Hervey Bay Camping 101: Everything You Need to Know

Is Hervey Bay Good for Camping? 

Indeed, Hervey Bay is a fantastic spot for camping! Featuring breathtaking beaches, vibrant rainforests, and serene waterways, it provides a range of camping experiences to cater to diverse tastes. Here are a few notable aspects of camping in Hervey Bay:

Relish the ocean breeze and sandy shores at renowned beach camping locations such as Burrum Coast National Park. Experience the serenity of the Australian bush by immersing yourself in nature at campsites such as Buxton Bush Camp.

Farm camping offers a serene experience on a working farm, with options such as River Run Farm Camping. For those who seek additional amenities and facilities, Hervey Bay provides a selection of well-kept caravan parks.

What Is The Best Time to Camp in Hervey Bay? 

The ideal time to camp in Hervey Bay varies based on your preferences for the camping experience. Below is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various seasons:

Do You Need A Permit to Camp in Hervey Bay? 

Indeed, a permit is typically required for camping in Hervey Bay. Most camping areas, particularly those located in national parks or on public land, typically require a permit, though there are a few exceptions.

A permit is essential when camping in a national park such as Burrum Coast National Park. Permits are frequently available for booking online or at visitor centres.

Numerous private campgrounds additionally necessitate reservations and fees, which may be viewed as a type of permit. Although there are some free camping locations in Hervey Bay, they typically come with particular regulations and restrictions, including self-contained vehicles only or limited maximum stays.

Hervey Bay Camping Essentials 

Having all the essentials is necessary before heading out to your chosen campground. That way, you save time searching for supplies around the local towns. Follow this camping checklist, and you won't forget a thing.

Even without your usual kitchen, you can still cook up a storm with the right equipment. A gas stove or portable BBQ will do the trick, and investing in one won't break the bank. You can pick up a gas cylinder and stove attachment for less than $100 and a portable BBQ for less than $500.

Read your clothing tags and pack the ones that say cotton, linen, chambray, or rayon - these are nice, breathable fabrics that will keep sweat at bay. Thongs for lounging around the campsite, runners for walking in the wilderness, and water shoes to protect you when exploring the wonderful waterways (such as creeks, streams and lakes). Hats (whether floppy or caps) and UV-blocking sunglasses are also staples on the camping checklist.

Power is also essential in your camping activities besides GPS devices, radios, maps, and car tools. Although many campsites offer electrical hookups, many individuals value the experience of camping without electricity. While camping signifies a return to nature for some, others establish their campsites to work remotely or relax with modern conveniences. Consider the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus or the 1000 Pro.

Camping may be a journey back to nature, but that doesn't imply you need to compromise on personal hygiene. Indeed, appropriate toiletries can significantly enhance your comfort and overall experience. Maintaining good hygiene is essential for stopping the spread of illness, particularly in shared camping environments.

Best Hervey Bay Camping

Hervey Bay, situated along Queensland's stunning Fraser Coast, offers an unparalleled camping experience amidst its natural beauty. Nestled between the pristine beaches and lush hinterlands, Hervey Bay camping caters to adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. The top 10 camping spots in Hervey Bay are listed for you to choose from.

1. BIG4 Hervey Bay Holiday Park

Location: 26 Corser Street, Hervey Bay, QLD, 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4128 1423

Website: BIG4 Hervey Bay Holiday Park

Amenities: Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, Deluxe Games rooms, playground, magnesium pools

Activities: Wildlife viewing, Easter Egg hunt, caravanning

Located in the serene Point Vernon, a Hervey Bay seaside area, yet only ten minutes away from the city core, this family-run BIG4 park offers the best of both worlds. The grounds are renowned for being large and peaceful and surrounded by vegetation. The park's heated wading pool, barbeque pits, TV/games area, kid's playground, and saltwater swimming pool are all available to campers.

