Hervey Bay

As mentioned in a previous post, my son and I made a last minute decision to head up to Hervey Bay during the not too distant school holidays.

I booked our accommodation on the Sunday night and departed Brisbane for Hervey Bay on Monday morning.

By car, the journey is a comfortable 4 - 4.5 hours or 290 kms.  Lucky for us we started our drive after the morning rush hour traffic and made good time in getting out of the big smoke (if you've ever been to Brisbane, you know that's a furfy).

On the way up to Hervey Bay you by-pass small towns such as Gympie, Tiaro and Maryborough before finally reaching your destination.

Gympie is a regional town in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. It is about 160 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane. The city lies on the Mary River which has periodically caused flooding in the town.

Tiaro is a small town on the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. The town is situated on the Bruce Highway 27 kilometres south of Maryborough and 227 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane.

Maryborough is a city located on the Mary River in South East Queensland, Australia, approximately 255 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is served by the Bruce Highway, and has a population of approximately 22,000.

Once you've arrived there is a myriad of different activities to choose.  Here are some suggestions:

Between the months of July to November is the very popular whale watching season.  Hervey Bay is a mecca of activity during this season and whale watching cruises are available to cater for all budgets.

Visit the 'Discover Hervey Bay' website for more information.

Another excellent reason to visit Hervey Bay is to gain access to the very popular World Heritage listed Fraser Island.  Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the Southern Hemisphere and is accessible by 4WD vehicles only.  The Island has 2 eco friendly resorts, however is available for day trippers as well.  For more information visit this website.  Day tours are available for tourist short on time; however a longer stay is well worth it and can be arranged either in a group or individually.

For those tourists who just want to explore Hervey Bay there is plenty to see.  There are a myriad of shops, cafes and boutiques to explore along the esplanade.  Accommodation ranges from budget backpacker style to 5 star hotels.  If you have a little energy it is highly recommended that you hire a bike and ride the 18km bike path along the esplanade to take in the ocean views.

There are plenty of beaches for swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, skiing or just boating.  The 'Reefworld Aquarium' showcases the finest selection of marine life Hervey Bay has to offer.

Hervey Bay also offers an abundance of golf courses, tours and cruises, scenic drives, nite-clubs, botanic gardens and don't forget the markets at the Whale Watch terminal located at the Urangan Marina held every Friday night 4-8 pm.

For something a little different experience Safari Camel Tours or Oz Trikes.

The Westside Water Education Park is a free activity the whole family can enjoy.  For a complete list of fun things to do in Hervey Bay visit the Discover Hervey Bay website here.

I highly recommend spending at least a week in Hervey and surrounding area.  We only stayed for 2.5 days and it definitely was not enough!  The only thing we got to experience was the beautiful Fraser Island.  We vowed to go back again but possibly during the whate watching season next time.

If anyone has experienced Hervey Bay or Fraser Island, please leave a comment or your own experiences.  Would love to hear them!




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Fraser Island

Early January while on holidays, I decided to take my son and myself for a long drive up the north coast of Queensland to Hervey Bay.

It was a very easy and pleasant 4 hour drive via the Bruce Highway to the idyllic seaside settlement of Hervey Bay.

The previous night I booked 4.5 * accommodation at the Ramada Hervey Bay right on the Esplanade through my trusty travel partner - lastminute.com.au.  I have now used this last minute accommodation booking service twice and I have to admit that both times I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and price of the accommodation.

Possibly the only gripe my 11-year-old son had about the hotel was the lack of in-room WI-FI service.  During our first night at the hotel, they were also experiencing technical difficulties with their in-room cable TV and therefore we were only able to watch commercial channels and not pay-per-view (which my budget is thankful for anyway!).

The next day we ventured out to the beautiful Fraser Island and embarked on a guided group tour of this magnificent sand island.  Our tour was through Fraser Explorer Day Tours.  The day included courtesy pick up from your hotel in Hervey Bay, ferry across to Fraser Island, air-conditioned coach travel while on Fraser Island, buffet lunch and expert commentary about the island.

This tour was awesome and the lunch at the resort was delicious.  We also got to meet some very nice tourists from overseas and chatted while we ate.

The only disappointment during this tour was that we couldn't use the Resort swimming pool to cool off after walking on the scorching hot sand.

I've included further information about Fraser Island below, including some facts, historical information about the island and some do's and don'ts.

I would highly recommend a visit to Fraser Island, whether self-guided or fully-guided, it is a trip worth taking at least once in your life!

Fraser Island is situated just off the south Queensland coast opposite Hervey Bay. The island is about 120 kilometres long and between 5 and 25 kilometres wide.

