2. Book an Eco-friendly or Carbon Neutral Hotel

It’s no secret that we all love taking an extra-long shower or blasting the A/C all night when we’re staying in a hotel, but the carbon emissions from a night in a hotel room can be up to 3x those of a residential apartment (nabers.gov.au)! Thankfully, more eco-friendly hotels, hostels and campsites are popping up all over Australia. At the Woolshed, we produce our own energy during the day using solar panels, with minimal carbon emissions from our electricity as long as the sun is shining. 

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There’s lots of ways to make sure you are conscious of your waste production when travelling. We always recommend carrying a reusable water bottle (tap water in Australia is drinkable unless specified otherwise) and a light tote bag to reduce plastic waste. Check local recycling guidelines where you are going, minimize food waste by giving leftover items to others, and buy clothes from local op shops or second hand markets. To help with this tip, the Woolshed has clear signs showing what can be recycled, and we compost food waste to recycle those nutrients back into our communal herb garden!

4. Leave Only Footprints

The Butchulla people, traditional custodians of Hervey Bay and K’gari, follow their key principle ‘Wherever you go, leave only footprints’. This ethos is an excellent way to live when backpacking, and you can do this by ensuring you take your rubbish with you to recycle later, maintaining Australia’s pristine wilderness. You can also make sure your cosmetics are environmentally degradable and safe for the oceans, and make sure not to take any natural souvenirs (no matter how pretty that shell is!). 

5. Have Fun!

Hervey Bay is situated beside the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park, with direct access to K’gari and Lady Elliot islands. The area offers a wealth of eco-tours, designed with the eco-conscious traveler in mind. Lady Elliot Eco Resort allows you to snorkel and dive the Southern Great Barrier Reef, whilst the Great Sandy Strait is a Humpback whale highway from the months of July-November. Our local resorts and tour companies are designed with conservation in mind, with some of their profits put straight back into eco-initiatives and whale research in the area. Enjoy one of our local tours confident in the knowledge that you are contributing to the conservation and maintenance of the diverse marine environment on your doorstep!

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Looking for unforgettable things to do in Hervey Bay? This coastal paradise in Queensland offers a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full tropical holiday, Hervey Bay is one of Australia’s top travel destinations — especially for whale watching and Fraser Island tours. Here are the top 10 attractions and activities in Hervey Bay that every visitor should experience.

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1. Go Whale Watching in Hervey Bay (July to November)

Hervey Bay is renowned worldwide as the whale watching capital of Australia — and even the world! From July to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate through these calm, protected waters. Book a half-day or full-day whale watching tour to see these majestic marine mammals breach, slap their tails, and swim close to the boats. Many tours offer guaranteed sightings.

Search Tip: Best time for whale watching in Hervey Bay? Visit between late July and early October.

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2. Explore K’gari (Fraser Island) on a 4WD Adventure

One of the best day trips from Hervey Bay is to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. Whether you go solo with a 4WD or join a guided tour, highlights include:

• Lake McKenzie – crystal-clear freshwater lake
• 75 Mile Beach – a highway made of sand
• Maheno Shipwreck – an iconic rusted relic
• Eli Creek – float in its cool, shallow current

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must for eco-tourists and outdoor lovers.

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3. Walk or Cycle the Hervey Bay Esplanade

Stretching 14km along the coastline, the Hervey Bay Esplanade is ideal for walking, biking, or jogging. It connects several beaches and parks including Scarness, Torquay, and Urangan. Enjoy shady picnic areas, ocean-view cafés, playgrounds, and public BBQs along the way.

Pro Tip: Rent an e-bike for an easy, breezy day along the esplanade.

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4. Relax at Scarness Beach – Family-Friendly Swimming Spot

Just steps from cafés and accommodations, Scarness Beach is a calm and shallow beach perfect for kids and anyone looking to swim in gentle, wave-free waters. The jetty and surrounding parklands make it a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

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5. Book a Hervey Bay Sunset Cruise

Searching for the best romantic thing to do in Hervey Bay? Book a sunset sailing cruise. These catamaran or yacht tours offer panoramic views of the bay with drinks, canapés, and unforgettable skies as the sun sets over the Coral Sea.

