Maryborough to Hervey Bay: Distance, driving time and attractions

The distance from Maryborough to Hervey Bay in Queensland is 34km , with a driving time of around 29 minutes. The best road trip attractions on the Maryborough to Hervey Bay drive include the Susan River Homestead and Pir’ri Walking Track.

The Maryborough to Hervey Bay drive connects what was once the major hub of Queensland’s Fraser Coast region to the shiny newcomer.

Maryborough, on the Mary River and Bruce Highway, has lost its prominence but still retains beautiful buildings and Mary Poppins heritage. Hervey Bay, however, has grown bigger. It is known as the gateway to Fraser Island and for its whale watching tours from Urangan harbour.

Hervey Bay offers sunset cruises, whale-watching and wildlife cruises in the Great Sandy Strait. To pick out Hervey Bay experiences that pique your interest, look here. For Hervey Bay accommodation, nosy around here.

Book these 8 Hervey Bay experiences now

1. Great Sandy Strait wildlife cruise – with a great chance of spotting dingos or dugongs.
2. All-inclusive Fraser Island day tour – with pick-up at your accommodation.
3. Fraser Island two day tour – see much more.
4. Fun cruise – get close to dolphins and turtles while lounging in the boom netting.
5. Sunset cruise.
6. Dolphin sailing adventure.
7. Whale-watching – this is arguably the best place in Australia to spot humpback whales.
8. Fraser Island west coast cruise – with lunch & kayaking.

Maryborough to Hervey Bay distance and driving time

The Maryborough to Hervey Bay drive is short, covering a 34km distance. You can expect a Maryborough to Hervey Bay driving time of around 29 minutes.

The Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road – also known as State Route 57 – leaves the Mary River at Dundathu. The river continues to River Heads, where the Fraser Island ferry departs from.

Maryborough to Hervey Bay drive: Susan River Homestead

Shortly after Dundathu, the Maryborough to Hervey Bay driving route goes past the Susan River Homestead and Wide Bay Equestrian Park. Both are popular horse-riding destinations.

Otherwise there’s nothing much to keep road-trippers interested until you get into Hervey Bay.

Pir’ri Walking Track on River Heads Road

Depending on which part of Hervey Bay you’re aiming for, you might come in along the Booral Road. In this case, it’s a very short detour to the Pir’ri Walking Track off the River Heads Road. It’s an easy loop trail, but not especially well maintained. There’s a decent chance of seeing koalas while you’re there.

The best things to do in Hervey Bay include the Wetside Water Park, Hervey Bay Historical Village and Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens.