What to do in Hervey Bay with kids these school holidays – 2025

Top Picks ⭐

Looking for the best school holiday activities in Hervey Bay in 2025? This guide covers a range of fun for kids of all ages. Our top picks include the world-famous whale watching with Spirit of Hervey Bay, the free Wetside Water Park, and the iconic Urangan Pier. For a full-day adventure, consider a trip to Fraser Island. This comprehensive Hervey Bay activity guide ensures you have a jam-packed itinerary that the whole family will love.

1. Get up close to the humpbacks 🐋

From July to October, Hervey Bay is the world’s favourite stopover for humpback whales. Jump aboard The Spirit of Hervey Bay for an extra special whale watching tour and see these gentle giants breach, tail-slap, and play, often with curious calves in tow.

Our purpose-built vessel has five viewing decks, underwater windows, and hydrophones so you can see and hear the whales. And with our guaranteed sightings policy, you’ll either spot whales or join us again for free.

Ready for a whale of a time these school holidays?

Make it extra special with 10% off our family packages when you book online.

How to claim: Just add the code SPIRIT10 at checkout.

Spots fill fast during the holidays, so get in quick!

BOOK NOW

T&Cs: The 10% discount applies to our 2 Adults + 2 Children and 2 Adults + 3 Children packages only, when booked directly online through Spirit of Hervey Bay. Not applicable through any other vendors. Valid for travel dates between 20 September – 6 October 2025.

2. Make a day of it on K’gari 🏝️

Hervey Bay is the gateway to World Heritage–listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), and is the perfect school holiday adventure for nature-loving families. Our whale watching plus K’gari day tour combines the thrill of seeing humpbacks in the morning with exploring K’gari’s freshwater lakes, towering rainforest, and iconic 75 Mile Beach in the afternoon.

Tourists relaxing by Lake McKenzie’s pristine waters on K’gari (Fraser Island)

3. Dive into history at Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum 🎟️

Step back in time at the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum, where more than 20 heritage buildings and interactive displays bring local history to life. Kids can try blacksmithing, rope making, and old-fashioned games, which is perfect for a screen-free afternoon.

The Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum is a multi-award winning attraction for the whole family

4. Explore Arkarra Gardens 🎍

Need a slower-paced morning? Wander through Arkarra Gardens, a lush oasis filled with walking tracks, native birds, and shady picnic spots. There’s a café on-site, so parents can enjoy a coffee while the kids spot turtles in the ponds.

School holiday visit destination arkarra gardens in hervey bay a expansive and clear lake with a large fountain of water shooting up creating ripples in the water, surrounded by nearby greenery on the shores nearby

5. Crack the code at Breakout The Room 🧙🏻

When the weather turns, head indoors for some brain-teasing fun at Breakout The Room. With escape rooms designed for beginners and families, it’s a great way to work together and test everyone’s problem-solving skills.

Four people who have just completed an escape room dressed in wizard costumes holding up a sign that says 'we escaped wizard room' activity for any age group in Hervey Bay

6. Saddle up at Susan River 🏇🏻

For a change of scenery, take a short drive to Susan River Homestead for horse riding adventures. This activity is for ages 5 and up, however they cater to all skill levels, with guided rides through open pastures and along the river. And yes, helmets are provided for you.

young girl with a helmet on affectionately touching a horse - what to do in hervey bay with kids

7. Play a round of mini golf ⛳

Bright, colourful, and full of friendly competition, Mini Golf Hervey Bay is a hit with the whole family. Tackle quirky obstacles together, enjoy a few laughs, and see who can score the ultimate hole-in-one.

large lush mini gold course with a large variety of bright umbrellas, bunkers, greenery obstacles and families with young kids across the course the perfect activity for kids during school holidays

8. Cool off at WetSide Water Park 🛝

Pack your swimmers and head to WetSide Water Park, where water slides, splash zones, and a giant tipping bucket will keep the kids entertained for hours. Best of all, general entry is free which is perfect for balancing the budget during the holidays.

kids playing together in a colourful waterpark with a variety of sides, water buckets, sprinklers and more the perfect summer holiday activity

9. Discover Reefworld Aquarium 🐠

At Reefworld Aquarium, you’ll find sea turtles, sharks, and a touch tank where kids can get hands-on with starfish and sea cucumbers. It’s small enough to explore in under an hour, leaving time for a beach stroll nearby.

Visitor standing in front of a large aquarium tank watching sharks and fish at Reefworld Aquarium in Hervey Bay

10. Take a walk on the iconic Urangan Pier 🦭

Don’t miss out on Hervey Bay’s most famous landmark! The Urangan Pier is an incredible, free activity that’s a hit with both kids and parents. Stretching almost a full kilometer out into the beautiful bay, it’s a perfect spot for a family walk with stunning views. From spotting marine life to fishing fun, the panoramic views of the bay and Fraser Island from the end are the perfect reward for little – and big – legs.

Top tip: Pack hats and water. Afterwards, treat everyone to an ice cream from one of the many cafes near the entrance.

long pier leading into the deep blue ocean water with small people enjoying their time looking at the water, fishing and having conversations a beautiful sight seeing spot and activity for visitors of Hervey Bay

Your perfect Hervey Bay activity guide 📍

The beauty of Hervey Bay is that you can mix action-packed days with relaxed beach time. Earn bragging rights after spotting a whale calf breach right beside the boat, then top it off by adding one or two of the super-fun activities above for a school holiday escape that will keep the whole family smiling.

Are you ready to book your school holiday adventure? 🙌🏻

Make a splash these school holidays with unforgettable whale encounters, K’gari day trips, and all the local gems in between. Book your spot on The Spirit of Hervey Bay online or call us on 1800 642 544 and get set for guaranteed whale sightings, endless family fun, and memories worth sharing.

Pssst – Buying for someone else? Our gift vouchers arrive instantly via email and are perfect for an unforgettable school holiday gift!