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Fraser Coast

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Overview

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Fraser Coast The guide was updated: 2024-05-30

The paradise-like Fraser Island is known first and foremost as a whale watching destination. The wider Fraser Coast region offers plenty of other amazing places and adventures. This picturesque area is centred around the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. Check out the former gold mining town of Gympie and the beautiful natural surroundings, both on land and in the water. The warm and mild climate makes this region perfect to explore all year round.

Facts

Population:	111,032 (2021 census)
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 Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–2pm +61 1800 811 728 Maryborough Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre 388 Kent Street, Maryborough Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat 8:30am–12:30pm, Sun closed +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 region is a playground for animal lovers wishing to encounter migrating whales at sea, witness the egg-laying and hatching of loggerhead turtles on Mon Repos Beach, and explore other abundant marine life. Travel back in time to visit the charming Victorian town of Maryborough and the gold mining museum in Gympie, which represents its golden era when gold diggers flocked to the town and saved Queensland from bankruptcy. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether it's 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 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 has a traditional name, given to it by the native people — K'gari, which literally means Paradise. The world's biggest sand island is a haven for wildlife. Make sure you take a dip in Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

S.S. Maheno Shipwreck

S.S. Maheno Shipwreck

The S.S. Maheno Shipwreck on Fraser Island is the remains of a trans-Tasman ocean liner washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935. K’gari’s treacherous coastline has claimed many ships and lives over the years, and the rusted shipwreck is a silent testament to that. Initially operating between New Zealand and Australia, and later serving as a hospital ship during WWI, its rusting structure now serves as a captivating man-and-nature-made tourist attraction.

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 100 metres above the sea level, it is classified as a 'perched lake', which means that 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 known as a place for decision-making.

Hervey Bay Whale Watching

Hervey Bay Whale Watching

Watch some of the world’s biggest and most fascinating animals. Most trips depart from Hervey Bay and are 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 & Historical Museum

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

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