Just returned from camping holiday at Hervey Bay, had planing conditions on 10 out of 11 days with a 7.5m sail. Camped directly on the beach at Pialba Caravan Park and was able to leave my gear rigged. From tent site you have to carry your gear about 30m to the water (at high tide).
Wind conditions were SE to E, 15-20 knots most days which was unseasonable I'm told by the fisherman. Sailing is bump and jump with long runs of several kilometers to Point Vernon and back to Pialba. SE winds were cross-off shore and gusty, Easterly was side-shore an ok. Best sailing by far was at the Boat Harbour beach on high tide where the SE wind blows directly on shore.
Actually at low tide all of Hervey Bay seems about 6 inches deep and the tide goes out hundreds of meters. I tried sailing the Urangan Pier at low tide but the runs were short and the water shallow.
Apparently Hervey bay is great on a North Easterly with a high tide but the planets must be alligned in just the right way to get the perfect conditions, this must happen rarely.
In summary the place is a good consideration for taking the wife (and kids) as there is heaps to do while you disappear for a few hours sailing. Camping was $21/night. Sailing conditions are a bit hit and miss, but if you picked a good forecast, say 20kn+ NE with afternoon high tides, you could have a reallly great weekend there.
I only saw one other windsurfer in 11 days, and one day saw a few kites at the Pier, must not be a real popular location for wind sports?
good winds