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6. Snorkeling and Diving in Hervey Bay or Lady Elliot Island

Hervey Bay is a launchpad for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures, with options both inshore and at nearby reefs like Lady Elliot Island (a Great Barrier Reef coral cay). You can spot turtles, rays, reef fish, and even manta rays in the right season.

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7. Visit the Iconic Urangan Pier

Stretching nearly 1 kilometre into the sea, Urangan Pier is a must-visit for fishing, photos, or simply enjoying sea breezes. It’s also a great place to spot stingrays, fish schools, and catch the sunrise or sunset over the bay.

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8. Wander the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens

These beautifully landscaped botanic gardens span 26 hectares and showcase native flora, rainforest trails, and themed areas like the Chinese garden and Orchid House. It’s the perfect low-cost, relaxing escape from the sun or surf.

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9. Discover Local Sea Life at Reefworld Aquarium

Located near the Urangan Boat Harbour, Reefworld Aquarium is a family-friendly marine education center where you can:

• See sea turtles and reef sharks up close
• Touch sea cucumbers and starfish in the interactive touch tank
• Learn about the Great Sandy Marine Park ecosystem

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10. Dive into Local Culture at the Fraser Coast Cultural Centre

For a dose of art and heritage, visit the Fraser Coast Cultural Centre, home to:

• Hervey Bay Regional Gallery – rotating exhibitions of local and national artists
• Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere – interactive exhibits about marine life, ecosystems, and the annual whale migration

Great for rainy days or history buffs!

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Plan Your Hervey Bay Itinerary Today

From bucket list whale encounters to serene beach walks and world-class island adventures, Hervey Bay offers more than just a seaside escape — it’s a top Queensland travel destination for families, solo travelers, couples, and nature lovers alike.

Search-Friendly Phrases to Include in Your Itinerary:

• Best time to visit Hervey Bay
• Things to do in Hervey Bay with kids
• Hervey Bay day trips
• Where to stay in Hervey Bay
• Hervey Bay whale watching tours

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Shop around for flights. Online travel sites are great for finding cheap deals and there are so many of them out there. Look at a number of sites before purchasing your flight and compare deals. Also sign up to special notifications, the best part about backpacking is the spontaneity and a cheap flight for the weekend could be the perfect spur of the moment decision.

Don’t forget about airport transfers. Most of the time, the airport you fly into is located outside of where your actual destination or hostel is. If you are backpacking, taxis are never a great option so look at airport shuttles or contact your accommodation to see what they recommend. It is important to add this on to the cost of your flight. When a special deal comes up be sure to check whether it is worth the flight plus airport transfer or if it is cheaper to take an alternative travel option which takes you right where you want to be.

Do you need a visa? When backpacking around Australia, unless you are an Australian on New Zealand Citizen you will need a visa to enter. Visit the countries government site for the most accurate information. This may also be a good time to look at insurance options.

Money. Most backpackers hostels in Australia require credit cards to secure a booking, so ensure you have a visa card prior to travel. If you have been travelling around Asia before landing in Australia you may be shocked with prices to begin with. There are a number of budget options for backpackers if you look hard enough. Also if you are working in Australia then it may be a good idea to set up an Australian bank account but always ensure you have enough savings to sustain you until you land a paying job.

Packing for your trip. Backpacking around Australia for an extended amount of time may be overwhelming when it comes to packing but resist the urge to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Pack light and only bring the essentials. It helps if you arrange your clothing into outfits and only take the item if it will work with two others clothing items you are bringing. Now is not the time to pack that piece of clothing that you never wear but will when you are on holiday, because that day will never come. Think about the weather also, there is no need for six sweater’s during Australia’s summer, one should be sufficient. Usually male backpackers are the best with this. Limit the number of valuables you bring and photocopy and important documents so that you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about your things back in the hostel.

Accommodation. As a backpacker accommodation can be an expensive part of your trip. Hostels are great for your budget and do not need to be dirty or uncomfortable. If you look at the different options a hostel can provide dorm rooms, gender specific rooms, en-suite’s and private rooms. All at a much better price than most hotels. Also look at the amenities of your accommodation. A kitchen is extremely important and will stop you having to dine out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Washing facilities are also a great addition. When you book accommodation don’t just think about the cost of the room but also add on how much you will have to spend for eating out every day if you don’t have a kitchen available. You will soon be looking for hostels with kitchens.

