Great Sandy Straits Marina
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Hervey Bay Marina

4.5
·294 reviews·Urangan, Australia

Hervey Bay Marina: Gateway to whale watching wonders and coastal adventures, offering pristine facilities and waterfront dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

July - October mornings

Prime whale watching season

CrowdHigh
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Great Sandy Straits Marina

Hervey Bay Marina

Best Time

July - October mornings

Prime whale watching season

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hervey Bay Marina: Gateway to whale watching wonders and coastal adventures, offering pristine facilities and waterfront dining.

4.5
(294 reviews)

"A very tidy marina with great outlets of cafes, shops and the Boat Club."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Whale Tours Early

Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season. :ticket:

Enjoy Sunset Views

The marina offers beautiful sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. :sunriseovermountains:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Tours

Departing from Hervey Bay Marina

Get up close with majestic humpback whales on an unforgettable ocean adventure.

Urangan Pier

Urangan Pier

Adjacent to Hervey Bay Marina

Stroll along the 1km long jetty for stunning ocean views and sunset vistas.

Marina Dining

Marina Dining

Hervey Bay Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood and scenic waterfront dining at the marina's restaurants and cafes.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Whales & Weather

Hervey Bay is renowned as the whale-watching capital of Australia. The prime season runs from July to October, drawing significant crowds. Consider visiting during the shoulder months for fewer people and potentially better rates. The marina itself is a hub for tours, so booking in advance is wise, especially during peak whale season.

Marina Amenities & Nearby Essentials

Hervey Bay Marina offers convenient access to dining and tour departures. While cafes and restaurants are on-site, grocery shopping requires a short taxi ride or a longer walk. Plan your provisions accordingly, especially if you're staying on a boat or looking for self-catering options.

Best Times

When
July - October mornings
Why
Prime whale watching season
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Pleasant sea breeze
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hervey Bay. #greatsandystraightsmarina #herveybay #marina #marinalife #reflections #blueskies #perfect #sailinglife
sailing_shameless
13 likes • 776 views

Book Whale Tours Early

Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season. :ticket:

Enjoy Sunset Views

The marina offers beautiful sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. :sunriseovermountains:

Experience the perfect Sunset Dinner or Lunch at Marina Balaena in Hervey Bay with our famous Seafood Chowder to the mouthwatering premium Eye Fillet, Citrus Duck and more. Book now! 📍 Shop 7 Tourist Terminal, Buccaneer Ave, Urangan, QLD 📞 +61 7 4125 4799
cafebalaena
2 likes • 306 views
1km long Jetty, must see attraction in Hervey Bay 🌊 ‼️DO NOT MISS IT‼️ * * * * * * * * #herveybay#uranganpier#herveybaylife #herveybayliving #herveybaymarina#vanlifeaustralia #vanlifestyle#vanlifeideas#vanlifeconversions#vanlifeculture#vanlifevirals#adventure#roadtrip#dji#dronevideo#
unusual_vanlifer
105 likes • 1.7K views

Groceries Require a Trip

Plan ahead for groceries as they are a walk or taxi ride away. :shopping_cart:

Clean Marina Facilities

Expect very clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities. :sparkles:

Hey there, Moon Point 🌜This little spot is a great anchorage within close proximity to the marina in #HerveyBay. A perfect bareboating stopover when weather permits before you head further north along the western coast of @visitkgarifraserisland. Dreaming of a getaway? Don’t forget you can stay for 7 and only pay for 5 nights until end of May.
fraserislandboatcharters
39 likes • 902 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Whale Tours Early

Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season. :ticket:

Enjoy Sunset Views

The marina offers beautiful sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. :sunriseovermountains:

Groceries Require a Trip

Plan ahead for groceries as they are a walk or taxi ride away. :shopping_cart:

Clean Marina Facilities

Expect very clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities. :sparkles:

Local Knowledge is Key

Marina staff often share great local insights for anchorages and sights. :bulb:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(294 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hervey Bay Marina for its friendly and helpful management, clean facilities, and excellent location for whale watching and accessing Fraser Island. The waterfront dining options are a highlight, though some note the distance to grocery stores. Overall, it's a highly recommended stop for boaters and tourists alike.