2. Trinity Islands Holiday Park

Location: 805 Burrum Heads Rd, Burrum River, QLD, 4659 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 1300 079 018

Website: Trinity Islands Holiday Park

Amenities: Large lakefront and island powered and unpowered sites, dump point, laundry, hot showers, flushing toilets

Activities: Camping, fishing, water playing, walking, sightseeing

Set around a 4.5-hectare lake, the highly regarded Trinity Islands Holiday Park offers three islands for camping, possibly the most unique camping experience near Hervey Bay. Pets are welcome, and the large camping sites provide plenty of lakeside peace for visitors.

3. Pialba Beachfront Tourist Park

Location: 267 Charlton, Esplanade, Pialba, QLD, 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4128 1399

Website: Pialba Beachfront Tourist Park

Amenities: Free BBQ, camp kitchen, picnic spots, disabled facilities, entertainment area

Activities: Fishing, whale watching

If you're looking for a beachside somewhere to stay, make reservations at the Pialba Beachfront Tourist Park. The biggest beachside park in Hervey Bay has all the conveniences and amenities you'd expect from a vacation spot, including a recreation centre, picnic spaces, barbeque pits, camp laundry, and playground equipment. It's also conveniently located close to several top-notch local attractions.

4. Discovery Parks – Fraser Street, Hervey Bay

Location: 20 Fraser Street, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4124 9999

Website: Discovery Parks - Fraser Street, Hervey Bay

Amenities: Bouncing pillow, BBQ, camp kitchen, laundry, hire equipment, tour desk, pancake breakfast, aquavue cafe watersports, get crafty, botanical gardens

Activities: Biking, hiking, camping, sightseeing, walking

This beautiful holiday park is in the heart of Hervey Bay, only a five-minute stroll from Torquay Beach and a short walk from several nearby cafés and restaurants. Don't let the lush, green, tree-dotted surroundings deceive you. In addition, it has many amenities beyond the typical camp kitchen and picnic areas for campers. 

5. Burrum Coast National Park

Location: Woodgate QLD 4660, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 137468

Website: Burrum Coast National Park 

Facilities: Campfires, toilets, picnic tables, wheelchair access, showers

Activities: Fishing, camping, walking, picnicking, sightseeing

When you seek to escape it all, consider camping on the Burrum Coast. Despite more than an hour's journey to the north-west of Hervey Bay, it seems like a world apart. There are two areas of the park where you may camp: Burrum Point and Kinkuna bush camping. Both areas require a camping permit and can get full quickly, especially during the busiest times of the year.   

6. Pier Caravan Park Hervey Bay

Location: 11 Pier St, Urangan QLD 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4125 4499

Website: Pier Caravan Park Hervey Bay 

Facilities: Cabins, BBQs, dump point, WiFi, laundry

Activities: Biking, swimming, beach walking, whale watching, wildlife viewing

Anglers who intend to throw a line from the ancient jetty, which previously spanned over one km out to sea, naturally frequent the Pier Caravan Park due to its prime position just a short stroll from Hervey Bay's famed Urangan Pier. 

7. Harbour View Caravan Park

Location: 1 Jetty St, Urangan QLD 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 457 054 463

Website: Harbour View Caravan Park

Facilities: WiFi, BBQs, toilets, laundry facilities, swimming pools, playground

Activities: Swimming, beach combing, whale watching, sightseeing, wildlife viewing

Located a stone's throw from the Urangan Boat Harbour in the Marina Precinct and just 150 metres from the beach, Harbour View Caravan Park is one of the most affordable camping and caravan parks in Hervey Bay. If you like a sleep-in and joining a whale-watching tour, staying at Harbour View Caravan Park places you just 100 metres from the marina where tour boats depart.   

8. Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park

Location: The Esplanade, Torquay QLD 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4125 1578

Website: Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park

Facilities: Shops nearby, camp kitchen, laundry facilities, boat ramp, picnic areas

Activities: Camping, kayaking, fishing, biking, water playing, cafe

Living up to its name, Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park is located right on Torquay Beach in the heart of Hervey Bay and gives guests direct beach access with shops, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance. Various spacious powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites are available, including powered beachfront sites among shady trees, perfect for relaxing by the beach and taking in sea views.

