10 Fun School Holiday Ideas on the Fraser Coast

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? The Fraser Coast is packed with family-friendly adventures, from unforgettable wildlife encounters to free outdoor fun and unique attractions.

Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of the break (and that’s just the beginning!).

1. Go Whale Watching in Hervey Bay 🐋

Each year, from July to October, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay, making it one of the best places in the world to see these incredible marine mammals up close.

Unlike many whale watching destinations where whales are simply passing through, Hervey Bay serves as a resting and socialising stopover. Here, humpback whales can often be seen breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and nurturing their calves in calm waters, creating unforgettable encounters for visitors of all ages.

A whale watching tour is a must-do school holiday experience, offering the chance to learn about whale behaviour while creating lifelong family memories. With a range of operators offering different vessel types, tour lengths, accessibility options and onboard experiences, there’s a cruise to suit every family and budget.

Don’t forget your camera – you never know when a curious whale might pop up right beside the boat!

2. Explore K’gari (Fraser Island)🏝️
A visit to the Fraser Coast isn’t complete without exploring K’gari. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, wander through ancient rainforest and marvel at the iconic Maheno Shipwreck. Whether you choose a guided tour, self-drive adventure, camping trip or resort stay, K’gari offers unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Tips for your next K’gari adventure:

• Make Kingfisher Bay Resort your K’gari base and enjoy their unforgettable tours and cruises, amazing facilities, Illumina Light Show and ranger-led activities.
• Short on time? Tasman Venture have you covered! Check out their Remote K’gari and Whale Experience tour and experience the best of both worlds with whale watching and exploring K’gari all in one epic day.
• Been to K’gari before? Tasman Venture also have their Remote K’gari Experience which takes you to the untouched western side of the island. They are the only operator with access to Awinya Creek, Bowarrady Creek, and Wathumba Creek so you’ll experience these beautiful places without the crowds.
•  Don’t have a 4WD? There are lots of amazing options which mean you can still experience K’gari at your own pace! Check out the fantastic options from Fraser Dingo 4WD who offer tagalong tours where you get to see all the sites and stay in the comfort of their private beach house accommodation or discover their 4WD hire packages.
• Want to sleep under the stars? Camping on K’gari is fun for the whole family and Safari 4WD Hire make it even easier with their camping package (includes camping gear, 4WD hire and barge transfers) or essentials package (includes 4WD hire and barge transfers only).

3. Walk the Hervey Bay Esplanade & Urangan Pier 🏖️

Stretching along the picturesque coastline, the Hervey Bay Esplanade is the perfect place for a relaxed family day out. Pack the scooters, bikes or walking shoes and explore kilometres of scenic waterfront pathways with stunning views across the calm waters of Hervey Bay.

The calm, shallow beaches are ideal for younger children to paddle, build sandcastles and splash safely in the water, while parents can sit back and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.

No visit is complete without a stroll along the iconic Urangan Pier, one of the longest piers in Australia. Walk almost one kilometre out over the water, watch fish swimming below, spot seabirds and enjoy breathtaking views back towards the coastline. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins, turtles or whales during the migration season.

It’s a simple but memorable way to spend a day together.

4. Mary Poppins Festival, Maryborough – Sunday 5 July ☂️

Be transported into a world full of play and imagination at the Mary Poppins Festival. Join in the fun as Maryborough into a world of imagination with a a colourful parade, live entertainment, market stalls, rides, competitions, food vendors and family-friendly activities inspired by everyone’s favourite practically perfect nanny.

With entertainment around every corner and something to delight visitors of all ages, the Mary Poppins Festival is one of the Fraser Coast’s most iconic family events and a fantastic reason to visit Maryborough during the school holidays.

Make sure to dress up and be part of The Downer Record Space: The Australian Book of Records Attempt for the “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Mary Poppins Themed Characters”. Whether you come as Mary, Bert, one of the Banks children or another beloved character, it’s a fun opportunity to join the festivities and help make festival history.

5. Discover Historic Maryborough🚂

Step back in time and uncover the charm, stories and creativity of Maryborough.

Start your adventure at The Story Bank, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, where interactive exhibits and imaginative displays bring the beloved stories to life.

From there, follow the Maryborough Mural Trail through the CBD to discover colourful artworks that tell fascinating tales of the city’s people, history and heritage. History buffs will also love the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum, home to an impressive collection of military memorabilia, historical artefacts and engaging exhibits. Need to cool off? Head to SplashSide Maryborough, a free family-friendly water play area featuring interactive splash zones and water features that are perfect for younger children.

Families can make a full day of it by enjoying playgrounds, parks, cafés, the heritage streetscape, the Mary Ann Steam Locomotive, and seasonal school holiday activities often hosted by local libraries, museums and community venues. With plenty to see and do within walking distance, Maryborough offers a fun and educational day out for visitors of all ages.

If you’re visiting Maryborough on a Thursday, check out the Maryborough Rotary Markets on from 7:00am – midday at Adelaide Street.

