Free things to do with kids on the Fraser Coast
A splash park morning, a wander through towering bamboo, a playground you haven’t tried or a picnic beside the sea. There are plenty of ways to get out with the kids on the Fraser Coast without paying an entry fee.
This guide brings together free family outings across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Howard, Torbanlea, River Heads, Tiaro and Bauple.
Pack snacks, water and sun protection, then choose somewhere that suits your children and the kind of day you’re having. One good stop can be enough.
Need an idea quickly?
For water play: SplashSide in Maryborough or WetSide in Hervey Bay when the relevant areas are open.
For a garden adventure: Bamboo Land in Torbanlea or the nature playground and labyrinth at Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens.
For bikes and scooters: Hervey Bay Pump Track, Maryborough Pump Track or Tiaro Pump Track.
For a rainy day: A library visit, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery or Gatakers Artspace.
For a simple beach outing: Sand play and a foreshore stroll at Torquay, Scarness, Toogoom or Burrum Heads.
For something organised: Check Bunnings kids’ workshops and the Fraser Coast Libraries activity calendar.
Free things to do in Hervey Bay
Cool down at WetSide Water Park
Location: Main Street and Esplanade junction, Pialba
Best for: Water play, with different areas suited to different ages
WetSide is one of Hervey Bay’s best-known free family attractions. Entry to the main water-play arena and Aqua Ninja is free. The large waterslides cost extra.
When operating, TotSide is the dedicated area for children under five. Aqua Ninja is more suited to older children, with Council recommending a minimum age of eight and height of 140 centimetres.
Current update, 11 October 2026: The main water-play arena and TotSide are temporarily closed for works. During the works period, Aqua Ninja and the paid waterslides are opening on weekends only. Council expects the main arena to reopen by mid-November, subject to progress.
Check the live information before making a special trip. WetSide also closes seasonally for winter maintenance.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Sports-and-Recreation/WetSide-Water-Park
Find the nature playground at Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Location: Elizabeth Street, Urangan
Best for: Nature play, garden exploring and a relaxed picnic
There is more here for children than a walk around the lawns. Head behind the Orchid House to find the shaded nature playground, with balancing logs, climbing ropes and nature-inspired play equipment.
Then explore the labyrinth, wander through the Chinese garden or look for birds and turtles around the lagoon. Let the children choose a few paths rather than trying to see everything.
Bring a picnic and allow time to stop. Keep little ones close around the water.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Sports-and-Recreation/Hervey-Bay-Botanic-Gardens
Walk along Urangan Pier
Location: Urangan foreshore
Best for: A short walk, watching fishing activity and spotting marine life
You don’t have to reach the end of Urangan Pier to enjoy it. Walk as far as your children are happy to go, pause to look into the water and see what you can spot.
Fish and rays may be visible below, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. For younger children, a short pier walk followed by sand play can be plenty.
The pier is exposed to sun and wind, so choose your timing and supervise children closely.
Play at the Seafront All Abilities Playground
Location: Pialba foreshore
Best for: Inclusive play and a playground outing with children of different ages
The Seafront All Abilities Playground is a good starting point for a free foreshore morning.
Let the children explore the equipment, then take a short walk or find a picnic spot nearby. It also pairs well with WetSide when the water-play areas are operating.
Check the equipment and surroundings against your child’s access and supervision needs.
Visit Ernie Organ Park
Location: Esplanade, Torquay, near the sailing club
Best for: A shady playground stop combined with the beach
Ernie Organ Park has an extensive playground, large shade trees and space to settle in for a picnic.
Toilets, showers, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities make it a practical choice when you want more than a quick play. Combine it with a short foreshore stroll or time on the sand.
Bring your own food and the outing can stay free.
Ride at Hervey Bay Pump Track
Location: 179 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba
Best for: Children who enjoy bikes, scooters and wheeled adventures
Bring your own equipment and helmets for a session at Hervey Bay Pump Track.
The asphalt track caters to different abilities, but younger or less confident riders may prefer a quieter visit. Watch the flow of riders before joining in and take breaks away from the track.