9. Scarness Beachfront Tourist Park

Location: Esplanade, Scarness QLD 4655 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4128 1274

Website: Scarness Beachfront Tourist Park

Facilities: Camp kitchen, swimming pools, laundry facilities, BBQ, picnic areas

Activities: Paddling, camping, beach combing, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing

They were looking for a place to set up camp without roads between you and the beach. Scarness Beachfront Tourist Park offers absolute beachfront sites for those with their heart set on having uninterrupted beach views from their pitch. Powered and unpowered sites are available, and the facilities, along with BBQs and a camp kitchen, include a recreation room and playground, making this caravan park on the Hervey Bay beachfront perfect for families.

10. Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

Location: 105 Truro St, Hervey Bay, Queensland 4655 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 7 4125 1103

Website: Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

Facilities: Jump pad, camp kitchen, WiFi, laundry, playground, cabin

Activities: Water sports, swimming, glamping, camping, fishing, whale watching

The Multi Award winning Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay is ideally located alongside the Torquay lakes, your ideal location to base your stay while visiting Hervey Bay, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, and Australia's premier Whale Watching location. With direct access to Shelly Beach (400M) and the Esplanade, halfway between Boat Harbour Drive and The Esplanade, you can easily access Hervey Bay without the road noise when you return.  

Jackery Solar Generators for Camping

The lack of sound significantly improves camping, which is frequently associated with peace and a bond with the outdoors. Numerous animals exhibit sensitivity to noise and tend to be more visible or audible in tranquil settings. Experiencing a peaceful campsite together can deepen connections and forge unforgettable memories.

If you're looking for a generator with a lower noise level, we strongly recommend the Jackery Solar Generator. Compared to other fuel generators, it operates at a sound level as quiet as a human whisper, creating a serene and comfortable camping atmosphere.

Jackery Solar Panels can capture sunlight during the day, allowing you to store electricity in the Jackery Portable Power Station for nighttime or future use. You can also recharge it using wall outlets, camper outlets, or a carport. The increased capacity and multiple outputs guarantee you can charge appliances for several days. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a fantastic choice for your Hervey Bay camping trip, providing impressive performance. This super versatile solar generator offers great capacity, making it an ideal all-in-one solution to power your adventures!  

• Satisfy Your Power Needs: This solar generator, boasting an impressive 1264Whcapacity and a robust 2000W output, is a great choice for keeping most of your caravan appliances powered up. If you ever need it, you can easily enhance the power capacity of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus to a fantastic 5kWh by adding extra battery packs!

• Refueling in Your Camper or Outdoor: This impressive IBC Technology enables the generator to be solar charged in about 5 hoursusing SolarSaga 100W solar panels. You can also charge it in just 1.7 hours using your caravan outlet or carport, making it even more convenient! 

• Don't Worry about Bother Anyone: Discover unparalleled serenitywith our silent, emission-free technology. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus core comprises LiFePO4 battery cells, renowned for their exceptional durability. This battery lasts up to 10 years or exceeds 4,000 charge cycles, rendering it an outstanding long-term investment.  

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro, experience portable power with an exceptionally efficient solar generator! The exceptionally quiet solar generator boasts a ten-year lifespan and can achieve a full charge in just 1.8 hours. The dual 100W PD design provides consistent power, ensuring that all essential appliances are charged during camping in Hervey Bay.

• Power 93% Camping Appliances: The rechargeable solar generator 1000 Pro boasts a capacity of 1002Whand a surge output of 2000W, making it capable of supporting up to 93% of appliances, including camping lights, coffee makers, portable coolers, and more. It features 2 USB-C and 2 100W PD ports, ensuring reliable and fast charging for your phone, iPad, laptop, and more.

• Never Worry About Losing Electricity: The MPPT technology guarantees an impressive 99% efficiency in solar charging. The Explorer 1000 Pro power station can be recharged fully in under 8 hours. Bonus: Complete wall charging in 1.8 hours also accommodates car charging. Say goodbye to concerns about power outages!

• Safety & Compatibility: The advanced BMS (Battery Management System) offers 12 layers of protection against short circuits, overvoltages, and additional risks. The pure sine wave inverter provides dependable electricity to protect your appliances. The LED light, equipped with three brightness modes, assists you during outdoor explorations.

