Hervey Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, and for good reason!

There is truly something for everyone, as Hervey Bay provides plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation for people of all abilities. Here are just five of the many accessible activities to do in Hervey Bay. 

1. Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House

About a third of caring positions are undertaken by primary carers, who usually step into the role out of a desire to assist a loved one. Not only do these carA visit to the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is a wonderful day out. With free admission, you can experience a tour of Wide Bay’s ecology. The Australian bush tucker garden represents the cultural heritage of the Butchella People, the traditional owners of the land, and the Chinese inspired Zen garden provides a spot of beautiful tranquillity. 

The Orchid House, built-in 2000, houses around 5,500 varieties of the orchidaceous family. For a personal experience, tours are available. All of this is accessible, with wide paths to accommodate wheelchairs and accessible amenities available.

2. Whale watching experience

A whale watching tour is a simply breathtaking experience, and Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of the world! While humpback whales are the main attraction, pods of dolphins are also known to show up and say hello. The experience is made all the more meaningful with knowledgeable tour guides there to give expert commentary on marine life and local history

The vessels are wheelchair accessible and the experienced crew can provide whatever assistance is required.

3. Enjoy the beach

Hervey Bay has some of the best beaches in the world. The surf is quite calm and pleasant to swim in, as Fraser Island protects from larger swells. The Fraser Coast regional council has invested in two wheelchairs specially designed to accommodate access to the beach. These wheelchairs are free for hire, but do require a refundable bond prior to collection. The wheelchairs may be collected from Bill Fraser Park, Charlton Esplanade, in Torquay. 

Charlton Esplanade itself has beautiful manicured gardens and shopping and eating spots to top off a fun day at the beach.

4. Wetside Water Park

Located on the foreshore, Wetside Water Park offers a fun day out free of charge to all ages. There is ramped access to a playground with zero-depth water features that can be enjoyed by everyone. Waterproof wheelchairs are also available for hire. A new Aqua Adventure Playground is also under construction, which will provide all abilities access and added excitement to an already popular attraction.

After a splash, why not grab something to eat from the cafe, or pick up some fish and chips for a picnic by the beach?

5. Soak up the country atmosphere

In the shade of a century-old mango tree, and only a few minutes from the Fraser Island ferry, Mango Lodge is nestled on 75 acres of scenic bushland. It has everything you need for a relaxing and romantic getaway. 

Mango Lodge offers a variety of functional design elements to provide people with a disability a place to get away and enjoy the tranquillity of rural life. The lodge has wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as accessible sinks, light switches and power outlets. There’s a roll-in shower with a shower hoist and chair available, as well as an accessible toilet. The kitchen area also has an extended lever handle for the sink and a low set fridge freezer. 

With so much going on, Hervey Bay is the perfect place to get out and about for people of all abilities. You can enjoy the natural beauty of both land and sea in comfort and safety.