Self Drive Itineraries
Tourist Drive 12 is a well-signposted self-drive touring route that takes in much of the Fraser Coast region. It includes coastal villages, historic inland towns, spectacular views of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Strait, and the thriving cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
Choose to do all of Tourist Drive 12 and stay overnight along the way, or do it in small sections over a number of days.
There are many individual loops available that will allow more time for exploring all that Fraser Coast has to offer.
Burrum Heads Loop
The Burrum Heads Loop is a half-day excursion from Hervey Bay, with several options for shortcuts back if time is short. The scenery changes from new urban residential developments with contemporary designer housing, to rural settings with horses, cattle, sugarcane and pineapples. Along the way, experience a variety of Queensland vegetation from low wallum coastal scrub to remnant rainforest and on to coastal sand dunes and picturesque ocean and river views.
Distance: Approximately 60 kilometres from Hervey Bay to Burrum Heads via Torbanlea, and 40 kilometres return to Hervey Bay making a total of 100 kilometres. Allow more time to explore the delightful towns and scenery on offer.
Road Conditions: The road is sealed bitumen all the way but is narrower and undulating in places with some rough edges, so take care when passing vehicles.
Maryborough
The Maryborough Self Drive Tour is a full-day excursion from Hervey Bay to the heritage city of Maryborough, allowing plenty of time to explore the sights. Travelling from Hervey Bay, pass through agricultural and semi-agricultural country and several small communities, ending in Maryborough, probably the most well known of Queensland’s historic townships crammed with historical architecture.
Distance: Approximately 36 kilometres from Hervey Bay to Maryborough.
Road Conditions: The road is sealed bitumen all the way with several passing lanes to facilitate traffic flow.
River Heads Loop
The River Heads Loop is a half-day excursion, travelling along the waterfront at Hervey Bay through to River Heads, one of several departure points for vehicular barges to Fraser Island. Experience a range of scenery from the bustling Esplanade of Hervey Bay, to rural settings with horses, cattle, sugarcane and pineapples, and on to spectacular sea views to Fraser Island.
Distance: Approximately 30 kilometres from Hervey Bay to River Heads via Urangan and 28 kilometres return via Nikenbah making a total of 58 kilometres. Allow more if you detour to explore along the way.
Road Conditions: The road is sealed bitumen all the way but is narrower and undulating along River Heads Road with some rougher edges in places, so take care on this stretch.