Facilities include toilets, picnic shelters, a barbecue area and a water bubbler. Parking is available at the PCYC on O’Rourke Street or behind the former library site on Old Maryborough Road.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Sports-and-Recreation/Pump-tracks/Hervey-Bay-Pump-Track
Walk, ride or scoot along the Esplanade
Location: Hervey Bay foreshore
Best for: An outing you can make as short or long as you like
Choose one section of the Esplanade shared path and give it a simple destination: a playground, a jetty or a picnic spot.
A short outing around Torquay or Scarness can include sand play and a snack break without becoming a big expedition. There is no need to cover the whole foreshore.
Keep left, watch for other path users and help children slow down around busy sections.
Explore a section of the Mary2Bay Rail Trail
Location: Hervey Bay and the corridor towards Maryborough
Best for: Families looking for another walking or riding option
The Mary2Bay Rail Trail offers a change from the beachfront path.
Choose a short section that suits your children’s confidence and equipment. Check the trail map for access points, surfaces and crossings, then decide on a turnaround point before you start.
Treat it as a small outing rather than an attempt to complete the full trail.
https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/trail-maps/
Visit Hervey Bay Library
Location: Hervey Bay Community Hub, 23 Main Street, Pialba
Best for: Books, indoor time and scheduled children’s activities
Browse the children’s books, find something to read together and let everyone choose a new story to take home.
Check the library calendar for story sessions, craft, school-holiday activities and programs for older children. Activities vary, and some require bookings even when they are free.
You don’t need to attend a session to enjoy a library visit.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/libraries
Explore Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Location: 166 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba
Best for: A short indoor outing and looking at art together
A gallery visit can be as simple as asking each child to choose a favourite artwork or find something that makes them curious.
Check the current exhibitions and family program before visiting. Exhibition entry is free, while workshops and special activities may have separate booking or fee arrangements.
https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/Hervey-Bay-Regional-Gallery
Free things to do in Maryborough
Spend a morning at Anzac Park and SplashSide
Location: Anzac Park, Maryborough
Best for: Water play, playgrounds and families with children of different ages
Anzac Park is an easy place to build a free family outing around. SplashSide has zero-depth water play, and the wider park includes playground equipment, picnic facilities, a skate park and a pump track.
Pack swimmers, towels, dry clothes and lunch. If some children prefer riding to splashing, bring their bikes or scooters and helmets too.
SplashSide has no lifeguard, so children need active supervision. Check for maintenance closures before travelling.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Sports-and-Recreation/Splashside
Try Maryborough Pump Track
Location: Anzac Park, with parking access from Cheapside Street
Best for: Confident riders and older children looking for an active outing
The pump track deserves a mention of its own, particularly if your children have outgrown a simple playground visit.
Bring equipment and helmets, watch how other riders use the course and choose a quieter time if your child is learning. The nearby skate park gives experienced riders another option.
Picnic in Queens Park
Location: Maryborough’s riverside heritage precinct
Best for: Shade, open space and an easy picnic
Queens Park has large trees, lawns, paths and river views. Bring a picnic rug, let the children explore nearby and enjoy a slower stop between other activities.
On operating days, you may see the Mary Ann steam train or miniature trains. Watching adds interest to a park visit, but rides are separate activities and should not be assumed to be free.
Follow part of the Maryborough Mural Trail
Location: Maryborough city centre
Best for: A spotting game and a short city walk
Choose a handful of murals rather than trying to complete the whole trail.
Younger children can look for animals, colours or familiar objects. Older children might enjoy taking photographs, reading the stories or choosing their favourite.
Bring water and use the trail map to keep the walk manageable.
https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/trail-maps/
Find Mary Poppins around town
Location: Maryborough city centre
Best for: A quick stop or a small discovery walk
Start with the Mary Poppins statue near the birthplace of author P. L. Travers.
Look out for the Mary Poppins-themed pedestrian lights, then see whether your children can find the character details around Town Hall Green.
These little discoveries can turn a walk through town into an activity. Entry to the nearby Story Bank is separate and is not included as a free attraction.
Browse the Thursday markets
Location: Maryborough city centre
Best for: A lively wander combined with murals and heritage streets
Walking through the Maryborough Markets is free, although food and purchases cost extra.
Have a browse, enjoy the atmosphere and combine the visit with a few nearby discoveries. If you’re keeping spending to zero, bring snacks and set expectations with the children before you arrive.
Check current operating information before travelling.
