Local Area

Fraser Island is a world renown heritage listed “must see” as the world’s largest sand island and other geographical phenomena.  Visitors may select 1, 2 or 3 day fully guided tours which include meals and expert commentary while visiting lush rainforests, freshwater lakes and ship wrecks. Accommodation provided in one of the luxurious resorts if selecting more than a 1 day tour.

Hervey Bay offers the best whale watching in Australia. Whale watching season usually begins about mid-July and runs to end of October, mid-November.  People from all over the world come to Hervey Bay to watch the majestic Humpbacks frolic in the bays calm waters. There are many choices of Whale boat excursions which offer morning, afternoon or full day cruises with boom net rides and underwater hydrophone to isten to the whales sing.

Lady Elliot Island is only a short flight with Seair from Hervey Bay. Lady Elliot Island is where the coral reef is alive and the island is teeming with life. Take a day trip or stay a few days. Fly in fly out – swim or snorkel from the resort beach front.  Clearest water on the Great Barrier Reef. View from Glass bottom boat or perhaps take a reef walk.

Other attractions that may be of interest:

Markets Koala markets, 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday of the month 6am - 12pm at Kruger Court Nikenbah markets, 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month 6am - 12pm at Nikenbah Torquay beachside markets, 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 6am - 1pm at Torquay Pier Park upmarket, 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month 7am - 2pm at Pier Park Urangan Marina Twilight markets, every Friday night 2.30pm - 7.30pm at the Marina Urangan
Fraser Island Tours Visit the World Heritage listed national park on one of the many tours, or hire your own 4 wheel drive and experience it for yourself. This is the largest sand island in the world with amazing fresh water lakes and streams, rainforests abound along with very unique flora and fauna. See dingos and turtles in their natural habitat. Contact us for more information and bookings.
Urangan Pier The iconic Urangan Pier is a landmark as you explore the Bay. Built in 1917 for ships to take locally grown sugar as well as coal from the nearby Burrum coal fields and to deliver fuel, the Urangan Pier was originally over a kilometre in length. Now 868 metres long, Urangan Pier is a popular spot for fishing, strolling and watching the spectacular sunsets and sunrises over the Bay.
Whale Season With whale numbers increasing every year in the safe waters of Hervey Bay some tour boats describe it as “Whale Soup”. For an up-close-and-personal contact with the Humpback whale, this is the place to see them. Mid July to mid October is when they are safely playing in the calm waters of the bay before undertaking the long migration south. See mothers, babies and juveniles all at play in our protected waters.
Botanical Gardens, Beaches and Parks Enjoy the tranquillity of beautiful garden surrounds, walk or cycle along the Bay‘s 14 kilometres of Esplanade. Visit the popular Arkarra Tea Gardens to dine or take in the abundant wild bird life around the lagoons.
Cafes and Restaurants Cafes and restaurants abound along our foreshore. We have three of the Bay‘s best restaurants within close walking distance to the motel. Santini‘s, a favourite Italian restaurant, Coast and Dan & Steph‘s Eat - the winners of My Kitchen Rules and very popular with the locals. Wild Lotus is another great place to eat. Of course, there is always the local Torquay Hotel within a short walking distance.
Fishing and Boating Enquire here for a day out fishing in the deep waters off Fraser Island. Local charter boats guarantee a good day out on the water where hopefully you will return with some fish. You can also hire your own tinny for a few hours or fish of the piers, either way you‘re bound to catch something. Dugongs, dolphins and turtles are often spotted on a day out on the water.
Kingfisher Bay and Mary River Cruises Travel in comfort and style across the Great Sandy Straits to Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. You can jump ship for the day or continue down the straits up into the Mary River to the Port of Maryborough. Returning the same way.
Bike Hire Hire 4 wheel family cruiser bikes for everyone, including the dog, or one with two wheels for yourself. Either way you can enjoy the long stretch of bikeways and pathways along our waterfront.
Whale Festival The Whale Festival starts the first week in August with an illuminated street parade honouring the whale. Lots of activities for the children, music and sideshows to enjoy.
Seafood Festival The Hervey Bay Seafood Festival celebrates the fabulous local seafood caught in waters of Hervey Bay. The festival kicks of at 10am at Urangan and concludes approximately 4pm. A vast selection of hot and cold seafood is served with visiting Chefs showcasing the many ways of preparing fish. Stalls and music complete the day.
Hervey Bay Water Park One of the fun things to do in Hervey Bay most days of the year. The water park features hundreds of spouts and jets, fountains interactive play equipment, water slides, surfing, special play area for under-5‘s called TotSide, tipping buckets, music and a giant water screen. The site also includes a coffee shop, viewing decks and boardwalks, educational displays, amenities blocks and the pay-per-use Board Rider wave machine. Entry into WetSide is free and it is open 7 days a week from 9am (12 noon on Mondays).
Watersports and Jetski Tours Guided jetski tours/safaris depart from Aquavue Cafe and Watersports, a short walk from Tower Court Motel. Have a ride on the Big Banana or try your hand at Standup Paddle Boarding. Ride the Fraser Jet for thrills galore or just hire your own jetski for fun.
Adventures and Tours There is everything from Horse Riding to Sky Diving for those who like a little more thrill or adventure. Rhino‘s Trike Tours give you an open air ride on a Harley Davidson Trike along the Esplanade and beyond.
RSL and Boat Club Enjoy the many visiting artists to the RSL and Hervey Bay Boat Club, the good food, music and pokies. A courtesy bus will pick you up from the motel and bring you back later. Enquire at reception for pickup times.