When you’re visiting Hervey Bay, you cannot miss a trip to Urangan Pier. But don’t plan a quick visit. I always get surprised by the time I take to walk the 1.6km return on the pier.
Built between 1913 and 1917 for freight purposes, Urangan Pier is one of the longest and oldest piers in Australia. And like all piers, it provides beautiful views (hello K’gari – Fraser Island!) and a fantastic opportunity to get a sneak peek at marine life without getting wet. Fishermen see it as an ideal fishing spot. You could even buy fishing gear right in front of the jetty when we visited. But I don’t fish, so that’s not why I always spend so much time on that pier.
So, what’s special about the Urangan Pier?
Of course, the opportunity to spot rays or dolphins always slows me down when I visit. Patience is often rewarded. No matter how many times I see them, I always get excited. If you’re extremely lucky, you may even get more surprises (watch this!). But it’s another species of animals that mostly get my attention at the Urangan Pier.
Fishermen are not the only ones attracted by the fishing opportunities at the Hervey Bay Pier. I’m always impressed by the number of birds around the jetty.
Birdwatching at Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay
Pelicans are the most loyal visitors. If they’re not fishing on the water, they’re watching everyone from the top of a lamp post or posing for photos – and probably hoping to get a fish. Seagulls and terns copy them with a bit less success; they’re not as iconic and impressive.
The small martins fly frenetically from under the jetty to the sand and back. They’re way too quick for photograph amateurs but very fun to watch.
The low tide reveals sandbanks with zillions of blue soldier crabs moving around. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a heron having a feast.
Cormorants are one of my favourite birds. They can fly and dive underwater! They seemed to prefer hanging out on Round Island rather than at the jetty when we visited. But we could spot a brown booby flying a few times close to us before diving into the water to catch its lunch. It was even more original than the cormorants! I really think visiting the Urangan Pier is one of the best things to do in Hervey Bay.
Where to stay in Hervey Bay
Many Hervey Bay accommodations offer sea views at a reasonable price. I find that being able to see the ocean all day long, including when we’re in the room, was an incredible add-on to our trip.
We found a good deal online to stay at the Mantra*, in a spa room with views of the marina. It took us about 15 minutes to walk to the Urangan Pier. The room was a bit old but the views were splendid. There are restaurants nearby, so it was lively during the weekend. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk to the beach (not the main one in Hervey Bay).
If you prefer beach and ocean views rather than the marina, check out BreakFree Great Sandy Straits* not far from the Mantra. Its views are hard to beat.
If you prefer to be closer to the Urangan Pier and the town centre, the Oaks Resort and Spa* and Santalina* are other good options with ocean views.
Have you visited Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where is Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay?
Hervey Bay is on the coast of Queensland (Australia). It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Brisbane to Hervey Bay. Urangan Pier is at one end of the Esplanade that goes all the way to Point Vernon.
Did you like this article about birdwatching at Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay? Add it to your Pinterest board:
