Urangan, Queensland: Things to do and attractions

Urangan, Queensland, is where the Hervey Bay whale-watching cruises depart from. Other things to do in Urangan include the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Urangan Pier Park Markets.

Some people arrive in Urangan, Queensland, by mistake. Urangan is a suburb of Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast. It is best known for its long pier and its harbour, and at one point it was an export port.

Many assume that because the boats are based in Urangan, the ferry to Fraser Island must be as well. This could be a very costly mistake, however – the Fraser Island ferry leaves from River Heads, about 20 minutes to the south.

Whale-watching from Urangan, Queensland

There are tourist boats departing from Urangan, however. They just don’t go to Fraser Island. They go out into the bay, one of the world’s great whale-watching venues. Every year, during the winter months, whales rest here on their great migrations north and south.

Boat tour companies based in Urangan, Queensland, include Spirit of Hervey Bay, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours, Whalesong Cruises and Freedom III Whale Watch.

Hervey Bay accommodation

There’s also a strong argument for Urangan being the most enjoyable part of Hervey Bay to stay in. Hervey Bay accommodation in Urangan includes the Ramada Hervey Bay, Mantra Hervey Bay, Akama Resort and BreakFree Great Sandy Straits Hervey Bay. Throw in a good smattering of restaurants, the harbour views and plenty of beachside parks, and Urangan’s a nice place to hang out for a few nights.

Things to do in Urangan, Queensland

There are also a couple of worthwhile things to do in Urangan. The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House are here, as is the Reef World Aquarium. Next to the Reef World Aquarium, the Matthew Flinders Lookout offers good views over the bay.

Come on a Monday or Saturday, and you can also enjoy the community markets in Urangan Pier Park. These are by no means the best markets in Australia, but the stalls at the Urangan Pier Park Markets are worth a browse. There’s a solid balance of food and crafts.

More Queensland travel

Dive at Wonder Reef, the Gold Coast’s new artificial reef.

Understand far north Queensland ecosystems at the Cairns Aquarium in Cairns.

Take a dip in the Innot Hot Springs near Ravenshoe in the Atherton Tableland.

How long is the Brisbane to Cairns drive?

Spotting kangaroos and whales at Woodgate Beach near Bundaberg.