Welcome to the world of school holiday activities in Hervey Bay! Lose yourself and get lost with school holiday fun found on the coastal city of Hervey Bay and neighbouring Fraser Island.
Be inspired with school holiday ideas with the amount of things to do in school holidays in Hervey Bay. You can count on Hervey Bay for this year’s summer school holiday activities.
Capture moments and collect memories of kid’s school holiday activities this December & January 2024. Check out the ultimate school holiday activities in Hervey Bay below!
Below you will find our complete guide to the best summer school holiday activities in Hervey Bay over the summer school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
State schools finish on Friday 21 June and return to class on Monday 8 July 2024.
Winter school holidays in Queensland are Saturday 22 June to Sunday 7 July 2024.
Fun things to do for the Hervey Bay school holidays this Summer
We have broken our list of Hervey Bay school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Hervey Bay school holidays this Summer
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out in Hervey Bay these school holidays
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Hervey Bay these school holidays
- Hervey Bay kids holiday ideas
- Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.
10 fun free school holiday activities
Planning a holiday for your family can be expensive, you don’t have to stress with these family attractions that are waiting to be explored. Here are 10 top places to visit in Hervey Bay that are free, free and free.
Torquay Beach
The Esplanade is lined with attractions near Hervey Bay with Torquay Beach being one of them. Facing an abundance of takeaway restaurants and fish and chip shops, you can order a feast fit for a royal family. While you wait for the kitchen to cook up a storm, set up a picnic by the beach, and indulge in an afternoon of sunshine, salty waters, good times and laughter. Just make sure to keep the food free from seagulls.
For more information, read this page.
Plants Plus Possum Parades
It doesn’t matter if you’re a gardener, a plant collector, a farmer, a lover of plants, or none of the above, a visit to the nursery is always a pleasant experience. Smell the rose, appreciate the greenery and check out cheeky gnomes, pots and animal sculptures all at Plant Plus Possum Parades. They know and have everything.
Watch this video to know more.
Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Found in the Great Sandy National Park, you will find the majestic Sandy Cape Lighthouse. Its minimal, clean and pale-white look is pleasing to the eye. The 33-metre-tall lighthouse is Queensland’s second tallest lighthouse! Take a 2-hour stroll or simply admire the beauty from the lighthouse grounds open to public.
Learn more about the trail path and lighthouse history.
Urangan Pier
Topping the charts of the longest and most extraordinary landmarks of Queensland, Urangan Pier is a must-go attraction with the top things to do in Hervey Bay! Believe it or not, Urangan Pier is a whopping 868-metres long! It is so long it take more than 10 minutes to walk to the end of the pier. The view along the pier is absolutely stunning, a sight worthy of praise indeed.
Click here to read more about the pier.
Hervey Bay Garden Centre
Got room for another nursery? We do! Hervey Bay Garden Centre is the city’s leading place for plants. Make trip to the nursery without fees but be pleased by the aesthetic and soothing colours of nature. Experts in this field, the founding team has made this garden a beautiful wonderland for your enjoyment.
Visit their website to view their garden.
Arkarra Lagoon
Keep an eye out for exotic or familiar Aussie birds at Arkarra Lagoon. Beautiful pond and serene atmosphere for a walk or a cycle. Right next to this wetland gem is Arkarra Gardens Café, serving up scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner to warm up your soul.
See directions to Arkarra Lagoon and café here.
Australian Cottage Crafts
This hidden gem is located in Takura, Hervey Bay. An endless list of things to do near Hervey Bay lies in this one little cottage. You name it, they’ll find it here at their homey, woody and cosy cottage. Join any other day to browse the garden, pottery, herbs, nuts, farm animals, birds, gourmet delights and souvenirs.
See how the list goes on on their website.
All abilities playground
Celebrate inclusive kids’ activities in Hervey Bay at The Seafront All Abilities Playground. Everyone gets a piece of play with a fully facilitated playground catered for children with disabilities and special needs. Not all playgrounds have wheelchair-accessible carousel, basket swings, elevated sand play-table and a vortex maze, but this playground has.
Support the cause and encourage participation, see other features here.
Hervey Bay Historical Museum
Take a blast into the past to see how the early communities and families settled in what used to be an empty land to what is now a major tourism area in Queensland. This award-winning museum lets you witness how life was back when there were no shops, no transport, no Bunnings and restaurants. People relied on simple materials like metal, ropes, wood, and ate corn for a living.
Watch their demonstrations on their website.
Lewis Gallery
Formerly known as Fraser Coast Art Gallery, this modern building exhibits arts of all forms from independent and talented artist all around the region. They hold paint and sip sessions, art classes, and workshops. Or you could walk in free of charge to view the beautiful yet humble creations.
See what’s on on their website now!
Ashleigh Manley Studio Gallery
Support local, Aboriginal and also international art all displayed at the marvellous studio of Ashleigh Manley. He is a renowned acclaimed Australian artist with a passion for travel and putting his experiences on canvas. His works of art should not be missed during your time at Hervey Bay, take a sneak peak of his award-winning masterpieces on his website.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
Turn the fun up a notch without breaking your banks. Everyone loves a good bargain and these fun things to do in Hervey Bay hits just the right spot for a budget holiday!
Koala Weekend Markets
Build friendships, start conversations, support business, purchase produce, and adore handmade goods all here at Koala Weekend Markets. Super cheap prices for brand new and second-hand items real casual style. Find coffee for adults, toys for children and more.
Check most recent market dates and updates on their Facebook page.
Wide Bay Gymnastics Club
This not-for-profit gymnastics club is keeping fees as low as possible to ensure everyone gets a taste of cool indoor activities in Hervey Bay to do. Join a class to learn how to jump, flip, stretch and reach for the stars.
Learn more about what they do here.
Hervey Bay Golf Driving Range
All you need is $8 per person to mingle over a game of mini golf/putt-putt with the family. Their colourful course is full of tricky obstacles and structural variation so the competition gets heated up a little. They are open all days of the week.
Visit their website to see their photo gallery.
Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre
You spend nothing over $5 per person when you swim at Hervey Bay’s family-friendly favourite aquatic centre. And if you’re lucky, you’ll come at a time where the inflatable castles and obstacles are up and floating!
Watch this space for more information.
Gotcha Boat Hire
For outdoor activities in Hervey Bay, Gotcha Boat Hire lets you catch, cook and camp with the family with their 2-day package for the ultimate beach experience. Alternatively, you can opt for a simple boat hire when you bring your own fishing gear or simply for a cruise on the ocean. Live out this golden opportunity to fish at the beautiful aqua reefs, hopefully with multiple tugs on the fishing line.
For more information, click here.
Hervey Bay Health Club
Stay fit and healthy this holiday with a range of exercise options for men, women, kids and groups. Here at Hervey Bay’s favourite and familiar health club, you can expect to see gym facilities, tennis and squash courts, a cardio theatre and a kids club. Kids club runs arts and crafts, video games and seasonal activities while parents sweat away.
Book a free trial on their website today!
Hervey Bay Bike Hire
There is no better way to explore the city of Hervey Bay while on a bike. Don’t own a bike or just visiting as tourists? Hervey Bay Bike Hire’s got you covered for only $15 at a 4-hour duration. Zoom across the Hervey Bay Central to easily park for shops stops and food pick-me-ups. Good news! Helmets are locks are provided when you hire a bike.
See bike options and prices on their website.
Big Screen Hervey Bay
They have the newest trending movies on the big screen just for you! Grab a bite from the café and enjoy a movie for just $15! Feeling special tonight? Inquire about the VIP experience for a superior upgrade!
See show times and options here.
Marloo Twin Cinema
Located in the Hervey Bay Boat Club, this spacious and comfortable movie theatre is cheap as chips! For only $10 per person, you’ve got evening itinerary settled!
View ongoing shows on their website.
Jump Park – sadly permanently closed 🙁
Leap for joy because this trampoline park is serving up the most terrific Hervey Bay kids’ activities at their trampoline, playground, Olympic and dodge ball stadium. It’s big, it’s safe, it’s cheap, and it’s everything you could ever dream of for a fair price.
Hervey Bay Go Kart – sadly permanently closed 🙁
Feel the wind on your face as you ride along the 650m long racetrack at Hervey Bay Go Kart. Tandem karts are available for younger children. Helmets are supplied on the spot while chips and drinks are available for purchase, yum!
10 BIG days out in Hervey Bay these school holidays
Want excitement, thrill and relaxation all at the same time? Here’s a bucket list of attractions near Hervey Bay that will blow your minds away as you busk in the warm Aussie sun.
Reef World Aquarium
Spend the day at Reef World Aquarium located of the foreshores of Urangan east of Hervey Bay. Immerse yourself in a world of marine creatures of all kinds. From the gentle turtles to ferocious sharks, you can find them all here beyond the glass walls and ponds. Watch exotic and colourful fishes swim or opt to swim with the sharks…if you dare.
Open all days of the week from 9:30am to 4pm, check out their offers here.
Pier Park Community Markets
If you’re looking for things to see and do in Hervey Bay, be amazed by all the stalls set up near the Urangan Pier by lovely locals. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm, this market has an overwhelming variety of stalls including fresh produce, food trucks, handmade goods, fashion, kids face painting, accessories, art and even live music! Join in the cheerful crowd for a good time.
