Slightly Famous on the Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay doesn't just attract thousands of visitors each year, it's also attracted it's fair share of celebrities throughout it's time too! 

Drawn to the town's charm, great looks and superb personality, Hervey Bay is now home to a lineup of Australian musicians such as Guy Sebastian - Winner of the first ever Australian Idol - and Adam Brand, one of our best known country singers.

And if you're into sport more than music you might recognise the name Nathan Hauritz, the Australian off-spin cricketer, who started his cricketing career with the Hervey Bay Junior Cricketing Association. 

If you're a movie buff you won't just recognise celebrities, but some of Hervey Bay's most obvious landmarks in some movies as well. Fraser Island has been home to two films; Eliza Fraser (1976) which highlights Fraser Island's history, and Jilted (1987) the romantic comedy based around a Fraser Island resort.

More recently, the region has spurred the filming of Fools Gold (2008) starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, with Kate bringing (her then boyfriend) Owen Wilson to take some time out and holiday in Hervey Bay. During their time filming, Matthew & Kate were even spotted drinking in one of Hervey Bay's backpacker bars - a real treat for the guests!

And lets not forget to mention the movie Subdivision (2009), which was not only filmed in Hervey Bay but was remarkably close to home on plot topic which focused on the change a community goes through when big city developers come into the region! Cast members were very relaxed, joining in on yoga classes at the gym, shopping locally and heading to Hervey Bay's many cafes for breakfast.

So next time you visit Hervey Bay, keep your eyes open and your autograph books close at hand. You never know who you might see!



   

It's The Size That Counts

When travellers think of Hervey Bay they often think of a quiet seaside village, but they couldn't be further from the truth. Think more of a 'quiet seaside city' and you're closer to the mark. 

It all started thanks to a man named Boyle Martin, who was the first person to take up settlement in Hervey Bay. His bold move attracted others, until in 1984 Hervey Bay was officially popular enough to be proclaimed a city. The city now boasts a population of over 75,000 people and with the title of one of Australia's fastest growing cities under it's belt, the annual growth of the region increases on average another 3% each year. 

With 75,000 people to cater for, Hervey Bay has 5 shopping precincts and over 30 kilometres of safe swimming beach-front for everyone to spread themselves out over, meaning the city never feels crowded. And there is plenty to do - from Ten Pin Bowling to Camel Rides, to the botanical gardens and water park. In fact, here's a few more ideas:

Stand Up Paddle Boarding from Enzos

1. Parasailing
2. Jet Ski Tours
3. Skydiving
4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
5. Kite Boarding
6. Aquarium
7. Scenic Tours by Microlite, Helicopter or Plane
8. Fishing Charters
9. Wakeboarding
10. Trike & bike tours
11. Horseriding
12. Go Karts and Movies
13. Whale Watching
14. Shark Museum
15. Kayak Hire, Banana Boat Rides and Beach Volleyball... And that just gets us started! 

So don't be surprised when you get to Hervey Bay and it's not what you expect, and it's not what you've been told. Unless you've been told "Paradise". Because Paradise it definitely is.