Dozens of lakes, rainforest and huge sandblows cover vast parts of the island. People who visit Fraser Island for the first time often struggle to find the words to describe the beauty of this magical island. But also animal life, especially the 230 species of birds, Australia's purest dingo's and many other species contribute to the unique island environment.

Aboriginals of the Butchulla tribe have been living on Fraser Island for the last 5000 years. And because the abundance of food supplied by the sea, the lakes and the forest the number of inhabitants was quite high. 160 years ago about 2000 Aboriginals were living on the island. That changed dramatically when the island became an immigration- and quarantine post for ships that brought people and equipment for the gold fields in the area. forty years later there were only 150 tribe members left. These were taken off the island to reserves on the mainland.

Fraser Island was named after the British ship captain and his wife who were stranded on the island in 1836. The captain perished here but was survived by his wife who returned to England to tell their story. Prior to this time, the island was known as K'gari by the native inhabitants, the Butchulla people.

Not long after the island was discovered by the white settlers, so too were the beautiful rainforests and Fraser Island soon became a thriving logging community. Logging continued on the island until the late 1980's and as of December 1992 Fraser Island has been World Heritage Listed to preserve the unique environment.

As well as its beautiful rainforests, Fraser Island is also noted for its surrounding treacherous waters. The ferocity of these waters is evident in the magnificent shipwrecks that line the shores of the island. The most popular of these is the Maheno which was beached here in 1935 and has become as much a part of the island as the natural land formations.


The following information is from the Fraser Island - Queensland Bookings website.

Must Know

What to bring

Swimsuit, walking shoes, towel, sunscreen and camera

Important

Dingoes

Please keep your distance from the wild dingos and please do not feed them as they can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Camping

You will need a camping permit if camping on Fraser Island.

Your camping booking number is to be written on a camping tag and clearly displayed on the camping structure.

Please leave the area where you stop or stay tidy and exactly how you found it so that everyone can enjoy Fraser Islands natural beauty.

Camp fires may only be lit in communal fire rings provided.

Visitors are encouraged to bring and use their own fuel or gas camping stoves to help Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in its attempts to reduce the high numbers of burn injuries related to open campfires. The policy on open campfires also aims to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by campfires and helps create a clean-air camping experience on Fraser Island.

Campers who want a campfire in the communal fire rings provided, must bring their own firewood. However it must be untreated, milled timber (e.g. mill off-cuts), not bush timber, as this reduces the risk of introducing foreign pathogens and other pests into the park. Visitors are reminded that all flora in protected areas, including dead trees or fallen limbs, is protected by law and therefore cannot be cut or collected.

Vehicles

You will need a vehicle access permit to drive a 4wd on Fraser Island.

All vehicles brought onto Fraser Island must have a current vehicle service permit (VSP).

The VSP booking number is to be written on a VSP tag and affixed to the windscreen of your vehicle.

Practice safe driving through the various sand tracks and do not exceed 80 km/h on the beach stretch.

You will only be able to drive 2WD vehicles around Kingfisher Bay Resort. All other parts of Fraser Island are only accessible with a 4WD vehicle.

Check your vehicle making sure it is in good working order and take spare parts eg. radiator hoses, spare wheels. Bring vehicle retrieving equipment in the case of your vehicle becoming stuck in the sand.

Other

The Island is far too large to see by foot.

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More New Zealand!

Activities

Jet Boating 

Adventure Jet Boat Ride

Our Auckland jet boat tours offer a very different experience of the beautiful Waitemata harbour with a second to none opportunity to view of the Auckland City Skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, our Hauraki Gulf Volcanoes and of course Auckland's famous Sky Tower.

Aboard the fastest jet boats in Auckland, Auckland Adventure Jet provides the original jet boat tours on Auckland's harbour. Powered by twin supercharged 300HP engines the New Zealand jet boat has incredible acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability.

Departing from Pier 3 on the Auckland Waterfront each 35 – 40 minute trip promises a unique Auckland adventure with excitement to raise your pulse.

The team at Auckland Adventure Jet are a mixture of passion and experience. Staff undergo significant training to provide an exciting and safe experience that's world class.

$ 98.00 per person

Auckland Zoo

Located in Central Auckland

Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.

Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.

There is lots to see and do all year, including events, animal encounters, Zoom (behind the scenes) tours and more!

Our Zoom (behind-the-scenes) Tours offer you an exclusive backstage pass to go behind the scenes. Imagine helping a keeper wash down an elephant, coming eye to eye with New Zealand fauna, a tiger, or one of Africa’s big five.

Price Range & Conditions

Child	$10
Adult	$25

Other Charges	Infants (under 4): Free. Senior citizens (65 years+) and students (ID required): $20.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Located in Central Auckland

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience. Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience.

Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. Enter between majestic kauri columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, five centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings.