"This was our second visit to the Marina - the last being 4 years ago. We are transient moving our boat up and down the coast. The manager was friendly and helpful. The facilities were clean, well located and easy to use. Restaurants and cafes available by the water. Groceries are a half hour walk or a $10 taxi ride away. Lots of day tour options available right from the Marina. The entrance channel is clearly marked and the Marina is well protected by a good sea wall. A busy fuel wharf is close by. Well recommended and we will be back."

James Price

"Whale watching with Bruce and James with K'gari Salty Safaris was an amazing unforgettable experience. If you get the chance go with these guys on their small boat and see the Whales up close"

catherine briggs

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience at this marina. Stayed for a week. Rob and Sherelle were fantastic. Helped us with great local knowledge and helped us plan our passage North with insights into great anchorage’s and sights. The marina has everything. Restaurants, cafes and the cleanest bathrooms on the East Coast. Definitely coming back. Thanks Rob and Sherelle. Cheers M, L & Bravo"

Martin Payne

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Clean facilities
Prime whale watching access

What People Dislike

Distance to groceries

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hervey Bay Marina is accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's also a common departure point for ferries to Fraser Island (K'gari). Public transport options are limited, so a taxi or ride-share service might be necessary if you're not arriving by private vehicle. Reddit

Yes, Hervey Bay Marina is the primary gateway to Fraser Island (K'gari), with numerous boat charters and ferries departing daily. It's a convenient starting point for island adventures. Instagram

Hervey Bay is accessible by car via the Bruce Highway. There's also a regional airport with flights from Brisbane. Many travelers also arrive via bus services. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hervey Bay Marina itself is generally accessible without an entry ticket. However, specific tours, such as whale watching or Fraser Island trips, will require pre-booked tickets. Reddit

The marina is a working harbor and is generally accessible at all times. However, individual businesses like restaurants, cafes, and tour operators will have their own operating hours. It's best to check with specific venues. Instagram

Berthage fees for boats vary depending on the size and duration of stay. For visitors not on boats, there are no entry fees to walk around the marina. Reddit

Absolutely! Hervey Bay Marina is the central hub for many whale watching tour operators. You can book tours directly at the marina or in advance online. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The marina offers a range of facilities including clean bathrooms, fuel wharves, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a well-equipped hub for boaters and visitors. Reddit

Yes, Hervey Bay Marina boasts several dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants offering waterfront views and fresh seafood. InstagramReddit

The main activities include whale watching tours (July-October), fishing charters, and day trips to Fraser Island. You can also enjoy a meal by the water or a walk along the nearby Urangan Pier. InstagramReddit

Yes, Hervey Bay is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and the marina provides easy access to charter boats and local fishing spots. Instagram

Urangan Pier is a 1km long jetty adjacent to the marina, offering picturesque views, a great spot for a walk, and popular for sunset watching. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of options, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Restaurants offer dishes like seafood chowder, eye fillet, and duck, while cafes provide breakfast and lighter meals. InstagramReddit

While some restaurants offer premium dining, there are also cafes that provide more affordable options for breakfast and lunch. Exploring the different venues will help you find something to suit your budget. Reddit

The marina itself doesn't have a full-service grocery store. You'll need to take a taxi or walk about 30 minutes to reach nearby supermarkets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the boats, marina reflections, and the ocean. Sunrises and sunsets over the water are particularly beautiful. Don't miss the views from Urangan Pier. Instagram+1

The open water and marina provide excellent opportunities for drone photography, capturing sweeping views of the coastline and vessels. Always check local drone regulations before flying. Instagram

Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer the best light for photography. The 'golden hour' can create magical reflections on the water. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hervey Bay Marina is a fantastic starting point for family adventures. The whale watching tours are a major draw, offering an educational and awe-inspiring experience for children. Many operators are family-friendly and provide safety briefings. The Urangan Pier is also a hit with kids, offering a safe and exciting place to walk and explore the ocean environment. Instagram

