Hervey Bay is just over a 3-hour drive north of Brisbane and because it has a range of spectacular locations to paddle, it’s a kayakers dream. It’s worth coming to stay a few days at least, to make the most of what’s on offer. If you don’t have your own kayak or aren’t very experienced, that’s okay, as there are kayaks for hire at the calm beach waters of Torquay Beach with guides on hand to show you the way.
The easiest location to start your kayak experience is from the beautiful Hervey Bay Esplanade which stretches for 16km from near the Marina at Urangan to all the way around to Point Vernon. The Bay is also uniquely north facing, which means for the majority of time it is very calm, some would say like a beautiful lake! There’s also plenty of easy access points to launch from the uncrowded beaches and lots of free parking along the streets. As you paddle on the calm bay, you are likely to see various marine life below in the clear waters such as fish, turtles, dolphins and dugongs. There are reef ledges every now and then, and a row of iconic piers stretching out from the beach that you can paddle under. If you like to wet a line whilst on the water, you may very well catch your dinner.
Heading slightly further out to sea but not too far from the Hervey Bay Marina is Weenandin (Round Island). It’s about a 1.3km paddle and offers ideal conditions for a sea kayak and for exploring. The nearby island is 100m wide and almost surrounded by a rocky reef (great to walk at low tide or snorkel at high tide). In the other direction from the Marina you can head towards River Heads through the seagrass meadows of the Great Sandy Strait where you will most likely be up-close & personal with turtles, dugong and dolphins.
The ultimate kayak adventure from Hervey Bay is experiencing the spectacular remote west coast of the world’s largest sand island, world Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island). The easiest way to do this (and it’s great for all levels of experience) is to take Tasman Venture’s full day Remote Fraser Island Experience. You will be taken to the northern remote area of the island in a fast comfortable catamaran with all the creature comforts of lounges, food, drinks, showers and toilets etc along with interesting commentary and views of the coast and islands along the way. Once in location, you’ll be taken ashore in Sealegs (mini RIB with wheels!) to enjoy the day exploring the remote white beaches, sand dunes, crystal clear freshwater creeks, and azure calm ocean where you can kayak, snorkel and swim to your hearts content. If you are fortunate enough to experience this during the Hervey Bay Whale Watching season (July to October), you may very well be able to Swim with the majestic Humpback Whales.
Of course if you are lucky enough to have your own boat or transport to reach the remote northern coast of K’gari (Fraser island), you can take your own kayak and explore this wonderful paradise all day long.