Visit Maryborough Library
Location: Maryborough
Best for: A quiet indoor outing and free scheduled activities
Choose books, read together or check the calendar for children’s sessions and school-holiday programs.
A library visit works well as a short outing on its own or a break from walking around town. Confirm session ages and booking requirements before attending an activity.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/libraries
Explore Gatakers Artspace
Location: Maryborough’s Portside Precinct
Best for: Art, conversation and a short indoor visit
Gatakers Artspace has changing exhibitions and free gallery admission.
Ask the children to find an interesting colour, a surprising material or an artwork they would like to talk about. You don’t need a long visit for it to be worthwhile.
Check separately for workshop costs and bookings.
https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/Gatakers-Artspace
Walk through Fay Smith Wetlands
Location: Maryborough
Best for: Birdwatching and a quiet nature walk
Slow down and look for birds, insects and different plants along the designated paths.
Children might enjoy listening for bird calls or photographing interesting things along the way. Bring insect repellent and suitable shoes, and check conditions after wet weather.
Free things to do in Torbanlea, Howard, Toogoom and Burrum Heads
Stroll through Bamboo Land
Location: 87 Old Coach Road, Torbanlea
Best for: Tropical gardens, a gentle wander and a picnic
Bamboo Land is one of those places where a simple stroll becomes the outing.
Follow the garden tracks through towering bamboo and tropical plants, stop to look at unusual leaves and let the children choose which path to explore next.
Admission to the gardens is free, and you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. Coffee, drinks, ice creams, plants and gift-shop purchases are optional extras.
The gardens extend towards the Burrum River, so keep children close around the water. Check opening hours before leaving home.
https://www.bambooland.com.au/
Play at Howard Community Park
Location: Steley Street, Howard
Best for: A playground stop, especially when combined with Bamboo Land
Howard Community Park has swings, a slide and seating. The adjoining skate park gives older children another reason to stop.
Pair it with a garden wander at Bamboo Land for a simple outing with two quite different activities.
Visit Toogoom Community Playground
Location: Kingfisher Parade, Toogoom
Best for: Playground time followed by a foreshore wander
The playground has swings and an adventure play set, with public toilets and seating nearby.
Bring snacks, have a play and add a short beach walk if everyone still has energy. It’s an easy option when you want a change from your usual Hervey Bay playground.
Explore the Toogoom foreshore
Location: Toogoom
Best for: Sand play, shell spotting and a slow coastal walk
Take a bucket for sand play or turn the walk into a hunt for different shapes, colours and tracks.
The shoreline changes with the tide, so the same place can feel different from one visit to the next. Leave living creatures undisturbed and follow local signs.
Beach access and water conditions vary. Treat this as a beach exploration idea rather than a recommendation to swim.
Picnic at Burrum Lions Park
Location: Burrum Heads foreshore
Best for: A picnic and watching activity on the water
Burrum Lions Park has shade, toilets, barbecue facilities and an undercover picnic table near the mouth of the Burrum River.
Bring lunch and enjoy watching boats and fishing activity. Keep children close around the river and boat-access areas.
Play at Traviston Park
Location: Burrum Heads foreshore
Best for: A playground and waterfront outing
Traviston Park combines playground time with a foreshore setting.
Let the children play, stop for a snack and take a short walk nearby. Check conditions and local signs before approaching the water.
Bring a ball to Burrum Heads Recreation Reserve
Location: Burrum Heads
Best for: A family ball game and a picnic
The reserve includes a half basketball court, picnic shelter and barbecue facilities.
Bring a ball for a casual game, then stop for lunch. Tennis courts are also listed at the reserve, but check access, booking and any fees before planning to use them.
Free things to do at River Heads
Play and picnic at River Heads Community Park
Location: Corner of Ariadne and Davidson Streets, River Heads
Best for: A local playground outing or a stop while visiting River Heads
River Heads Community Park has a children’s playground, toilets, barbecue facilities and a sheltered picnic table.
Bring lunch and let the children play. It’s a straightforward option when you want a park outing without needing a full day’s itinerary.
Free things to do in Tiaro and Bauple
Ride and play at Tiaro Memorial Park
Location: Mayne Street, Tiaro
Best for: A playground, pump-track session and picnic
Tiaro Memorial Park has swings, a playground and a pump track, along with toilets, picnic tables, a sheltered picnic area and barbecue facilities.