When you land in the beautiful town of Hervey Bay Australia to experience some amazing whale watching then visit Woolshed Ecolodge. We tick all the boxes when it comes to Backpacking in Hervey Bay. We hope you enjoyed our six backpacking tips!

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Take the dive and scuba dive! Hervey Bay waters provide the perfect conditions for scuba diving all year round, with even clearer waters during the winter months. Plummet down 9 to 30 meters deep and see one of Australia’s largest artificial reefs. Swim with a range of marine species including Dolphins, a diverse range of fish and even Sea Snakes, Sharks and Large Sting Rays. If you are looking for a real under water adrenaline rush then you can also swim with the sharks at the Hervey Bay Reefworld Aquarium. The Aquarium is home to a number of sharks which you can feed and swim with.

If you prefer to stay above the water then hire out some water sport equipment. You can paddle board, kayak, banana boat, water ski, kneeboard, or even tube around Hervey Bay waterways. If you feel the need for speed, then rent a jet ski or round up your friends for a jet boat tour. These leisurely or blood pumping activities are a great way to explore Hervey Bay and enjoy some time in the sun.

With the beautiful landscape and scenery where else is better to see it than in the sky! Sky diving in Hervey Bay is a spectacular blood rushing adventure. Jump from 12,000ft, free fall for 45 seconds and canopy ride for 5 minutes before you land on a beach or tropical island. The ultimate rush with the ultimate views.

We can help you organise your extreme Hervey Bay holiday and accommodation at Woolshed Backpackers. Review our packages or contact us for further information.

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Australia may be a long way away however what we have to offer is sure to beat the negatives. Here are our reasons for backpacking around Australia.

FOR- Australia is the long lost country that all your friends would love to go to, but never have.
FOR- Australians have an Australian accent
FOR- See Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, snakes and crocodiles in the Zoo but also in nature
FOR- Australia is surrounded by the ocean, so you can always go to the beach.

FOR- The laid back culture means you will never have any worries, and neither will the locals “no worries mate”
FOR- You can learn the true meaning of Australian slang such as bloke, chunder, brekkie and more.
FOR- You will get to try a meat pie, vegemite on toast and maybe even some kangaroo.
FOR- Learn to surf in Surfers Paradise and say gnarly bra

FOR- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
FOR- See Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge
FOR- Australia is so close to Asia you can take a trip to Bali, Thailand or more while you are at it.
FOR- Visit New Zealand and see where Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit was filmed while you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

FOR- See the real Outback
FOR- Australians are friendly
FOR- Come for a working holiday and work while you travel. Wait till you see our minimum wage.
FOR- There is something for everyone.

And the list can go on for days. Backpacking around Australia is an experience that those who have done it before you, say you will never forget. The working holiday is the best option as you can earn some money while you travel. Plus, backpacking is a very cheap option and a great way to make friends along the way.

When you are backpacking around Australia, it’s not always about the tourist attractions such as Melbourne, Sydney and going to the Zoo. Instead go off the grid and visit some places that will show you what Australia really has to offer and where the locals like to stay. If you make it to Hervey Bay to see the whales, visit the dingos on Fraser Island or are just passing through, stop in at Woolshed Backpackers. We would love to hear about your adventure.

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Take a trip through Hervey Bay with this visual timeline. You can see what backpacking through Hervey Bay has to offer in images. However this is only an example there is plenty more to see.

DAY 1:
Start you trip by checking in at Woolshed Backpackers. Our friendly staff can help you get settled in and show you around the premises.

We can also help you plan the rest of your stay with out affordable packages.

Just arriving take a trip down to Urangan Pier to see the bay and all the cafe’s and restaurants and then take a cruise out on the calm waters to watch the sunset and town lights.

