Dog-Friendly Hervey Bay: Visiting Hervey Bay with a Dog

Situated less than four hours north of Brisbane, the small coastal city of Hervey Bay is best known to tourists as the jumping off point for tours to Fraser Island and whale watching cruises. With neither of these options welcoming dogs, what dog-friendly things are there to do when visiting Hervey Bay in Queensland with your dog?

Dog-Friendly Hervey Bay

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Hervey Bay

There’s kilometres of beautiful, protected coastline in Hervey Bay, particularly between Point Vernon and Urangan Boat Harbour. Luckily, part of is dog-friendly, a great option for fun days with your pup. 

By default, on-leash dogs are allowed on Hervey Bay beaches, except for areas where dogs are prohibited. There are also a decent number of off-leash beaches in Hervey Bay. Some beaches are off-leash all day long, while others only off-leash at designated times. 

On-Leash Beach Hervey Bay
Beaches at Hervey Bay default to being on-leash

Two of the most popular 24-hour off-leash beaches in Hervey Bay are at the Point Vernon Foreshore and Urangan Foreshore. 

There’s actually three 24-hour off-leash sections along the Point Vernon Foreshore. The largest extends from the end of Spence Street to Ansons Road in Dundowran, a long stretch of mangroves, sand and mud flats. 

Off-Leash Point Vernon Foreshore
Off-leash on the Point Vernon Foreshore near Spence Street

The next off-leash foreshore section starts 300m west of the Gatakers Boat Ramp at beach marker PTV20 and goes to 100m west of the playground at ESA Park. There’s also a section in between Aplin Street and the Pines Park.

The 24-hour off-leash beach at the Urangan Foreshore is located in between the Margaret Street and Churchill Street groynes. Further along the shore, the beach between the Urangan Pier and the Aquarium is off-leash from 3pm to 8am, along with the foreshore from the rock wall south of the harbour to Pulgul Creek.

Off-Leash Urangan Foreshore
The off-leash stretch of the Urangan Foreshore

There’s also 24-hour off-leash beaches at Burrum Heads and Toogoom, as well as time-limited off-leash beaches at Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Dundowran Beach and Pialba. For a full listing, see this great map.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Hervey Bay

Other than beaches, there’s not that many dog-friendly sightseeing options available to visitors with dogs in Hervey Bay. Note that dogs are not allowed anywhere on Fraser Island. I’ve dug up these few options instead… 

#1 Follow the Esplanade Trail

The Esplanade follows the main stretch of beaches in Hervey Bay. And lying in between the roadway and the beaches is the Hervey Bay Esplanade Trail, a nearly 16km footpath and cycleway between Gatakers Bay and Urangan Harbour. 

Park up and follow a section of the path with your dog at your side, perhaps close to one of the off-leash or on-leash sections of beach. Just remember to keep your dog on-leash on the path, and keep an eye out for the many cyclists. I believe dogs are permitted along the full length.

Esplanade Trail Dogs On Leash Sign
Walk your dog on-leash along the Esplanade Trail

Note that dogs aren’t allowed to accompany you out on the 868m long Urangan Pier, nor the shorter Torquay Jetty. 

Urangan Pier
Dogs aren’t allowed on the Urangan Pier

#2 Stroll Around Arkarra Lagoons

If you’re wanting a change for coastal views, head to Arkarra Lagoons for a walk with a different type of water view. 

This small remnant of wetlands has been luckily preserved in Dundowran Beach, just a short drive west of the centre of Hervey Bay. There’s two trails to choose from: the 600m Wetlands Circuit and the slightly longer 840m Lagoon Circuit. There’s no signs restricting access by dogs, but of course keep your pup on a leash.

Walking at Ankarra Lagoons with a Dog
Walking with Schnitzel at Ankarra Lagoons

Don’t miss stopping at the pavilion at the edge of the lagoon, and looking for the many turtles in the water below. You’ll also likely spot eels, fish and a wide variety of birdlife. Afterwards, considering enjoying a coffee at the adjacent Arkarra Gardens Cafe Restaurant, which welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables.

Arkarra Lagoons Fountain
Don’t miss stopping at the pavilion

#3 Discover Historic Maryborough

For a change of pace, drive 25 minutes south of Hervey Bay to the historic city of Maryborough. The boom times have left Maryborough behind, and with it a collection of lovely colonial buildings. Pick up a self-guided walking trail brochure from the visitor information centre.

Maryborough Historic Buildings
Maryborough is home to many gorgeous historic buildings

The Story Bank Museum in Maryborough is the birthplace of P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. While dogs are not allowed inside, there’s still plenty of fun Mary Poppins sights that you can explore with your dog. 

