Hervey Bay – Reef World Aquarium

This spot is located behind the Reef World Aquarium in Urangan to the west of the town of Hervey Bay and works best in a SE & NE breeze.

It is suited to windsurfing, kitesurfing & wing foiling however be prepared for a bit of a walk across the sandbar for about 200m to get to the water at low tide.

There are a lot of rocks near the shore that would be problematic at high-tide as you would be sure to strike with a fin if you came within 100m of shore. The best tide is mid to low tide. If the breeze is SE, incoming tide is best for breeze against tide and opposite for NE breeze.

The water is warm and blue and only gets a slight chop as the bay is protected by various islands.

Suited to

There can be a bit of tidal current here and the water is pretty open so I would recommend this spot for intermediate sailors who can point up-wind when necessary.

Hazards

There are a few rocky reefs near the water’s edge at low tide so be careful particularly if you are foiling. The odd shark is know to visit this area so be shark away plus large sea turtles also frequent the area. Marine stingers (jelly fish) can also be present from November to May so check in with the local conditions to see if they are around before plunging in with nothing more that you shorts.

Rigging & Launching

There is a free public car park at the aquarium. There are public toilets, BBQ’s, table & seating areas, kids playground and a cold shower to wash off the sand.

There is also some nice shaded grassy spots to rig up.

The only downside to this spot is a rather large walk across mostly sand (with a few rocks) to get to the water’s edge at low tide.

There is very little shore break so launching is pretty easy.

Where To Stay

Hervey Bay has lot’s off accommodation options however if you are looking for a simple camping area, the Harbour View Caravan Park is ideal, situated just 1km from this location and close to may other spots.