Bring bikes or scooters and helmets if your children enjoy riding. It can be the main activity for a relaxed Tiaro visit rather than just a stop on the way somewhere else.
Stop at Federation Park in Bauple
Location: Bauple Drive, beside Bauple Museum
Best for: A fenced playground and picnic stop
Federation Park has a fenced children’s playground, toilets, barbecue facilities and a covered picnic table.
It’s a practical stop for families exploring the district. The adjoining museum is a separate visit, so check its opening hours and admission or donation arrangements if you want to go inside.
Play at Bauple Recreation Reserve
Location: Bauple
Best for: A playground visit and a family game
Bring a ball, have a play and leave time for an unhurried stop.
The reserve also has a community street library. If books are available, choose one to read together and follow the instructions on the library.
Free organised activities
Make something at Bunnings
Location: Hervey Bay and Maryborough stores
Best for: Children who enjoy making and decorating
Bunnings runs free kids’ DIY workshops, with projects changing throughout the year.
Check the individual store listings for upcoming activities, session times and age guidance. Places are limited, so book when required and plan to stay with your child.
https://bookings.bunnings.com.au/events/au
Check your local library program
Location: Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Burrum Heads, Howard and Tiaro
Fraser Coast Libraries offer more than books. Depending on the branch and current program, you may find early-years sessions, creative activities and school-holiday events.
Check the calendar for the specific branch rather than assuming every activity runs everywhere.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/libraries
More free outdoor ideas
Explore Arkarra Lagoons
Location: Dundowran Beach
Best for: A short nature walk and wildlife watching
Follow the reserve paths and see what your children notice: bird calls, reflections, different leaves or movement in the water.
Walk quietly and leave wildlife undisturbed. Bring insect repellent and check path conditions after rain.
Any café purchases are separate from exploring the reserve.
Have a beach morning
Choose an accessible section of beach at Torquay, Scarness, Toogoom or Burrum Heads and keep the plan simple.
Build sandcastles, draw pictures in the sand or see how many different tracks you can find. Pack your own snacks and finish before everyone gets too hot or tired.
Check tides, weather and local signs. If swimming is part of your plan, check current patrol information and swim between the flags where provided.
Try a playground you haven’t visited
Let the children help choose a new park.
Afterwards, ask what they liked best: the swings, climbing equipment, shade or room to run. You might discover a new favourite close to home.
Council’s park listings include locations and facilities to help you plan.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Parks-and-Playgrounds/Parks-and-Gardens
Pack a sunset picnic
Take an easy dinner or afternoon snack to a familiar foreshore park.
Let the children play, watch the light change and enjoy being outside. Choose somewhere with the facilities you need and pack a torch if you expect to stay after dark.
Five easy outings with free stops
Urangan garden morning
Explore the nature playground and labyrinth at Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, then have a picnic. Add a short Urangan Pier walk if everyone still feels like exploring.
Maryborough splash and play
Make Anzac Park the main stop, with SplashSide, the playground and riding facilities to choose from. If you want an extra activity, head into town for the Mary Poppins statue and a few murals.
Bamboo and playground outing
Stroll through Bamboo Land in Torbanlea and bring a picnic. Add Howard Community Park for playground time afterwards.
Burrum Coast outing
Choose Toogoom Community Playground or a Burrum Heads foreshore park as your main stop. Add a short beach wander rather than trying to fit every park into one day.
Tiaro and Bauple outing
Start with play or riding at Tiaro Memorial Park. Continue to Federation Park in Bauple for a picnic if your family is happy with another stop.
These outings have free activities, but fuel and any optional purchases still cost money. Choose somewhere close to home when keeping the whole day inexpensive matters.
Before you go
Bring water, snacks, hats, sunscreen and suitable shoes. Insect repellent is useful for gardens and wetlands.
Check opening hours, activity bookings and maintenance closures before making a special trip.
Supervise children around water, roads and riding facilities. Follow local signs, including dog-access rules.
For prams, wheelchairs or particular access needs, check the route and facilities before visiting. Natural paths and park equipment vary.
Take your rubbish with you and leave plants, wildlife and living marine creatures undisturbed.
Help improve this guide
Have we missed a free outing your family loves?
Send it to Coast Kids using the Submit an Activity form. We’d love to know what children enjoy there and the practical details that help other parents plan a visit.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