Stop and take a photo with the statue of Mary Poppins outside The Story Bank, and don’t forget to look up at the Poppins-themed pedestrian light signals. There’s also murals, bronze pavers and story columns to see along “Cherry Tree Lane”, as well as signs to read. 

Mary Poppins Statue in Maryborough
The Mary Poppins status outside the Story Bank Museum

Another fun attraction is the Mary Ann Steam Train. Offering 15 minute rides for $5, this historic train is also pet-friendly. Note however that it only runs on Thursday mornings and the last Sunday of the month. 

Note that dogs aren’t allowed in the heritage-listed Queens Park, home to the fantastic Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial.

Dog-Friendly Parks in Hervey Bay

There’s a large number of off-leash exercise areas for dogs in the Hervey Bay region, including five fenced dog parks and nine off-leash parks. 

Two of the most central dog parks are the Augustus Estate Dog Park, not far from the Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre, and the Urraween Dog Park, on Julie Ann Street. We visited the former. The one large fenced area contains agility equipment, a picnic shelter, water fountain and bin, although it’s lacking in other shade.

Augustus Estate Dog Park
The off-leash Augustus Estate Dog Park

There’s also a fenced dog park in Urangan, just off Vista Street.  For a full list of the off-leash parks around Hervey Bay, check out this listing on the council website, along with this handy map

Dog-Friendly Cafes & Pubs in Hervey Bay

One of the best dog-friendly cafes in Hervey Bay is Enzo’s on the Beach, located right next to the sand in Scarness (although sadly a stretch where dogs are not permitted). It was certainly popular with dog visitors of all sizes on the Sunday morning that we visited!

Enzos on the Beach
Enzo’s is a pet-friendly beachfront cafe in Hervey Bay

Open from 6:30am daily, their brunch menu is offered right through to 2:30pm, with additional options added from late morning. After 2:30pm the more substantial dishes from the menu remain, including seafood platters for one or two. The restaurant is fully licensed, with sunset cocktails a popular option, and is open late over the weekend. Bookings are recommended.

Brunch at Enzoes on the Beach
Brunch at Enzo’s on the Beach

Another popular dog-friendly spot is Marina Balaena Restaurant, located at the Great Sandy Straits Marina. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, except for Sundays when it closes at 1:30pm and Tuesdays when it is closed. 

For something different, head to Cauldron Brewing on Old Maryborough Road. Open daily for lunch and selected evenings for dinner, their meals are highly rated and they are very dog-friendly. With 26 taps, there’s always a wide variety of beers, ciders and seltzers to choose from.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Hervey Bay 

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.

Hervey Bay is home to a huge number of caravan parks, most of which are dog-friendly. They’re quite popular year round, so it’s best to book in advance, double-checking that dogs are allowed.

We stayed just south of town at the Fraser Coast RV Park. Surrounded by beautiful bushland, most of their sites are dog-friendly, plus Bertha the Aussie Van. We stayed at the Dogs Corner area, which was conveniently close to the excellent camp kitchen and charming amenities blocked, topped with a water tank! 

Campervan at Fraser Coast RV Park
Camping at the Fraser Coast RV Park
Fraser Coast RV Park Amenities Block
The charming toilet and shower block for campers

The park owners offer pet-minding, perfect for if you’re heading over to Fraser Island for the day from the nearby ferry terminal. Just enquire in advance, as it does get booked out. Also be warned that you’ll likely encounter midges in the area. The best defence is covering up, although sprays may also help. 

Another pet-friendly park closer to the centre of Hervey Bay is Tasman Holiday Parks – Torquay Palms. While sites are on the small side, some of their cabins are pet-friendly, including selected villas, studios and family suites. The pet-friendly options are clearly marked. The park is about a 400m walk from the main beach in Hervey Bay and I’ve heard reports of treats given to dogs on arrival.

If you’re after a fancier option for a pet-friendly stay in Hervey Bay, one of the best options is The Grange Resort. Just 200m from the beach, this 4-star resort offers an outdoor lagoon pool with swim-up bar. Some of its townhouses are pet-friendly. Double check their availability when booking, plus the latest pet rules and fees.

Another pet-friendly option if you don’t have a caravan are the Boat Harbour Studio Apartments and Villas. Note that only the villas are pet-friendly, not the studios, with advance notice required. The apartments are located near the marina in Uranga, across the road from a dog-friendly beach that is off-leash after 3pm in the evening and before 8am in the morning.

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About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

2 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Hervey Bay: Visiting Hervey Bay with a Dog”

  1. Excellent coverage, I’m a Hervey Bay resident with a beautiful 8mth old Groodle ‘Kells’ looking and some short travelling trips soon, thanks for your efforts

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