Hervey Bay Esplanade
A picturesque 17km coastal strip with beautiful beaches, vibrant shops, cafes, and the iconic Urangan Pier. Perfect for relaxed strolls and family fun...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Whale watching season
Hervey Bay Esplanade
Best Time
Whale watching season
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.
"Great location for Family or quiet get away holiday. Beaches are beautiful, Shops and food fabulous."
🚶♀️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Scarness
A free, family-friendly water park with interactive water features, slides, and play areas. A hit with kids on sunny days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace of the Bay
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, booking whale watching tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak season (July-October), as they can sell out.
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.
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.
Rolled ice cream from RAD Rolled Ice Cream typically costs around $10 for a classic pot.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Many cafes and restaurants offer a variety of options. It's best to check menus online or ask staff directly, as offerings can change.
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.
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.
Yes, Aquavue on the Esplanade in Torquay is highly recommended for its coffee and beachfront atmosphere.
📸 📸 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.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets over the water are particularly spectacular.
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.
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.
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
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
🚶♀️ Active Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Whale Watching Capital of Australia
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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:

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit