Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

Step into a living snapshot of Hervey Bay's past, where heritage buildings, hands‑on displays and volunteer energy bring local stories to life in Scarness. **Explore 20+ restored buildings and 12,000+ artefacts across a one‑hectare village, with Sunday demonstrations that showcase traditional skills from blacksmithing to rope making.** Open on select days and during Queensland school and public holidays; check the museum's website for current hours and special event days. You'll find wheelchair-friendly paths and ramps to several buildings, accessible toilets, and picnic and BBQ facilities to make a relaxed visit easy. What makes the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum special? Spread across more than one hectare, the volunteer-run village preserves the region's heritage with over 20 buildings and thousands of artefacts. It's an immersive, hands‑on experience where you can step inside a church, schoolhouse and blacksmith's shop and see pioneer skills in action. Where is it and how do I visit? You'll find the museum in Scarness, Hervey Bay. It's open on selected days and throughout Queensland school and public holidays (excluding some major holidays). Special event days and schedules can change, so confirm opening times and any event pricing on the museum's website before you travel. What will you see across the village? Highlights include a 19th‑century church from Pialba, a Dundowran school building, a slab cottage from Kingaroy and the Goodwood railway station. Newer displays range from a Fire Station housing a 1932 Dennis Fire Engine to Maritime and Communications exhibits, plus the Vic Hislop Shark Display and vintage tractors. When are the live demonstrations? Sundays come alive with volunteer‑led skills sessions—watch traditional trades like blacksmithing and coopering in action, try your hand at corn shelling, or learn how rope was made in the pioneer era. Sessions vary with volunteer availability and event schedules, so check what's on before you arrive and allow ample time to explore between demos. Is the museum accessible? Several buildings have ramps, many are at ground level, and accessible toilets are available. The blacksmiths, coopers and corn‑shelling areas are accessible, as are key buildings including the Church, Dundowran School, Scout Den, Goodwood Station, Reception, Ambulance Room and Carriage Shed. Paths are generally easy to navigate. Can schools and groups book visits? Yes. Schools are welcome year‑round with volunteer-led educational tours, and group bookings are encouraged. Organisers can utilise on‑site seating, an urn and a covered BBQ area, making it a convenient and memorable stop for excursions and social groups. Contact the museum to arrange details. Is there a shop for souvenirs and books? There's a small selection of locally themed souvenirs and titles on regional history, pioneering life and Hervey Bay's development—many handcrafted by volunteers and available only at the museum. Stock is limited, so pick up your keepsakes during your visit; purchases help support the village's preservation work. Travel tip With so much to see across the village, arriving earlier in the day gives you time to enjoy the buildings, demonstrations and displays at an easy pace. Check the website before you go for the latest opening hours and special events, then plan to linger.

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Gallery, Museum & Collection

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