DAY 2
Jump out of a plane and see Hervey Bay from the sky

Make friends with the guest at Woolshed Backpackers

DAY 3
See the whales as they migrate through Hervey Bay waters

Bike ride around the town to see everything it has to offers

DAY 4
Go for a kayak in the crystal clear waters

Swim and relax and the beach

See the diverse range of marine life when you go for a snorkel

See turtles in their natural habitat

DAY 5
Visit Fraser Island and see the wild Dingo’s

This is just an example of the event filled holiday you can have in Hervey Bay. Visit our packages to see what we offer.

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Some of you may be used to snow, winter and warm fires but in Australian summer has struck and it is a very common for Christmas and New Years day to hit boiling point. The number one tip is to stay cool. Many Australians will hit the beach and enjoy the time in the sun while cooling off in the ocean. With this change in the weather comes a change in food. Grab some seafood and try something different.

There are also a number of events happening around the area including carols, fireworks, lights and more. You can find a list of what is going on at Fraser Coast Events.

If you are missing family and want to stick to tradition then use our Facebook to round up anyone who will be staying with us during the holidays and have your own event here at Woolshed Backpackers.

What ever you choose, however you celebrate we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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A taste of the outback located on the coast, the Woolshed Hostel is the perfect escape from the party scene, but still complete with a social atmosphere so you can meet lots of new friends in a chilled out atmosphere. Each room is uniquely decorated with the dorms ranging between three and six beds and enough space to comfortably move about the rooms.

The grounds of the hostel come complete with an outdoor kitchen, hammocks and lawn. The common area is the perfect area to socialise with pool and foosball tables, as well as comfy couches if you just want to kick back and read a book. The Woolshed is a great place to begin or end your trip on Fraser Island and offers the perfect accommodation for those of us who like a break from the mad party scene now again.

The Woolshed is an eco friendly haven and will have you instantly feeling relaxed and chilled out. The owners Megan and Brent will make you feel very welcome in their home and falling in love with Hervey Bay.

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Often plans are out the window as you start to experience areas and meet new people, or were never there in the first place. We have a number of budget friendly tips that will keep your bank and wallet happy whilst still giving you the best possible backpacking trip. You don’t need high budgets to see and experience some of the best travel destinations.

Those boots are made for walking

If you are budget conscious then catching a taxi is probably your last resort. Walking to your destination is not only friendly on your wallet it also lets you see an area better than out a car window. Secondly, as you are less likely to be playing your usual sports and going to the gym, just think of it as your exercise for the day. There are also a number of information points around significant or historical areas, which gives you a free tour without a penny spent.

Avoid Chain Hostels

Do your research about where you are going to stay and sometimes the locals are the best people to ask. If you are not during the busy season and have a day to find a place, walk around and ask around. You may be lucky enough to find another budget conscious backpacker or a helpful local to give you some direction. The best hostels and cheapest are often the small family owned hostels. We know, because we happen to be one in Hervey Bay.

Cook your own meals

As tempting as it is to go out and buy a meal, it is expensive. Once every now and then is a nice treat but make sure your hostel has a kitchen that you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in. You will be surprised at how much it actually costs to eat out every meal. Also try to find some fridge space, buying for the week rather than every day will also save you money.

Pocket money

You may feel like a child again but there is a reason you mother started you on a weekly allowance. Give yourself a cash amount that you can spend each day, even if it is only $10. This way you have a little play money for fun, silly, impulse buys. If you don’t spend it one day then it rolls over to the next day and the next day.

Can you bike there?

If you have a few sites that you want to see in a day and are thinking about booking a tour guide, ask yourself, can you bike there? This is a great way to see a place and leaves you with more flexibility than a tour will. You can then use your guide book to read about the site while you are standing at it. The cost of a bike is most probably half the price of a tour guide and is just as good of an experience, if not better!

Take advantage of free activities

Depending on your holiday destination there are a number of ways to have fun and not spend a penny. Swimming, hiking, and having a barbeque on the beach are all free experiences. You can also visit the council website for Australian towns or cities to see what is happening. Most of these activities are completely free, something different and made for the locals, so you are getting a local experience.

What ever your budget is, backpacking is a great way to travel and see the world. If you are backpacking around Australia come and visit us at Woolshed Backpackers and ask about our budget rooms.

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