Winter & Spring on the Fraser Coast
Escape the Cold - Holiday on the Fraser Coast this Winter & Spring!
Visiting Queensland’s Fraser Coast is the perfect way to escape the cold and enjoy incredible experiences this Winter and Spring. It’s Australia’s whale watch capital, and the World’s first Whale Heritage site – see the humpback whales play up close from July to October. Explore K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) – the world’s largest sand island, snorkel and dive at coral cay Lady Elliot Island, or relax on the safe, secluded beaches in Hervey Bay. The mild temperatures and abundant sunshine also make winter a great time to get out on the water for fishing and sailing.
The Fraser Coast also celebrates winter with incredible food and cultural festivals to complement the range of arts and historic sites to visit. With direct flights to Hervey Bay running from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, now is the time to book a quick getaway, or enjoy a long relaxing stay.
Check out the huge range of activities on offer as well as special deals on accommodation, whale watching trips, outdoor adventures and more below.
Visit Australia's Whale Watch Capital - Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is Australia’s pride as the world's first Whale Heritage Site and Australia’s whale watch capital, renowned for its unique and breathtaking whale watching encounters, attracting visitors from around the globe every year.
Each year, thousands of east coast humpbacks break their migration journey from the Antarctic to the northern tropics in the calm, shallow waters off Hervey Bay by K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) to rest, play and socialise. Named the world’s first Whale Heritage site by the World Cetacean Alliance for its exceptional efforts in responsible whale and dolphin watching, this coastal region is truly the best place to get up close with humpback whales. It is an eco-experience uniquely different from any other whale watching destination in the world.
With a fleet of specially designed vessels offering eco-certified, intimate encounters during the annual season you can have an up-close encounter with these incredible creatures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Some tours also offer the unique opportunity to swim with the whales, providing an even more immersive and thrilling experience.
Whale watching tours are now in full swing until October so take a look at the range of operators below and book now so you don't miss out!
Book Your Whale Watching Experience Now!
World Famous Kingfisher Bay Resort
Discover everything K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has to offer from your base at the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort. Revel in an immersive, nature-based eco retreat surrounded by native flora and fauna, bush-tucker-inspired fine dining experiences and breathtaking sunsets along the calm western beach. Eco marine cruises, sunset sails, ranger-guided activities and guided 4WD tours depart the resort daily (with whale watching August to October).
With a variety of accommodation styles including resort hotel rooms, villlas and a suite of executive houses, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the ideal island escape. Relax with a cocktail by one of the four lagoon swimming pools, indulge in a soothing treatment in the Island Day Spa and savour a range of Modern Australian cuisine at the three resort restaurants.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
K’gari – Our World Heritage Listed Paradise
Discover everything K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has to offer this winter and explore the world’s only ancient rainforest that grows from the sand. There are many ways to experience the island’s exceptional landscapes – take a self-drive getaway, join a guided tour, go on a camping safari, book a room at a resort or explore the island on foot through part or all of the 90km Fraser Island Great Walk. With so much to explore ranging from Eli Creek, the Maheno Shipwreck and The Cathedrals in the East, to Wathumba Creek, Moon Point and Kingfisher Bay in the West, and our inland gems Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and Central Station – even the most experienced traveller will be inspired by this paradise.
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Explore Lady Elliot Island
Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay located at the southern tip of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef (north of K’gari – formerly Fraser Island). The island is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in Australia and is famous for its unspoilt coral reef and amazing array of spectacular marine life! The Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Lady Elliot Island provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore the reef from the air, a glass bottom boat and the water, all in one day!
The Great Barrier Reef Day Trip departs daily from Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast and Bundaberg.
Due to the limited access to the island, we encourage you to book directly with our Visitor Information Center who can help create your perfect itinerary to see the natural wonders of Lady Elliot Island! Call 1800 811 728 or email [email protected]
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Looking for More Winter Fun, Adventure, Relaxation (or all three?)
Once you’ve seen the whales, there’s still plenty more to do on the Fraser Coast this winter & spring! Everything from exploring K’gari and experiencing the Illumina spectacle at Kingfisher Bay Resort, taking a trip to Lady Elliot island, relaxing along Hervey Bay’s Esplanade, checking out the latest festivals or discovering Maryborough’s arts and historical sites. Take in the incredible sights from a helicopter, your own charter boat, a kayak, or under the water snorkeling and diving! Whether you’re here for a weekend, a week or more, there’s so much to do and explore.
Check out the latest deals from these operators!
Save more this Winter & Spring with special deals on whale watching trips, accommodation, outdoor adventures, shows and more – each of the operators below have special deals available to book now!
Click on each operator to see their deals, or you can also view the full list of current deals here.
Fish on the Fraser Coast this Winter
Queensland’s Fraser Coast is home to one of the most diverse fisheries in Australia due to an overlap of both northern and southern species. The fishing options are never-ending, from beach fishing on the eastern side of Fraser Island and outstanding pelagic fishing in Platypus Bay, to one of the best blue marlin fisheries in Australia. Sheltered waters thanks to the protection of the world’s largest sand island, K’gari Fraser Island, are just one of the many reasons the Fraser Coast is one of the most renowned fishing destinations in the nation.
Bring your own gear, rent from a local business and fish off the pier, or go out with the experts on a charter for the ultimate experience - there are so many options for a great day out fishing on the Fraser Coast!
Let's Fish!
Winter Sailing
The Fraser Coast boasts mild temperatures, calm seas, and a plethora of natural beauty that makes it a prime destination for winter sailing. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice looking to explore, our local operators are here to help make your stay unforgettable. Whether you're gliding through the calm waters of Hervey Bay or exploring the natural wonders of K'gari (Fraser Island), a winter sailing adventure on the Fraser Coast promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature.
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Food n Groove Fridays - Hervey Bay & Maryborough
Food n Groove Fridays are returning in 2024, launching with special "Get Ready" events in Hervey Bay and Maryborough!
‘Get Ready’ is a State Government initiative designed to help Queenslanders prepare for the upcoming summer and extreme weather season. Along with meeting emergency crews and getting natural disaster ready tips, you’ll also get a sneak peek at emergency vehicles and equipment, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere, great entertainment, market stalls and delicious food options, all set under the starry skies.
Save these dates for all the fun, food, and funky tunes:
* Friday, October 18th, 4pm - 9pm - Get Ready - Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
* Friday, October 25th, 4pm - 9pm - Get Ready - Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough
* Friday, November 15th, 4pm - 9pm - Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
* Friday, December 6th, 4pm - 9pm - Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
Travel Tips & Inspiration
Looking for more ideas when planning your Winter getaway? Check out our latest blogs for more travel tips and inspiration.
Tips & Inspiration