Follow their Facebook page for the best content and announcements.
Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
The top attractions in Hervey Bay are found in the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens. Pamper yourself and be in awe at the many impressive and rare flora types. We recommend checking out the Exotic rainforest and ancient ages garden out of the many other points of interests on this website.
Also visit their Facebook page for flower feeds and community updates.
Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Aussie-favourite animals call this home, and you can too! Come spend the day with their furry friends and cook up a feast with friends and family on their public BBQ facilities. Can’t be bothered getting down and greasy? The centre cafeteria has got everything you need and desire. Take to a parrot, pat a dingo, feed a kangaroo, or put on a “snake scarf” here at Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.
Visit their website for more information.
Wetside Water Park
All the best things to do in Hervey Bay with kids sounds a little bit like water slides, giant tipping water buckets, light shows, wave zones and splash zones. Want to know what that looks like? Visit in person and expect to have the best time of your lives!
Check opening times and facility prices here.
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Hervey Bay family attractions and photo-worthy installations surround the iconic whale tail named Nala. Say hi to Nala and her friends and snap a pic to mark your spot! Try spotting six different animal sculptures to complete the exploration. Loved by all and more, make this holiday worthwhile at the heart of Hervey Bay.
Check the HBRG website for updates and opening hours.
Harvey Bay Turtle Discovery
Hervey Bay’s beloved turtles are patiently waiting for visitors like you to greet them during your visit. Spot dolphins, turtles and dugongs in an all-inclusive Turtle Discovery Half Day Eco Tour package with lunch, tea and coffee covered! All you need to do is sit back, relax, snorkel, swim and look out for the gentle creatures of the sea.
Book your tour now at an attractive price!
Fraser Island Tours
Get up close to the Maheno Shipwreck on a full-day guided Fraser Island 4WD tour with meals provided and knowledgeable tour guides to bring you through the dewy rainforests to the cool beaches. Oh and did we mention food provided comes in a buffet? Why not? Why wait?
Book your spot to explore dazzling Fraser Island today!
White Bay Equestrian Park
Love horsies and doggies? Meet Keira and her galloping and German guards, learn how to ride a horse or just pat an adorable pony. Learn how German Shepherds are bred safely. Cheap horse-riding lessons to help you sit tall, proud, and confident on a horse in no time!
Whale Watching
Last but not least, welcome the one and only, the pride and joy – Hervey Bay whales! Step on a cruise and get your cameras ready to capture some majestic whale tails and water shoots! Experienced staffs will introduce the humpback whales with expert commentary. Never seen a whale before? You’ll be surprised at how unbelievably huge they are.
Book an exclusive full-day or half-day whale watching experience now!
5 things to do at home these school holidays
We all have lazy days where staying home is the best. Staying home does not have to be eat, sleep and repeat. Add life to your day at home with these activities!
Homemade sensory bag
Grab a zip lock bag and fill it with water and random knick-knacks around the house. For an opaque bag, substitute water with milk, add food colouring and glitter to make it extra fancy. The more textured the objects the better.
Decorate your own umbrella
Purchase a transparent umbrella from your local dollar store and start painting away! After the designs are dry, have the kids shield themselves while you spray them with a hose for pretend rain. Acrylic paint is recommended for longer lasting “colour rains”.
Fabric shopping & personalised mask
Take the kids to a fabric store to pick their favourite design. Purchase a small length and sew your own personalised face masks to keep everyone happily protected during the pandemic.
Lasagne sheet stained-glass window
Break uncooked lasagne sheets into small pieces. Paint them in different colours and stick them temporarily on a glass window to make a classic mosaic stained-glass window.
Poetry challenge
Make a stack of cards with rhyming words and let kids match and arrange them in their creative ways to produce a poetry. Have them read out loud after and perform to another family member or neighbour.
Theatres with kids shows on in Hervey Bay these school holidays
Theatre shows are the best kid friendly things to do in Hervey Bay. Nothing beats a good show and a tasty snack (or a glass of wine). No complaints, no fusses, just pleasant family time.
Z-PAC Theatre
Established in 1964, this cheerful community group has been running the theatre with much passion, character and dedication. Watch comedies, shorts, plays and even fantasy stories played live right in front of your eyes.
Hervey Bay kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Queensland, click here.
There you have it. A huge round up of the most excellent school holiday ideas for you over the next break. There are plenty of Hervey Bay days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays. These Hervey Bay holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our related articles:
- Cairns school holiday activities
- Townsville school holiday activities
- Mackay school holiday activities
- Rockhampton school holiday activities
- Gladstone school holiday activities
- Bundaberg school holiday activities
This is a terrific list and had helped this Victorian mum on holidays with two active boys tremendously! I can’t thank you enough!