The Wide Bay area takes its name from the size of Hervey Bay which lies between the Australian mainland and Fraser Island. The distance across the top of the bay between Bargara and the top of Fraser Island is approximately 50 miles, hence the name.
There are three major cities within the area, Maryborough in the south, Bundaberg in the north and Hervey Bay to the east with Tourism playing a major role in the economy of the entire region.
Maryborough’s heritage buildings are the main attraction as it is Queensland’s oldest town. Hervey Bay is the stepping off point for heritage listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Bundaberg is the sugar cane capital of Australia with world famous Bundaberg Rum produced from the by-product, Molasses.
The Wide Bay region is well known to Queenslander's as a family holiday destination that offers something for everyone. With safe swimming beaches, a range of National Parks including access by boat to the Southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
Must Do
- Experience the Cooloola Region's Mary Valley aboard the 'Valley Rattler' one of Queensland's most scenic railway lines.
- Picnic beside cool rock pools, among granite boulders and shady green forests, where Boulder and Woondum creeks meet at Woondum Forest Reserve.
- Take a night tour of Mon Repos Conservation Park it’s famous for its marine turtles. Loggerhead, Flatback and Green turtles nest on an accessible mainland beach.
- Visit Lady Elliot Island for the diving experience of a lifetime or take a tour of the reef in a glass bottomed boat, feed the fish, take a guided reef walk or stroll to a secluded beach.
- See, smell and taste your way around the rum production process at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
- Take a self-guided tour of Hinkler House and the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
- Relax amongst the surrounds of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens including an opportunity to visit Hinkler Hall of Aviation and the historic Hinkler House.
- Try your luck with the kids by dropping a line in off Urangan Pier, Hervey Bay.
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