(Scarness, Torquay, Urangan, Point Vernon & Surrounding Areas)
Hervey Bay is one of Queensland’s most liveable coastal cities, located on the Fraser Coast approximately 290 km north of Brisbane. Famous as the whale-watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay offers calm beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and a rare combination of affordability, infrastructure and year-round liveability.
The Hervey Bay region includes:
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- Scarness & Torquay – beachside lifestyle, cafés and holiday units
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- Urangan – marina precinct, airport access and strong short-stay demand
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- Point Vernon – quiet residential peninsula with water views
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- Pialba & Kawungan – shopping, medical and family housing hubs
Location overview
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- Approximately 3.5 hours north of Brisbane
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- Direct access to K’gari (Fraser Island) via barge and ferry
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- Hervey Bay Airport with regular flights to Brisbane and Sydney
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- Calm, sheltered coastline (no surf beaches)
Why Buy a Holiday Home in Hervey Bay?
Hervey Bay attracts buyers seeking affordable coastal living, low population density and a strong sense of community — without sacrificing amenities.
Buyers choose Hervey Bay because:
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- Calm, protected beaches (ideal for families and retirees)
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- Strong healthcare and shopping infrastructure
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- Excellent value compared with other coastal cities
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- Popular domestic tourism destination
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- Strong long-term liveability, not just holiday appeal
Hervey Bay is particularly popular with retirees, lifestyle buyers and long-term renters, as well as investors seeking steady yields.
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Key Areas Within Hervey Bay
Scarness & Torquay
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- Beachfront esplanade living
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- Cafés, restaurants and foreshore parks
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- Strong holiday and short-stay demand
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- Popular with downsizers and retirees
Urangan
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- Marina precinct and Urangan Pier
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- Gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island)
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- Strong short-term rental demand
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- Close to Hervey Bay Airport
Point Vernon
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- Quiet peninsula with water views
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- Mostly residential
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- Popular with owner-occupiers
Pialba & Kawungan
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- Shopping centres and hospitals
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- Family-friendly suburbs
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- Strong long-term rental demand
What Types of Holiday Homes Are Available?
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- Beachfront and near-beach units
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- Single-level houses suited to retirees
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- Townhouses and duplexes
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- Marina-adjacent apartments in Urangan
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- Family homes in residential suburbs
Hervey Bay has less high-rise density than major tourist cities, which supports long-term liveability.
Real Price Guide: What Holiday Homes Cost in Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay remains one of Queensland’s most affordable coastal markets.
Units / apartments
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Older units: ~$400,000 – $550,000
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Modern or waterfront units: ~$550,000 – $800,000
Houses
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Standard houses: ~$600,000 – $800,000
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Beachside or water-view homes: $850,000 – $1.3m+
Prices vary depending on proximity to the water and suburb.
Who Lives in Hervey Bay? (Population & Community)
Hervey Bay has a mature, stable population and is one of Australia’s most popular retirement destinations.
Typical characteristics:
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Median age significantly above the QLD average
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High proportion of retirees and downsizers
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Strong owner-occupier base
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Lower population turnover than resort towns
This creates a quiet, community-focused environment rather than a party destination.
Housing Stock, Ownership & Rentals
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High percentage of owner-occupied homes
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Strong demand for long-term rentals
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Moderate but growing short-term rental market
Hervey Bay is not dominated by short-stay accommodation, which supports stability.
Rental Income: Long-Term vs Short-Term
Long-term rental income (typical weekly rent)
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Houses: ~$600 – $750 per week
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Units: ~$500 – $650 per week
Approximate annual gross
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$700/week ≈ $36,400 per year
Long-term rentals are popular due to:
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Strong tenant demand
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Stable occupancy
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Lower management intensity
Short-Term Rental Income (Airbnb-Style)
Hervey Bay has a steady, domestic-focused short-stay market, driven by:
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Whale-watching season
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Family holidays
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Grey nomads and retirees
Typical occupancy rates
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Average annual occupancy: 45% – 60%
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Peak seasons (Jul–Oct): 75% – 90%+
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Off-peak: lower but consistent
Typical short-term rental income (gross)
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Average nightly rates: ~$220 – $350
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Estimated annual gross revenue:
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Units: $45,000 – $70,000
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Houses: $60,000 – $90,000+
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Typical net outcomes (after costs)
Short-term rental expenses include:
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Cleaning and linen
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Utilities and internet
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Platform fees
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Maintenance
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Insurance
Realistic net income
Many Hervey Bay short-term rentals net:
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40% – 65% of gross income
Example:
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$70,000 gross → $28,000 – $45,500 net per year
Is Short-Term Rental a Profitable Option in Hervey Bay?
Yes — but it is more conservative than major resort markets.
Short-term rentals suit:
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Beachfront or marina-adjacent properties
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Well-presented units near the esplanade
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Owners seeking moderate income with personal use
Long-term rentals often suit:
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Houses in residential suburbs
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Buyers prioritising stability and low effort
Cost of Living & Ownership Costs (Typical)
Council rates (Fraser Coast Regional Council)
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Approximately $2,800 – $4,000+ per year
Body corporate
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Units: $4,000 – $10,000+ per year
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Higher for waterfront complexes
Insurance
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Generally lower than cyclone-zone markets
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Still higher for waterfront properties
Risk Profile: Flood, Storm & Planning
Flood risk
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Some low-lying coastal and creek-adjacent areas may be affected
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Property-specific checks recommended
Flood mapping:
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/flooding
Storm & coastal exposure
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Occasional severe weather
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Generally lower cyclone risk than Far North QLD
Planning controls
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Balanced approach between growth and liveability
Planning information:
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/planning
Disclaimer
All figures are indicative only. Buyers should undertake independent due diligence, including council searches, insurance checks and financial analysis, as costs and income vary by property.