Entry is free and we’re open from 10am until 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.

Auckland Museum

Located in Central Auckland

The worlds most extensive Maori and Pacific Island Collection located within one of New Zealand’s most iconic and outstanding heritage buildings.

Nau Mai Haere Mai - Welcome to Auckland Museum, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

In one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artisitc legacy and cultures of the Pacific people. See the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori.

The diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.

$ 10.00

Puhoi River Canoe Hire Limited

Located in North Auckland

We offer a safe leisurely kayak adventure on the Puhoi River which meanders 8kms

from the Historic Bohemian Village to the scenic Wenderholm Regional Park.

We supply superior kayaks, buoyancy vests, paddling instruction, local river knowledge and a courtesy coach return.

We have kayaks or canoes to suit the whole family and cater to almost all ages (sorry no infants under 3yrs) and fitness levels from corporate groups, Christmas picnics, families, individuals, couples, grandparents, team building to just a group of friends out for a day of fun.

We are a small family business and are descendants of the original Bohemian settlers of the Puhoi Valley. We are a NZ Qualmark endorsed Visitor Activity, have resource consent and are Auckland Council Regional Park Concessionaires.

You will find us in the Puhoi Historic Village opposite the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Sheep World Warkworth

Located in North Auckland

Experience the best of natural New Zealand, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. Good fun for all ages, rain or shine and a suitable venue for incentive groups.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s rural life, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. SheepWorld is set in a unique natural environment, where you can watch the world-famous sheep and dog shows daily at 11am and 2pm. Watch the experts at work - then have a go yourself in our newly set up Interactive Zone.

Enjoy our farmyard and feed the animals, or explore the unique Eco-Discovery Trail.

Browse around in our spacious and refurbished Ecowool® store, only selling quality New Zealand-made products, woollen clothing and a wide variety of beautiful sheepskins.

You can relax at our on-site Sheepworld Café that serves a tempting range of beautiful meals and drinks.

Open daily from 9am-5pm

Look what I found!

Pinky - how cute!

To be continued...

Travel update!

This is soooo exciting!

Next upcoming trip

Your next flight is to Auckland and departs in.....

• 18 Days
• 18 Hours
• 59 Minutes

Gold Coast to Auckland (Return)

In the meantime I have to get through going back to work, a final test and an end of semester exam at Uni.

Wish me luck!

I'm not sure if I've posted this before but this is the hotel we're staying at:

Hotel Pullman - Auckland

Excellent location and very close to Auckland Harbour.

Some of the tourist attractions we would like to visit include:

In and around Queen Street

• Browse artisan shops and eateries at Elliott Stables
• Watch a live performance at THE EDGE
• Catch a gig at The Classic Comedy Club
• Take in the spectacular views from the Sky Tower

Britomart Precinct

• Eat and drink in the hippest new bars and restaurants
• Pick-up seasonal goodies at the City Farmers’ Market
• Shop at Britomart’s treasure trove of fashion, homeware and specialty stores
• Visit the unique Britomart Project Space to see a visual work of art

Viaduct Harbour

• Sit back and enjoy the view from one of the popular waterside restaurants
• Learn about New Zealand’s rich maritime history at Voyager Martime Museum
• Step aboard one of the boat cruises that departs from the Viaduct

Wynyard Quarter

• Visit Auckland Fish Market for a wide range of fresh seafood
• Dine at one of the North Wharf restaurants for the freshest waterside dining in town
• Take the kids to play in the maritime themed playspace
• Climb aboard Auckland Dockline Trams and take a ride around  Wynyard Loop

Ponsonby

One of Auckland's hippest strips packed with funky fashion stores, chic cafes, bars and restaurants.

Ponsonby

Top picks:

• Shop at designer fashion stores
• Dine at some of Auckland’s best cafes and restaurants
• Listen to live music in trendy neighbourhood bars
• Follow heritage walks through Ponsonby’s historic streets

Parnell

Auckland’s oldest suburb Parnell oozes charm and character with its Victorian buildings, gardens, galleries and restaurants.

Parnell Museum

Top picks:

• Unravel the history of Aotearoa at Auckland Museum
• Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Browse boutique shops, galleries and eateries
• Admire the blooms in Parnell Rose Gardens

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a vibrant beachfront promenade with an exciting range of eateries and activities.

Top picks:

• Munch on fresh fish and chips on Mission Bay beach
• Rollerblade along Tamaki Drive
• Soak-up impressive views from Michael Savage Memorial
• See Sub-Antarctic penguins, stingrays and sharks at the underwater world

Mount Eden

It’s a must to take in the panoramic 360-degree views from the top of Mount Eden, which is also known in Māori as Maungawhau.

