NEW MEMBER ESSENTIALS

Local Public Transport:

• Wide Bay Transit operates buses across Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
• Translink Go Cards are not used here. Buses are limited, so check timetables ahead.
• Taxis and Uber are available but limited during off-peak hours.

Driving:

• Most residents use personal vehicles. Consider getting a car or connecting with members who can help with school drops or work commutes initially.
• Plenty of parking across town and suburbs

• Hervey Bay Hospital – Nissen Street, Urraween (Public hospital).
• St Stephen’s Private Hospital – Medical Place, Urraween.
• GP Clinics:
  • Eli Waters Medical Centre
  • Hervey Bay Family Medical
  • Priority Health Medical Centre

  (Bulk billing may vary – check before booking)

• Pharmacies:
  • Chemist Warehouse (Pialba)
  • Priceline Pharmacy (Boat harbour, Pialba, Eli waters)

• Main suburbs: Urraween, Kawungan, Eli Waters, Torquay, Pialba, Scarness, Dundowran, Point Vernon.
• Rental demand is high. Check:
  • Realestate.com.au
  • Domain.com.au
  • Local Facebook rental groups
  • FCMA internal contacts
• If you need help finding rentals, reach out to existing members – someone may have leads or references.
• Pharmacies:
  • Chemist Warehouse (Pialba)
  • Priceline Pharmacy (Boat harbour, Pialba, Eli waters)

• Major Supermarkets:
  • Woolworths (Eli Waters, Pialba, Urangan)
  • Coles (Pialba)
  • Aldi (Pialba)
• Indian/Asian Groceries:
  • New Indian Store (Pialba)
  • Indian Grocery Store (Walligan)
  • Big bazaar deliveries via Brisbane (ask FCMA members for ordering cycles)
• Farmer’s Markets: Every Saturday at Pialba Seafront Oval (fresh produce, local crafts)

• Good state and private schools in the area:
  • Sandy Strait State School
  • Xavier Catholic College
  • Hervey Bay State High School
  • Fraser Coast Anglican College
• Several childcare centres and kindies – book early due to waitlists.

• Reach out for:
  • School introductions
  • Job referrals
  • Temporary accommodation or furniture
  • Community events & cultural programs

• Beaches: Torquay, Scarness, Urangan – safe, family-friendly spots.
• Parks: WetSide Water Park (free), Adventure playgrounds, Botanical gardens.
• Libraries: Great local library at Pialba.
• Weekend trips: Fraser Island, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast