Spending Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Hervey Bay is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed, warm and unforgettable coastal holiday. With calm beaches, island adventures and plenty of family-friendly events, Hervey Bay is one of Queensland’s most popular summer destinations.
Here’s your updated guide to Christmas in Hervey Bay 2025, New Year’s Eve celebrations and the best things to do during the holidays.
Best Christmas Lunch Venues in Hervey Bay
If you’re searching for where to book Christmas lunch in Hervey Bay, these venues offer festive menus. Book early — Christmas Day lunch spots fill quickly.
- The Boat Club Hervey Bay – Famous Christmas buffet overlooking the marina with seafood, roasts and desserts.
- Kondari Hotel – Great value Christmas lunch in a peaceful lakeside setting & newly renovated venue.
- The Bayswater – Coastal Christmas dining with ocean views along the Esplanade.
- Hervey Bay RSL – A family favourite with generous festive menus and excellent value.
- The Clubhouse Hervey Bay – Christmas buffet lunch overlooking lush golf greens in a modern, relaxed venue.
- Bay Central Tavern – Casual, family-friendly Christmas buffet in a central location.
Things to Do in Hervey Bay Over Christmas & New Year Holidays
Hervey Bay is packed with summer holiday activities for families, couples and groups. From island day trips to snorkelling lagoons and beach days, there’s something for everyone.
1. Chill out On beautiful Hervey Bay Beaches
- Swimming in the Bay’s calm clear ocean water
- Walking or cycling along 16 km of beautiful Esplanade
- Hiring kayaks or SUPs
- Relaxing at Torquay, Scarness or Urangan Beaches
- Exploring local beachside village shops and restaurants
- Enjoying kids’ playgrounds and picnic spots
- Run and swim with your dog at the dedicated dog beaches
2. Walk the Iconic Urangan Pier
- Sunrise and sunset photography
- Fishing
- Dolphin and turtle sightings
- Easy scenic walk – 868 metres long!
3. Enjoy Hervey Bay Cruises
- Remote K’gari Cruise – Amazing full-day inclusive experience exploring the west coast of K’gari.
- K’gari Beach & BBQ Cruise – Enjoy a half-day cruise to a secluded island beach with water activities and BBQ lunch.
- Aqua Oasis Cruise – Family fun half-day cruise with water activities & social atmosphere.
- Dolphin Eco Adventure – Spend a relaxing half-day on a sailing catamaran exploring islands & marine life.
- Island Hopper Tour – Take a fast boat ride adventure style while island hopping.
- Summer K’gari Cruise & Boomnet – Enjoy a 3-hour cruise & choose to get wet in the boom-net.
- Big Woody Lighthouse Tour – Take a thrilling boat ride to Big Woody Island and climb to the historic lighthouse.
- Sunset Cruise – Relaxed evening with drinks and canapés.
- Champagne Sunset Sail – Romantic yacht-style sail with sunset views, canapes and drinks.
4. Visit Local Attractions
- Reefworld Aquarium
- The Salty Axe
- The Collective Art & Craft Workshops
- Scenic Helicopter Flights
- Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens
- Wetside Water Park
- Local markets
- Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
- Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
- Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre
5. Explore K’gari (Fraser Island)
A K’gari day tour is one of the most popular things to do during the Christmas holidays. Tours typically include visiting the iconic spots of:
- Lake McKenzie
- Central Station rainforest boardwalk
- 75 Mile Beach highway
- Eli Creek
- Maheno Shipwreck
- Sandblow lookouts and swimming spots
Whether you join a guided 4WD tour or plan a multi-day island getaway, K’gari is a must-do while holidaying in Hervey Bay.
6. Lady Elliot Island Day Trip
Departing from Hervey Bay airport, a Lady Elliot Island day trip offers:
- Incredible snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef (best in the world voted by Lonely Planet)
- Turtles, manta rays and vibrant coral gardens
- Glass-bottom boat tours
- Tropical buffet lunch
- 7-hours of free time to swim, snorkel or explore the island
- Return scenic flight from Hervey Bay
New Year’s Eve in Hervey Bay – Markets & Fireworks
The Torquay Foreshore & Bill Fraser Park hosts Hervey Bay’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring:
- Afternoon & twilight markets
- Food trucks & local stalls
- Live music & kids’ activities
- Early evening fireworks at 8 pm that light up the bay
It’s one of the most family-friendly New Year’s Eve events on the Fraser Coast.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Christmas Holiday
- Book early: Christmas lunches, K’gari tours and Lady Elliot trips sell out during busy holiday periods.
- Arrive early on NYE: Foreshore parking fills quickly. Fireworks over the ocean can be seen along the beachfront.
- Stay sun-safe: December temperatures are high — sunscreen, water and hats are essential.
- Check schedules: Tour times and holiday trading hours may vary.
Why Spend the Holidays in Hervey Bay?
Hervey Bay offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and festive celebrations. From island day trips to waterfront dining and fireworks on the beach, the Hervey Bay delivers everything you need for a relaxed, warm and memorable Australian Christmas and New Year’s holiday. For advice and tour bookings contact Experience Hervey Bay.