Consider packing sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as days can be warm. While dining options are available, packing snacks can be helpful for younger children. The marina's open spaces also allow for some freedom to roam, making it a pleasant environment for families. Reddit

⚓ Boaters & Sailors

Hervey Bay Marina is a well-regarded stop for transient boaters. The protected harbor and clearly marked entrance channel make for a secure arrival. You'll find essential services like a fuel wharf and clean, accessible facilities. The marina management is known for being helpful, often providing valuable local knowledge on anchorages and passage planning. Reddit+1

Beyond the practicalities, the marina offers a social atmosphere with nearby dining options. It's a strategic location for those cruising the Queensland coast, offering a safe haven and a gateway to exploring the surrounding waters, including the nearby K'gari (Fraser Island). Instagram

📸 Photographers

Hervey Bay Marina is a dream for photographers, especially during the golden hours. The reflections of boats on the calm water, the vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and the expansive ocean views from the Urangan Pier offer endless opportunities. Instagram+1

For those with drones, the open skies above the marina and coastline provide spectacular aerial shots. Remember to always check and adhere to local drone regulations. The diverse marine life, from whales to seabirds, also presents unique photographic subjects. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Whale Watching Capital of Australia

Hervey Bay proudly holds the title of the 'Whale Watching Capital of Australia,' and the marina is your launchpad for this incredible experience. From July to October, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and Hervey Bay offers some of the most intimate encounters. Unlike other locations where whales might be seen from a distance, the waters here are calmer and shallower, allowing for closer approaches. Many tours utilize smaller boats, providing a more personal and thrilling experience. Reddit

Several operators depart directly from Hervey Bay Marina, offering various tour lengths and styles. Some focus on speed and covering more ground, while others prioritize longer, more relaxed encounters. It's highly recommended to book your whale watching tour in advance, especially during the peak season (August to October), as spots fill up quickly. Look for tours that emphasize responsible whale watching practices to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures. Reddit

Beyond the whales, the marine life in Hervey Bay is diverse. You might also spot dolphins, turtles, and a variety of seabirds during your excursions. The marina's proximity to K'gari (Fraser Island) also means that many tours combine whale watching with exploring the island's coastline, offering a comprehensive marine adventure. Instagram

Marina Life and Amenities

Hervey Bay Marina is a vibrant hub for both transient boaters and local maritime enthusiasts. The facilities are consistently praised for their cleanliness and functionality, with well-maintained bathrooms and efficient fuel wharves. For those staying on their boats, the marina offers a secure and protected environment, shielded by a robust sea wall. The entrance channel is clearly marked, making navigation straightforward. Reddit

Beyond the practicalities of boating, the marina fosters a social atmosphere. You'll find a selection of cafes and restaurants right on the waterfront, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view or a morning coffee. While grocery shopping requires a bit of a journey, the convenience of having dining and tour departures right at your doorstep is a significant draw. The friendly and knowledgeable marina staff, like Rob and Sherelle mentioned in reviews, are often happy to share local tips and assist with passage planning. Reddit

The marina also serves as a departure point for various day tours, not just whale watching. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Fraser Coast region. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious visitor, the marina offers a glimpse into the maritime lifestyle and provides essential services for a comfortable stay. Instagram

Exploring the Urangan Pier

A short stroll from Hervey Bay Marina leads you to the iconic Urangan Pier. This impressive structure stretches 1.1 kilometers into the ocean, making it one of the longest in Queensland. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering panoramic views of the coastline, the marina, and the vast expanse of the Great Sandy Strait. Instagram

Walking the pier is a quintessential Hervey Bay experience. It's a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll, to cast a fishing line, or simply to soak in the sea breeze and admire the scenery. The pier is particularly magical during sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors, creating a photographer's paradise. Instagram

From the pier, you can often spot marine life, including dolphins and various fish species. It's also a great vantage point to observe the boats coming and going from the marina. The pier is a free attraction and a must-visit for anyone staying in the Hervey Bay area, offering a peaceful escape and stunning coastal vistas. Instagram

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