New Beginnings at Hervey Bay

---

It is a number of years since Marg and I visited Hervey Bay. This coastal city has a well earned reputation as the Whale Watching capital of the world - but not at this time of year.

However, there were two new attractions that started this weekend in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast.

Marg and I went down to the pier where the whale watching boats depart from to get some information from the Info Centre we had visited some years back. That had been relocated and instead we walked in on an opening ceremony of a new Art and Craft shop being run more or less as a co-operative amongst several local artisans. In fact, we ended up being their first official customers on the day, buying an original painting.

I must say we were impressed with the quality and variety of works for sale. I love some of the zany Aussie art which you will see in the photos. One feature here is that you will get to meet one or more of the artisans when you visit. Lynn Donoghue showed us her well regarded pottery and took the time to introduce us to some of the other artists.

So, if you visit Hervey Bay, come down to the Great Sandy Straits Marina and browse through their display for paintings, pottery, jewellery and many other handcrafts, all locally produced. Their website is now running and there you will see the great variety of work done and a sample from each of the contributing artists.(www.harbourgiftgallery.com.au) Lyn Montgomery is the Artistic Director and the Lessee of the Harbour Gift Gallery and has several paintings on display down the side wall and is pictured below cutting the ribbon to officially open the gallery.

To mark the opening of the gallery, an official opening ceremony was held which included some very tasty artistry from the kitchens of the artists.

Right next door to Harbour Gift Gallery, and opened the same day is a local and very gifted photographer with a great range of beautiful land and sea scapes from the Fraser Coast. Take time to browse here as well.

Hervey Bay is a very sheltered beach side city with the worlds largest sand island, just a few minutes away on one of the tourist charter boats. We have visited Fraser Island previously, but not on this trip. However, the other First is that P & O Cruises brought the Pacific Aria inside the Hervey Bay and something like 800 visitors went ashore to enjoy one of the unique un developed regions of Australia. The island has a fascinating history which included many ship wrecks, the remains of some are still visible today.

Marg and I went down to the foreshore for sunset this afternoon and watched the Pacific Aria as she sailed out of the bay returning to Brisbane at the end of a comedy cruise.

While we are well into autumn, the days here a balmy warm, and the beach was still busy right down to sunset. Hervey bay is a great destination for young families with ultra safe beaches, a crazy water park, and a load of other attractions for the young. It is also the winter haven for thousands of senior citizens who leave the southern states for the winter months, enjoying the sheltered and moderate temperatures this coast enjoys in winter. Then, from May to August, the hump back whales come into the bay to give birth to the young, and it seems like they love to show off with tale slapping and high jump events when the tourist boats move out into the bay.

One of the reasons we came to Hervey Bay this week was to catch up with a couple of friends who used to live not far from us in Brisbane, but now live between Noosa and Cairns, based on the 'Follow the warmth' principal. We had lunch and a long chin wag at the Boat Club Marina, Urangan. The afternoon disappeared quite quickly over a very good meal and a lot of reminiscing.

Tomorrow we hope to visit one of Hervey Bay's best kept secrets. They have a world class collection of Orchids, Marg's favourite flower. Here's hoping plenty are in bloom.

---

Photos

Hervey Bay
Whale watching Capital of the world - but not until May.

The official opening
Lyn Montgomery cuts the ribbon to officially open the centre.

Lynn Donoghue and her pottery
Lynn is one of many artist with their work displayed for sale at the Harbour Gift Galley. Her work is well regarded and just might find a place in your home.

Hand crafted jewellery
There is a great range of great jewellery, and the prices I felt were most attractive.

Aussie Art
The zany side of Aussie art that I just love.

Colourful Cosy
One of the best displays of hand crafted tea cosies around.

For the Meerkat Suckers
And that includes Marg and I. Just love those little critters.

The photography Studio
This was well packed out all morning as these works of photographic art were put on display.

Whale watching Tourist Boat
One of many that will take thousands of visitors out into the bay for an experience of a life time a little later in the year.

Pialba Waterpark
There's a good eatery right next door too

Fun for all ages
The ever changing water patterns keep the young at heart cool and busy even on the hottest days. 32c this day.

Getting a dunking!
The bucket unloads a flood every few minutes. No one cared, in fact they enjoyed.

Pacific Aria sails into the sunset
This was the first ever cruise ship to schedule a visit to Fraser Island. The SS Mahino did visit when blown ashore 90 years ago, but that was totally unscheduled.

Comments

[Jakii Hyde]

trip
As always beautiful photos ,do have a wonderful time on your journey.

[Mum & Dad]

Camera on go again
Some good photos and commentary. It all looks good and weather being kind to you.

[Stevo]

Nice Spot still!
Glad that Hervey Bay is still a plus for visiting. Hope it continues well for you all.