Australian Towns, Cities & Highways: Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay, a rapidly growing city set on 20km of safe, pristine beaches on the Fraser Coast lies about 280km north of Brisbane. The region once consisted of 4 separate towns - Pialba, Scarness, Torquay and Urangan. The towns originally served the local sugar and cattle industries however once the railway line to Pialba and Urangan pier were constructed, it brought many sightseers and visitors to the region which promoted tourism. The boat harbour was built in the 1960's and the towns entered a strong growth period up into the 1980's when they were joined to become the city of Hervey Bay. Highlights around the city include the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens (spectacular), the Urangan pier & boat harbour, whale watching, Fraser Island cruises, the Torquay & Scarness' beaches and the lengthy 10km Esplanade which boasts a seemingly endless supply of shops, restaurants, beachfront parkland and accommodation. With the recent airport expansion to allow Virgin Blue and Qantas direct flights, Hervey Bay is a recommended holiday destination.

Population: 53,000
State: Queensland
Name Origin: Named after Augustine Hervey, the 3rd Earl of Bristol (England) by Captain Cook.
Pronunciation: Har-vee Bay
Postcode: 4655
Local Government: Hervey Bay City Council
Location: 285km north of Brisbane
Main Roads: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road
Main Watercourses: South Pacific Ocean (Hervey Bay)
Radio Stations (Music): Hitz FM (93.1), Zinc 96.1 (96.1), Sea FM (101.9), Mix FM (103.5), Triple J (99.3)

Photos from Hervey Bay (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):

Boat Harbour Drive as it enters Hervey Bay (2002).

Main Street, looking south in Pialba, Hervey Bay (2002).

Boat Harbour Drive, heading east into Piabla, Hervey Bay (2002).

Boat Harbour Drive, heading east through Scarness, Hervey Bay (2002).

The Esplanade (beach/parkland on left), heading east in Scarness, Hervey Bay (2002).

The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens (2004).

Looking east from the Hervey Bay Sailing Club towards Scarness Beach & Pier (2004).

Looking north over Pialba from Urraween Hill, Hervey Bay (2002).

And again, this time north-east over Torquay with Fraser Island in the distance, Hervey Bay (2002).

	Boat Harbour Drive as it enters Hervey Bay (2002).
	Main Street, looking south in Pialba, Hervey Bay (2002).
	Boat Harbour Drive, heading east into Piabla, Hervey Bay (2002).
	Boat Harbour Drive, heading east through Scarness, Hervey Bay (2002).
	The Esplanade (beach/parkland on left), heading east in Scarness, Hervey Bay (2002).
	The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens (2004).
	Looking east from the Hervey Bay Sailing Club towards Scarness Beach & Pier (2004).
	Looking north over Pialba from Urraween Hill, Hervey Bay (2002).
	And again, this time north-east over Torquay with Fraser Island in the distance, Hervey Bay (2002).