Urangan 

Sure, Hervey Bay is renowned for its great long stretches of beaches, 40 kilometres in fact, in company with boat access points, picnic and barbecue areas, and of course with easy access to Fraser Island. Urangan features all of these attributes, plus some surprises.

There is a wonderful marina at the eastern end of the Bay. This is the departure point for whale watching tours and also for sea access to Fraser Island as well as a very long pier, measuring just under a kilometre. It is ideal for a brisk pre-breakfast walk.

Slightly inland, just up from Kondari Resort, is one of the 10 best botanic gardens in the State. This is the Great Sandy Region Botanic Garden. It features a landscaped garden area, plus a relatively raw (natural) walking area along with an orchid house. The latter opens at 10.00am. At the end of the Esplanade, south of the marina, are the remains of an Aboriginal fish trap. This is not in pristine condition, but its 'bones' can still be identified.

The Urangan markets are fairly popular. These are held on the second, fourth (and if five weekends) fifth Sunday of each month. Historically, it was in this area where Matthew Flinders proved that Fraser Island was just that, an island, separated from the mainland by a bay. There is a memorial to Flinders.

There is also a monument dedicated to those who sailed on the Krait. The World War II special services unit trained in the Bay area before departing for Singapore.

Things to do

• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Beach Fishing or off the pier
• Swimming
• Boating
• Shopping
• Dining
• Picnicking
• Beach combing
• See the monuments
• Go to the markets
• Get the ferry to Fraser Island