Museum History
The Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum opened in 1974 and has grown from humble beginnings into one of the Fraser Coast’s most valued heritage attractions. What began with a single donated building and a dedicated group of volunteers has become a living museum that preserves the stories, buildings and everyday objects of Hervey Bay and the wider Wide Bay region
Our Beginnings
The museum began with the first Public Hall at Dundowran, donated by local residents. In those early years, money was scarce, and volunteers worked tirelessly to support the museum, even raising funds by making jams, pickles and sweets to sell at the museum and local markets. Joan and Norm Christiansen also helped preserve local history through their book The Lamp Still Burns, which recorded the stories of the district’s early settlers to 1890.
Growing the Village
Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, the museum grew steadily over the following decades. By 1990, it had expanded to 13 buildings and more than 3,000 exhibits representing the early years of the Wide Bay area. Today, the village includes more than 20 buildings and thousands of exhibits, with volunteers continuing to restore older structures and care for the growing collection.
Community and Recognition
The museum has long played an important role in community life. In 1985, it received a State Government award for its contribution to the local community, followed by Fraser Coast & South Burnett Tourism Awards in 2006, 2007 and 2008, before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. It has also supported local charities, hosted community events, and welcomed generations of visitors through its gates.
Education and Special Events
Children from across the Wide Bay region visit the museum as part of their school curriculum, helping new generations connect with the area’s history. Over the years, the village has also hosted special events and celebrations, including charity fundraisers, television visits from Queensland Weekender, and the Hervey Bay 150th Birthday Celebrations in 2013. In 2014, the museum proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The Museum Today
Today, the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum remains proudly volunteer-run and community supported. It continues to preserve and share the region’s heritage through its historic buildings, collections and displays, offering visitors a chance to step into the past and experience the stories that helped shape Hervey Bay.