Top picks:

• Climb to the top of Mount Eden
• Check-out the views from Auckland’s highest natural point
•  Wander through an award-winning garden
• Catch a live gig at the Powerstation

Great Barrier Island - Aotea

This remote, tranquil and untouched paradise at the edge of the Hauraki Gulf is waiting just for you.

Top picks:

• Arm yourself with your beach towel and a book and head to Medlands Beach 
• Pull on your togs and walking shoes for the Kaitoke Hot Springs walk
• Get up early and race to the eastern beaches for a spectacular sunrise
• Book a fishing charter and head for the Broken Islands

Rangitoto & Motutapu Islands

Visit icons of the Auckland landscape and favourite destinations for hikers and day-trippers.

Top picks:

• Walk to the summit of Rangitoto – don’t forget your camera!
• Take a torch and explore the WW2 bunkers and gun emplacements
• Enjoy the beaches and walking trails of Motutapu
• Check-out the world’s largest pohutukawa forest

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi is an open wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects. 

Top picks:

• Join a guided walk to learn how to spot native birds and trees 
• Take a sneaky peak in the penguin nesting boxes
• Check-out the visitor centre. It’s the best place to find out about the island

Devonport

Devonport is a charming seaside village a few minutes' ferry ride across the Waitemata harbour from downtown Auckland.

Top picks:

• Head to Mount Victoria and North Head for spectacular views of Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour
• Explore Devonport’s military history at North Head and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
• Take a self-guided walking tour or see the sights by segway, bike or mini-bus
• Treat your tastebuds at the cafes, bakeries and the village’s famous chocolatiers

Puhoi

This small community gives visitors a taste of village life in rural Auckland and is worth taking some time to explore.

Top picks:

• Taste locally made Puhoi Valley Cheeses
• Meander down the scenic Puhoi River in a kayak
• Grab a hearty meal and a cheeky drink at the local pub
• Follow the historical walk which travels through the museum and library

Kumeu

The countryside of Kumeu is a refreshing blend of green farmland, orchards and vineyards.

Top picks:

• Visit several Kumeu wineries including Auckland’s oldest winery
• Get your paws on a sweet experience at BeesOnline Honey Centre and Café
• Kick back with a freshly brewed beer at a boutique brewery

Waitakere Ranges

Explore the black sand beaches, dramatic landscapes, magical waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife in the Waitakere Ranges.

Top picks:

• Stop in at Arataki Visitor Centre and pick up a track map
• Experience walks and waterfalls including Kitekite Falls and Fairy Falls
• Tramp the stunning Hillary Trail
• Spend the night in the peaceful camping grounds

Howick

Howick is a surburb well-known for its charming specialty shops and pavement cafés. Discover the stories of its colourful past.

Top picks:

• Delve into a tucked-away café in charming Howick Village
• Play 18-holes at Howick Golf Club and savour the views across the Hauraki Gulf
• Enjoy a walk over the beautiful Musick Point peninsula
• Explore the archeological sites and wetlands at Mangemangeroa Reserve

Clevedon

Clevedon is home to fresh food and beautiful wines, a piece of history and a whole lot of country charm.

Top picks:

• Watch top polo games most weekends in the spring and summer
• Fill a picnic hamper with supplies from the Sunday Clevedon Farmers’ Market
• Take a step back in time at the McNicol Homestead Museum
• Sample world-famous Clevedon Oysters

Manukau

Manukau is a bustling cosmopolitan centre, home to the biggest Polynesian community in the world.

Top picks:

• Search for gifts at the Otara market on Saturday morning
• Take a roller coaster ride at New Zealand’s greatest family theme park
• See over 10,000 plants at the Auckland Botanic Gardens

Around Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport has become a destination in its own right with a number of attractions that shouldn't be missed.

Top picks:

• Sip delicious wines at New Zealand’s most awarded winery
• Play a round of mini-golf at Treasure Island
• See saltwater crocs, free-flying tropical butterflies and swing from highropes

In and around Pukekohe

Franklin is the ultimate lifestyle destination with relaxed country living in savvy city style. 

Top picks:

• Dress in your finest and head to the horseraces at Pukekohe Park
• Drive a V8 around the Pukekohe Raceway
• Scare yourself silly at Spookers haunted attraction
• Take a ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway Train

Awhitu Peninsula

The magnificent Awhitu Peninsula is a destination of contrasts - where the Tasman Sea pounds the black sands of the west coast and meets the tranquil eastern bays and Manukau Harbour.

Top picks:

• Horseride along the wide black-sand Karioitahi beach
• Indulge your palate with a visit to organic orchards
• Mountain bike through the Waiuku Forest and Awhitu Regional Park
• Climb to the top of the Manukau Heads Lighthouse

To be continued...