Are there any crocodiles in Hervey Bay, Queensland?

Hervey Bay is not in Queensland’s Croc Country, so the chances of encountering a crocodile in Hervey Bay are tiny, if not totally impossible.

Hervey Bay in Queensland is one of the most popular stops along the Queensland coast. Many travellers will spend a night or two here on the drive from Brisbane to Cairns.

Things to do in Hervey Bay include wildlife cruises in the Great Sandy Strait, whale-watching and a dolphin-spotting sailing adventure.

Most visitors, however, use Hervey Bay as a base for visiting K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). One day, two day and three day K’gari tours are available from Hervey Bay.

However, many visitors will be unsure about whether it’s safe to go swimming in Hervey Bay. After all, Queensland has a large crocodile population, and many aren’t quite sure how far south crocodiles come.

Crocodiles in Hervey Bay

For reassurance, take a look at the Queensland Government’s Crocwise initiative. This draws a map of where Queensland’s Croc Country is. Crucially for anyone visiting Hervey Bay, the city is not within the typical crocodile habitat region.

The dividing line of Croc Country is the Boyne River near Gladstone. Anywhere south of the Boyne River, you are highly unlikely to encounter saltwater crocodiles.

Hervey Bay is south of the Boyne River – although not by a massive margin. It is extremely unlikely that you’ll encounter a crocodile in Hervey Bay.

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.

What happens if a crocodile is seen in Hervey Bay?

That is not, however, to say that it is impossible to encounter a crocodile in Hervey Bay. Crocs have occasionally ventured south of the Boyne River before, although this is a very rare occurrence.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Hervey Bay is in Zone F – the atypical habitat zone.

Any crocodiles found in Zone F are immediately targeted for capture and removal. So, in the unlikely event a crocodile is seen in Hervey Bay, it’ll be got rid of pretty quickly.

Pick the best K’gari/ Fraser Island tour for you

HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE: One day coach tour from Hervey Bay.
FROM THE SOUTH: One day 4WD tour from Rainbow Beach.
PACK MORE IN: Two day tour, staying at K’gari Beach Resort.
BEACHY: Boat cruise with west coast beach stops.
BACKPACKERS: Three day, drive-yourself camping adventure from Hervey Bay. Or similar from Rainbow Beach.
MORE LUXURIOUS: Three day adventure, staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.