Fraser Coast

The Fraser Coast and South Burnett region is an ideal destination for a study tour or school excursion. Its captivating mix of natural attractions, the safe and welcoming local environment, and its focus on building international relationships make it an outstanding place to visit.

The region features the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, a World Heritage Listed site that is truly breathtaking. With more than 120km of ocean beaches, coloured sandstone cliffs, unique Australian wildlife and rainforest trees some more than 1000 years old, Fraser Island offers a nature experience unlike any other.

Hervey Bay is Australia's hub for whale watching. Annually from late July to early November around 2000 Humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast to give birth to their young - a 6000km journey from Antarctica. There is no better place to experience these magnificent mammals than close up on a whale-watching cruise in the protected waters of Hervey Bay. The tranquil waterways of the Great Sandy Strait are also home to dugongs, turtles and dolphins. Other attractions of Hervey Bay include marine displays, and wildlife sanctuaries.

But there's much more to discover in the Fraser Coast and South Burnett region with its sweeping golden beaches, agriculturally rich country areas, national parks, history and welcoming country towns. There are plenty of study experiences waiting for you such as learning how to fossick for gold or gems; farm stays and local produce tours.

Places of Interest

• Visit World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.
• Go whale-watching aboard a tour boat from July to early November.
• Experience the South Burnett area with its historical country towns - dating back to the 1840’s each town has its own unique attractions; Maryborough is Queensland’s oldest city.
• The Heritage Walk takes in 28 key historic buildings and the Heritage Markets are held in the town centre every Thursday.
• The town of Murgon features a famous cheese factory and various gem fields.

Fast Facts

• Regular commercial flights offer easy and direct access to Hervey Bay from Sydney and Brisbane. The high speed Tilt Train links the area with Brisbane to the south and Cairns in the north. Coach services provide daily connections to all major destinations.
• Approaching 50,000 residents, population predictions from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate Hervey Bay will have 90,000 residents by the year 2021.
• The regions’ agricultural production includes sugarcane, tropical fruit and citrus, livestock and fishing.  
• Hervey Bay has two sister cities, Leshan in China and Otsuki in Japan.