At the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association, we often hear the national headlines declaring “retail is dead.” In Hervey Bay, the opposite is true – retail is not just alive, it’s thriving and expanding faster than ever.
The most visible change has been the surge in big-box retailing. The massive new Bunnings Warehouse has set a benchmark in scale and investment, drawing customers from across the region. Meanwhile, the old Bunnings site has been completely revitalised, now home to a line-up of national brands including Amart Furniture, Rebel, BCF, and more – proof that one retailer’s move has unlocked opportunity for many others.
That momentum hasn’t stopped there. The new Anaconda centre has landed with strength, and alongside it, major brands such as Harris Scarfe and The Good Guys have expanded the retail mix, cementing Hervey Bay’s position as a regional shopping hub. On Main Street, new retail spaces are under construction, offering flexible formats for a new generation of businesses and creating further confidence in the Fraser Coast market.
Yes, online shopping is here to stay – but in Hervey Bay, bricks-and-mortar retail is adapting, not retreating. From national operators to local lifestyle businesses, the shift is toward offering experience, convenience, and a reason to visit. Our community still wants to shop, dine, and gather in person – and they are doing so in ever-growing numbers.
For landlords, tenants, and developers, the lesson is clear: retail in Hervey Bay isn’t dying; it’s transforming into something stronger. With population growth, lifestyle demand, and major national investment flowing in, the Fraser Coast is entering a new era of retail success.
FCPIA: Championing growth, shaping opportunity, and backing the future of Fraser Coast retail.
