidayparksaus
19 likes • 2.1K views

🍦 Treat Yourself to Rolled Ice Cream

Don't miss RAD Rolled Ice Cream on the Esplanade for a sweet, TikTok-famous treat. :ice_cream:

☕ Beachfront Coffee Breaks

Enjoy a coffee with ocean views at Aquavue Cafe, a popular spot on the Esplanade. :coffee:

Hervey Bay… are you ready? 🇹🇷✨ A bold new taste has arrived on the Esplanade. Centuries of Turkish tradition, flavour, and culture, now at your doorstep. This time NEXT Saturday, 12th of July, you could be dining with us. 📍 Grand Opening 12th of July | Bookings are essential, our booking system will be live soon. Follow for more! #herveybay #turkishfood #newrestaurant #herveybayfood #esplanadeh...
marta_bellydance
84 likes • 2.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the 17km Path

Walk, cycle, or rollerblade the entire Esplanade for stunning views and to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

🐳 Whale Watching Tours

Book whale watching tours during the season for an unforgettable marine encounter. :whale:

🍦 Treat Yourself to Rolled Ice Cream

Don't miss RAD Rolled Ice Cream on the Esplanade for a sweet, TikTok-famous treat. :ice_cream:

☕ Beachfront Coffee Breaks

Enjoy a coffee with ocean views at Aquavue Cafe, a popular spot on the Esplanade. :coffee:

🐚 Shell Collecting

Explore the beaches for unique seashells, especially around Urangan. :shell:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hervey Bay Esplanade is praised for its beautiful beaches, vibrant shops, and fabulous food options, making it a great spot for family holidays or quiet getaways. The long street is ideal for driving or walking, offering stunning views. However, some visitors find it 'overrated' despite acknowledging the appeal of the jetty.

"Great location for Family or quiet get away holiday.

Beaches are beautiful, Shops and food fabulous"

Becc Tait

"Great street to drive or walk along"

Dean Oakeshott

"Overrated...don't miss the jetty. He's great"

Dom Wolf

What People Like

Beautiful beaches
Great shops and food
Ideal for families

What People Dislike

Can be overrated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hervey Bay Esplanade is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available along the strip. If flying, the nearest airport is Hervey Bay Airport (HVB), from where you can take a taxi or rideshare to the Esplanade. Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to explore the full 17km stretch. Instagram

While there isn't extensive public transport directly on the Esplanade, local buses do service the main roads connecting to it. For exploring the full length, walking, cycling, or driving is recommended. Instagram

The Esplanade stretches 17km, so walking the entire length can be a full-day activity. Many visitors opt to drive or cycle, stopping at various points of interest. Renting a bike is a popular choice for covering more ground. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available along the Esplanade, especially near popular spots like Urangan Pier and Scarness. Be aware that parking can be busier during peak times and weekends. Instagram

The Esplanade is generally accessible for caravans, but parking can be more challenging in busy areas. Look for designated caravan parking spots or consider parking further from the main hubs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Hervey Bay Esplanade itself is a public space and is free to access. Attractions like the WetSide Water Park are also free to enter and use. Instagram

Yes, booking whale watching tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak season (July-October), as they can sell out. Instagram

Opening hours vary greatly. Cafes like Aquavue are open from 6 am daily, while shops and restaurants typically operate from morning to late afternoon or evening, with some extending hours on weekends. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The WetSide Water Park is free, and simply walking or cycling the Esplanade, enjoying the beaches, and watching the sunset are all free activities. Instagram

Rolled ice cream from RAD Rolled Ice Cream typically costs around $10 for a classic pot. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can walk or cycle the 17km pathway, visit the Urangan Pier, enjoy the WetSide Water Park, dine at beachfront cafes and restaurants, go whale watching (seasonally), and relax on the beaches. Instagram+1

Yes, it's very family-friendly! The WetSide Water Park is a huge hit with kids, and there are numerous playgrounds and safe beach areas. The relaxed atmosphere is also great for families. Instagram

While the beaches are beautiful, swimming conditions can vary. Some areas are better suited for swimming than others. It's advisable to check local conditions or swim at patrolled areas if available. Instagram

The Urangan Pier is a fantastic spot for sunset views, as is any point along the Esplanade facing west. The calm waters often create beautiful reflections. TikTok

You'll find a mix of boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and essential services. Kandy Locks Salon offers hair services, and there are various eateries and ice cream parlors. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are many options, from casual fish and chip shops like RJs Beach Cafe to trendy spots like RAD Rolled Ice Cream and beachfront cafes such as Aquavue. Turkish cuisine is also available with a new restaurant opening. TikTokInstagram+2

Many cafes and restaurants offer a variety of options. It's best to check menus online or ask staff directly, as offerings can change. Instagram

Yes, numerous cafes and eateries offer takeaway options, perfect for a picnic on the beach or enjoying at your accommodation. Fish and chips are a popular takeaway choice. TikTok