Pet-Friendly Campsites in Hervey Bay

Enjoying a rewarding camping trip with your pet may benefit both of you. Spending quality time together with your pet in a novel and stimulating setting can be achieved through camping. It improves your bond and allows you to make priceless memories with one another.

Pets and people alike have been shown to benefit from being in nature, which has demonstrated the ability to lower stress and encourage relaxation. Pets may relax from everyday routines and take in a change of scenery when they go camping.

Travel to Fraser Island or Lady Elliot Island while your pets are minded.

Have you ever wanted to take a trip to Fraser Island or Lady Elliot Island but haven't been able to because your fur babies are travelling with you?

There is a designated area for dog lovers called Dogs Corner. Located right next to the 40-acre nature reserve with 4 km of walking trails, what better way to Escape, Relax, and Unwind?

Photo updates supplied. Cost is $50 per day. All you need to do is supply your dog bed & food. Recently, guests enjoyed a trip to Fraser Island and were very impressed with the service. So, if you love your fur baby and still want a holiday experience, just come and stay here, and the campsite can enhance your stay by giving your puppy a holiday, too.

Dog Off-Leash Areas

There are 14 off-leash areas in Hervey Bay. The River Heads Reserve is only 2 km away, and there is plenty of room for your dogs to run free. There are also beach areas close by, and some contain agility equipment.

The closest areas are 55 Seafarer Drive, River Heads – 24-hour off-leash:

• Urangan Park: 19-37 Vista St, between Becks Road & Round Island Road, contains agility equipment - 24-hour off-leash, fenced.
• Urangan Foreshorefrom the rock wall south of the harbour and adjacent to Boat Harbour Drive to Pulgul Creek - 3 pm to 8 am off-leash.
• Urangan Foreshore from the Urangan Pier to the Aquarium - 3 pm to 8 am off-leash.

Other Things To Do in Hervey Bay

The serene beaches of Hervey Bay are ideal for family vacations. Swim, snorkel, windsurf, paddle the beach, or unwind on the sand and in cafés and restaurants along the shore. See the largest families in the world vacationing from the shore from July to October as humpback whales make their yearly journey from Antarctica.

Whale Watching: The best spot to see whales is in Hervey Bay. The tranquil, protected seas of Fraser Island, the first-ever World Whale Heritage Site, are a stopping point for humpback whales during their annual winter migration (July–October) between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef.

K'gari (Fraser Island): Go to Fraser Island, or K'gari, by crossing the ocean. The biggest sand island in the world, with its pristine beaches, white sand rainforest, and inland lakes, all classified as World Heritage Sites, is truly remarkable. Drive a 4WD vehicle down the 75 75-mile beach roadway, scale Indian Head's cliffs, and visit the Maheno Shipwreck.

Maryborough: Travel to Maryborough for the day. Charming to the core, this historic town is the birthplace of novelist P.L. Travers and the inspiration for the story of Mary Poppins. Visit the Story Bank, take an interactive Magical Mary Trail, or plan your vacation around the Mary Poppins Festival for everything Poppins-related.

Hervey Bay Camping FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Hervey Bay camping.

1. Can you free camp in Hervey Bay?

Free camping in the marked area at the rear of the Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre is for self-contained vehicles only. There is a maximum stay of 48 hours. It is accessible to RVs, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is not permitted.

2. Is Hervey Bay family-friendly?

With its stunning coastline, Hervey Bay provides endless opportunities for beachside family fun. Head to Torquay Beach, where the calm waters and golden sand create the perfect environment for swimming, sandcastle building, and beach games.

3. Why is Hervey Bay so popular?

Hervey Bay is filled with a wealth of treasures. K'gari serves as the gateway to a World Heritage-listed paradise, renowned for offering some of the finest whale-watching experiences in an area recently designated as a Whale Heritage Site. Additionally, it boasts some of the safest and most family-friendly beaches along the Queensland coast.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Hervey Bay camping makes you reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're drawn to its serene beaches, vibrant marine life, or the tranquillity of its hinterlands, Hervey Bay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With abundant outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, it promises an enriching experience for campers of all ages and interests.