Fraser Coast Region
Rich in diversity and natural beauty, the Fraser Coast region encompasses the areas of Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Tiaro and the Great Sandy Strait.
Featuring two World Heritage listed areas, Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef, the Fraser Coast hosts some of the world’s most sought after natural experiences. It’s also the capital of Whale Watching in Australia.
Long sandy swimming beaches, relaxing island retreats, abundant marine life and pristine national parks the Fraser Coast region is a relaxing holiday playground. There are a wealth of coastal paradises, recreational pursuits, adventure activities and historic explorations.
Maryborough
Maryborough is a stunning riverside city and the commercial centre of the Fraser Coast. It is also perfectly positioned at the gateway to Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Strait.
The area is attracting strong interest due to its heritage buildings, striking “Queenslander” homes, growing café culture and relaxed pace. It embodies the enticing charm of a small town, but with the services and conveniences of a city.
The Mary River is a focal point of the town and at the heart of the Brolga to Bridge vision that has been designed for Maryborough by renowned architect John Hocking from Architectus.
The Mary River
Fraser Coast Marina sits on the Mary River at Maryborough. The river rises at Booroobin in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, west of Caloundra. From its source, the Mary River flows north through the towns of Kenilworth, Gympie, Tiaro and Maryborough before emptying into the Great Sandy Strait, a passage of water between the mainland and Fraser Island, near the town of River Heads, 17 km south of Hervey Bay.
The Mary River is a tidal river with the depth of the water varying between L.A.T. and H.A.T. on average by 4 metres.
From a navigational perspective, the Great Sandy Strait Series Chart GSS2, dated 2004 (issued by Maritime Saftey QLD) indicates depths at a Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) as follows:
• near Upper Rocky Point - 2.2m
• near Middle Bank - 2.5m
• near Horseshoe Bank - 2.7m
• near Black Rock - 2.5m