Dining prices vary. Casual meals like fish and chips or rolled ice cream are around $10-$20, while restaurant meals can range from $20-$40 per person. TikTok

Yes, Aquavue on the Esplanade in Torquay is highly recommended for its coffee and beachfront atmosphere. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunsets from Urangan Pier, the vibrant marine life if you're lucky enough to spot dolphins, the colourful WetSide Water Park, and the general coastal scenery along the 17km pathway. TikTokInstagram

The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets over the water are particularly spectacular. TikTok

Urangan Pier is an iconic landmark, perfect for long exposure shots or capturing the vastness of the ocean. The colourful WetSide Water Park also makes for fun, vibrant photos. TikTokInstagram

Yes, keep an eye out for dolphins, especially in the early mornings. If you're on a whale watching tour, you'll have ample opportunities to photograph whales. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing ocean shots and reducing glare. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hervey Bay Esplanade is a dream for families! The WetSide Water Park is a must-visit, offering free, splash-tastic fun for all ages. Instagram You'll also find plenty of playgrounds along the 17km pathway, perfect for a break during your strolls. Instagram Consider a whale watching tour during the season (July-October) – many operators are family-friendly and the experience is unforgettable. Instagram Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, and enjoy the relaxed, safe environment.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Esplanade is very budget-friendly! Many of the best attractions are free, including the WetSide Water Park and simply enjoying the beaches and walking the 17km pathway. Instagram+1 Grab affordable takeaway fish and chips from places like RJs Beach Cafe TikTok or enjoy a budget-friendly rolled ice cream. TikTok Look for accommodation slightly off the main Esplanade for better rates, but still enjoy easy access to all the action.

couples

For a romantic getaway, Hervey Bay Esplanade offers beautiful sunset views from Urangan Pier, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. TikTok Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants or cafes, perhaps with sunset drinks at Aquavue. Instagram Consider a whale watching tour for a shared adventure, or simply find a quiet spot on the beach to relax together. The tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for unwinding.

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers

The 17km Esplanade pathway is your playground! Rent a bike and cycle the entire length, enjoying the ocean breeze and scenic views. Instagram Join the Hervey Bay Half Marathon Festival if your visit aligns with the date for a challenging run with stunning coastal backdrops. Instagram Even a brisk walk or jog along the path offers a great workout with beautiful surroundings.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Whale Watching Capital of Australia

Hervey Bay is famously known as the 'Whale Watching Capital of Australia,' and the Esplanade is your gateway to this incredible experience. From July to October, majestic humpback whales migrate along the coast, offering unparalleled opportunities for close encounters. Numerous tour operators depart from the local marina, providing various boat trips designed to get you as close as safely possible to these gentle giants. Instagram

Many visitors rave about the sheer abundance and proximity of the whales during this season. The calm waters of Hervey Bay provide a sheltered nursery for the whales, making it a prime location for observation. Even if you don't go on a dedicated tour, there's a chance you might spot whales from the shore during their migration. Instagram

Booking your whale watching tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as trips can fill up quickly. Consider a tour that offers a 'whale sighting guarantee' for added peace of mind. The experience is truly awe-inspiring and a highlight for many visiting Hervey Bay. :whale:

Exploring the 17km Esplanade Pathway

The Hervey Bay Esplanade is not just a street; it's a vibrant 17-kilometer pathway stretching from Point Vernon to Urangan. This scenic route is perfect for a leisurely exploration, whether you prefer to walk, jog, cycle, or even rollerblade. Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse range of attractions, from pristine beaches and playgrounds to charming cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Instagram

This pathway offers continuous ocean views, making it an ideal spot for a morning workout or a relaxed afternoon stroll. You can stop for a coffee at beachfront cafes like Aquavue, grab an ice cream, or simply find a bench to soak in the coastal atmosphere. The pathway is well-maintained and provides easy access to various points of interest, including the iconic Urangan Pier. TikTokInstagram

For those looking to cover more ground, bike hire is readily available. The Esplanade is also a hub for local events, such as car shows like 'May in the Bay,' adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. It truly is the heart of Hervey Bay's coastal lifestyle. :bike:

Family Fun and Free Activities

Hervey Bay Esplanade is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that won't break the bank. The standout free attraction is the WetSide Water Park in Scarness. This interactive water playground features slides, water jets, and tipping buckets, providing hours of entertainment for children on warm days. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Instagram

Beyond the water park, the Esplanade boasts numerous playgrounds dotted along its length, perfect for younger children to burn off energy. The beaches themselves offer opportunities for sandcastle building and paddling. Many cafes along the Esplanade are also family-friendly, offering kids' menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Instagram

For a truly memorable family experience, consider a whale watching tour during the season, as many operators cater to families and offer incredible sightings of humpback whales. The sheer joy on children's faces witnessing these magnificent creatures is priceless. :child:

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