The Best Coastal Walks and Bike Trails in Hervey Bay

Leave the car behind and explore the natural beauty of the Fraser Coast on foot or two wheels. Because The Bay Apartments is centrally located right on the Esplanade, you have direct, front-row access to the region’s premier coastal pathways. Whether you are looking for a gentle morning stroll, a scenic boardwalk hike, or a lengthy coastal bike ride, Hervey Bay offers perfectly flat, accessible tracks that showcase our calm, wave-free coastline.

Discover our top recommended local walks and trails below:

Hervey Bay Foreshore Shared Path

  • Distance - 14.8km point-to-point (can be enjoyed in smaller sections)

  • Difficulty - Easy / Fully accessible

  • Start/Finish - From Urangan Harbour to the tip of Point Vernon

  • Best For - Long coastal walks, running, pram-friendly strolls, and cycling

Stretching along the sparkling coastline, this continuous shared pathway is the ultimate way to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Hervey Bay. The flat, wide track features a smooth mix of paved pathways and timber boardwalks that wind gracefully through shaded foreshore trees and coastal parks.

As you walk or ride, you will enjoy uninterrupted ocean views across the calm bay waters. The trail connects major local landmarks, passing directly past the front of our apartments in Scarness, and extending to the historic Urangan Pier and the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens. Fully equipped with picnic shelters, water stations, BBQs, and public amenities along the way, it is an ideal choice for a family day out. Keep your eyes on the water—while whale watching season runs from July to October, local dolphins can often be seen playing close to the shore year-round.

The Historic Urangan Pier Walk

  • Distance - 1.9km return

  • Difficulty - Easy / Flat timber boardwalk

  • Start/Finish - Pier Park, Urangan

  • Best For - Sunrise and sunset walks, photography, and spotting marine life

No trip to the region is complete without walking the iconic Urangan Pier. Originally constructed to transfer cargo between rail and deep-water ships, this historic landmark extends nearly one kilometre out into the ocean.

Walking out over the water offers a unique perspective of the coastline and incredible panoramic views across to K'gari. It is a fantastic vantage point for spotting marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and schools of fish swimming beneath the timber planks. During the winter and spring months, you might even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching in the distance. This walk is especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset when the sky reflects beautifully over the calm waters.

Torquay Boardwalk (Tom and Cooper Walks)

  • Distance - 1.1km return

  • Difficulty - Easy / Foot traffic only (no bicycles allowed)

  • Start/Finish - Near Bill Fraser Park / Nielsens Park, Torquay

  • Best For - Quiet strolls, bird watching, and shady reflection

Located just a short walk down the Esplanade from our grounds, this beautiful memorial boardwalk offers a peaceful retreat into the native coastal environment. The raised timber walkway winds gently through preserved foreshore vegetation, providing a shady canopy that keeps the track cool even on warm sunny days.

The boardwalk features dedicated seating areas and viewing platforms designed for rest, reflection, and taking in the coastal views through the trees. To protect the delicate local ecosystem and ensure a peaceful walk, bicycles and scooters are not permitted on this section. Public amenities, playgrounds, and parking are readily available at the adjacent parks.

Hervey Bay Walking Track FAQs

Where can I park to access the Torquay Boardwalk?

Convenient parking is available all along the Esplanade or on Freshwater Street right near our reception entrance. If you are starting the walk from the nearby parklands, excellent public facilities and parking can be found at Nielsens Park.

Can I ride a bike on the coastal tracks?

Bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes are highly welcomed on the Hervey Bay Foreshore Shared Path, which spans 14.8 kilometres. However, to ensure pedestrian safety, bikes are strictly prohibited on the dedicated Torquay Boardwalk section. If you need to hire wheels, local options like Aquavue offer excellent cruise bike rentals.

What is the closest walk to The Bay Apartments?

The Hervey Bay Foreshore Shared Path runs directly across the road from our front gates on the Esplanade. You can step out your door and instantly turn left toward the Scarness pier and Point Vernon, or turn right for a scenic stroll down to the Torquay dining strip and the Urangan Pier.