6. Keep the Kids Entertained at Hervey Bay RSL 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Looking for a family-friendly dining option these school holidays? The Hervey Bay RSL is a great choice, offering delicious dining options, regular entertainment and a fully supervised Kids Fun Centre that allows parents to relax while the kids have fun.

Designed for children aged 3 to 17 years, the Kids Fun Centre is packed with entertainment including PlayStations, Xbox consoles, iPads, colouring activities, toys, games and more, all supervised by trained staff. During Queensland school holidays, the centre operates both lunchtime and evening sessions, making it an easy addition to your family day out.

While the kids are enjoying themselves, parents can relax with a coffee at the café, enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant, or simply unwind in the welcoming club atmosphere. With a variety of dining options, live entertainment and family-friendly facilities all under one roof, the Hervey Bay RSL is a convenient and enjoyable school holiday destination for the whole family.

7. Take a Day Trip to Lady Elliot Island 🐠

For a school holiday adventure they’ll never forget, fly from Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot Island, a pristine coral cay located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. The journey itself is part of the experience, with spectacular aerial views of the Fraser Coast, K’gari and the turquoise waters of the reef below.

Once on the island, families can spend the day exploring one of Australia’s most accessible reef ecosystems. Keep an eye out for turtles gliding through the crystal-clear water, graceful manta rays, colourful reef fish and an incredible variety of seabirds that call the island home.

Whether you’re snorkeling straight from the beach, joining a guided snorkel tour, cruising on a glass-bottom boat or simply relaxing and soaking up the natural beauty, there are experiences to suit all ages and confidence levels. The island’s shallow lagoon makes it a fantastic place for children to discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in a safe and memorable environment.

With wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities to learn about marine conservation, a day trip to Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate school holiday experience and a chance to create family memories that will last a lifetime.

8. Play at Seafront Oval and All Abilities Playground, Hervey Bay🛝

One of the Fraser Coast’s best family recreation spaces, Seafront Oval offers plenty of space for kids to run, play and burn off energy. Families can enjoy the skate ramp, basketball half-court and picnic and bbq facilities.

Situated right next to Seafront Oval, the All Abilities Playground has been thoughtfully designed to provide inclusive and accessible play experiences for children of all ages and abilities. The playground features a variety of accessible, inclusive play equipment and experiences including wheelchair-accessible carousel, a range of swings (including a basket swing and swings with supportive seating), a look-out, a kick-about area, a custom-designed shipwreck, an elevated sand table, an interactive musical turtle with sounds, a hand pump, totems marking the Southern Cross, a vortex maze (including explanatory panels, tactile poles and a movement-activated sound installation).

An accessible amenities block ensures families can comfortably spend hours enjoying everything this amazing recreational space has to offer.

9. Discover Pelican Bank🏝️

Looking for a hidden gem that’s sure to impress the whole family? Add Pelican Bank to your school holiday itinerary. This stunning sand cay sits between Hervey Bay and K’gari, surrounded by crystal-clear blue-green waters and brilliant white silica sand, creating the feeling of a remote tropical island just a short distance from the mainland.

Perfect for swimming, beach games, birdwatching, fishing, family picnics and simply relaxing in nature, Pelican Bank is one of the Fraser Coast’s best-kept secrets. The shallow waters are ideal for paddling, while the expansive sand flats provide plenty of room for kids to explore and play. Sunset is particularly magical, with panoramic views across the bay.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Pelican Bank is located approximately a 30-minute boat ride from Urangan Boat Harbour, with a range of local boat, eco-tour and jet ski tour operators offering trips to the sand cay. Families with their own boat can also access the area, with mooring available near the sandy cay. There are no facilities on Pelican Bank, so be sure to bring water, snacks, sun protection and anything else you’ll need for your visit.

10. Enjoy a Family Day at the Hervey Bay Boat Club ⚓

Located on the picturesque Urangan Marina, the Hervey Bay Boat Club is much more than a place to grab a meal – it’s a family-friendly entertainment destination that offers something for everyone. With stunning waterfront views overlooking the marina, Great Sandy Strait and K’gari, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the Fraser Coast.

Families can enjoy a meal together at the Harbourview Restaurant, grab a casual bite from the café, or simply sit back and watch the boats come and go from the marina. The large waterfront deck provides plenty of space to soak up the coastal atmosphere while enjoying beautiful views across the water.

The Boat Club is also home to a twin-screen cinema, making it a great option for a rainy day or an afternoon escape from the sun. Regular free live entertainment adds to the vibrant atmosphere, while the marina precinct offers plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages.

Conveniently located near the departure points for whale watching cruises, K’gari tours and other marine adventures, the Hervey Bay Boat Club is an ideal place to start or finish a day of family fun on the Fraser Coast.

There’s also Museums, Galleries, Library School Holiday Programs, Mini Golf, Cinemas, Pump Tracks, Playgrounds and more! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas!