Hervey Bay Regional Gallery: Discover What’s Inside

WHEN people think of Hervey Bay, they usually picture whales, beaches and long walks along the Esplanade.

But tucked just a few minutes from the waterfront is a cultural surprise many visitors don’t expect — the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

It’s the sort of place where you might walk in out of curiosity and suddenly find yourself seeing the world through a completely different perspective… even a worm’s.

One exhibition that captured this perfectly was Origin Story, which explored Queensland’s deep cultural connection with rugby league.

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Rugby league from a worm’s perspective

As fans of State of Origin rugby league matches, we all know how nail-bitingly intense these legendary fixtures can be. But have you ever thought about what the worms on the grounds feel as tens of thousands roar in celebration and despair?

Believe it or not, one artist — Erika Scott from Lamb Island, Qld — gave that very perspective its own spotlight through an out-of-the-box project titled Worm’s-Eye View, featured in the Origin Story exhibition at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery in 2023.

Scott’s sculpture, Worm’s-Eye View, captures the essence of State of Origin, with discarded elements of popular culture breathing life into the soles of sports shoes.

Commissioned for Origin Story, this maximalist assemblage beautifully depicted rugby league rituals through the sensory and emotional experience of football.

Worm’s-Eye View was a masterfully crafted, freestanding work that could be viewed from two distinct and opposing positions.

Her sculpture was among the many displays celebrating the history of the State of Origin rugby league series in this Fraser Coast arts exhibition.

Inspired by Queensland’s passion for the greatest sporting rivalry of all time, Origin Story brought together artists from across Queensland to reflect on the cultural contribution of State of Origin to Queensland’s identity.

Curated by Hervey Bay Regional Gallery curator Llewellyn Millhouse, the exhibition featured commissioned artworks from Joel Barney, Shane Jacob, Ashley Nixon, Phillip Piperides, Phoebe Paradise, Jack Rodgers, Teho Ropeyarn, Erika Scott, and David Spooner.

The exhibition also included works from the Fraser Coast Regional Council Art Collection, along with loans from the QRL History Committee, Army Museum South Queensland, and the State Library of Queensland.

Historic State of Origin trophy at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

The original State of Origin trophy displayed at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

Did you know that during World War II, the first State of Origin Queensland v NSW rugby league match was played on 16 September 1945? The venue was Torokina, Bougainville, off New Guinea.

The original State of Origin trophy was once displayed at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on the Fraser Coast, offering visitors a rare chance to see this unusual piece of rugby league history.

What’s particularly fascinating is that the trophy awarded to the winning team was made from a 120mm Japanese shell casing, with two handles mounted on each side. It had a three-tiered carved wooden base secured by a large six-sided bolt in the centre.

The trophy — also known as “Trench Art” — was engraved with a presentation inscription:
‘Interstate Rugby League Series, Bougainville September 1945, won by Queensland 10-9, 20-13’.

Major General W Bridgeford CB CBE MC presented the winning team with the trophy, which was inscribed with the names of the Queensland players.

This original State of Origin Cup from 1945 was displayed at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, thanks to a loan from the Army Museum South Queensland.

Fraser Coast Councillor Denis Chapman said, “Origin Story was the ultimate exhibition for sport, history and art lovers, celebrating the significance of rugby league within the Fraser Coast community.”

1994 ED Falcon – Marooned just for you!

Fraser Coast’s biggest Origin fan Shane Jacob volunteered his pride and joy for the exhibition – a fully ‘Marooned’ 1994 ED Falcon which sported the dates of all the years Queensland had claimed the premiership! Jacob is pictured with fellow fan Lynn and Fraser Coast Councillor Dennis Chapman. Contributed photo.

This is a snippet of what was on display at the Origin Story exhibition at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

Feature photo @ top is artist Erika Scott next to her Worm’s-Eye View sculpture. 

Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY 

The other new exhibition at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery was Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY, which presented perspectives on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through sculpture, printmaking, video, and large-scale painting.

Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY was a touring exhibition from the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, and UNSW  Galleries, which features loans from major collections including Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Australia.

Why the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Is Worth Visiting

Tucked away in Pialba, just a few minutes from the waterfront, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is one of those places visitors often stumble across by accident — and are pleasantly surprised they did.

The gallery hosts a changing program of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring a mix of local Fraser Coast artists and touring exhibitions from major Australian institutions. One visit might bring you face-to-face with contemporary sculpture, the next with powerful First Nations storytelling, photography, or large-scale painting.

What makes the gallery particularly appealing for travellers is how accessible and relaxed it feels. Entry is free, the exhibition spaces are easy to explore at your own pace, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than intimidating — even if you’re someone who doesn’t normally visit galleries.

For locals, it’s a reminder that the Fraser Coast isn’t only about beaches and whales. For visitors, it offers a glimpse of the region’s creative and cultural life, shaped by community, landscape and history.

And sometimes, as with Erika Scott’s imaginative Worm’s-Eye View, it simply invites you to look at familiar things from a completely unexpected angle.

For more details, visit the gallery at https://hbrg.ourfrasercoast.com.au/

Pair Your Visit with a Day Exploring Hervey Bay

A visit to the gallery is easy to weave into a relaxed day exploring Hervey Bay’s Esplanade precinct.

After wandering through the exhibitions, you’re only a short drive from the waterfront where the Esplanade stretches for kilometres along the bay. It’s perfect for a stroll under the pandanus trees, a coffee stop overlooking the water, or a long lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants scattered along the foreshore.

This part of Hervey Bay has a wonderfully unhurried feel. Locals cycle past, travellers pause for photos of the calm bay, and pelicans patrol the shoreline with quiet confidence.

For visitors, it’s a reminder that the Fraser Coast offers more than natural beauty. Alongside whale watching, island adventures and beachside sunsets, there’s also a growing creative scene — galleries, exhibitions, festivals and artists who draw inspiration from this unique coastal landscape.

Planning a visit to Hervey Bay, Maryborough or K’gari?

If you’re exploring Queensland’s Fraser Coast — whether for a weekend getaway, whale season, or a longer coastal road trip — these travel partners can help make the journey easier.

Accommodation
→ Oaks Hotels & Resorts – comfortable waterfront and apartment-style stays across Queensland

Car Hire
→ Avis Car Rentals – explore the Fraser Coast and surrounding regions at your own pace

Caravan & Holiday Parks
→ ParkBooker – compare caravan parks and holiday parks across Australia

Travel Insurance
→ AllClear Travel Insurance – specialist cover for travellers, including those with pre-existing medical conditions

Travel Gear
→ BagSmart – smart organisers and practical travel accessories for easier packing

Good Causes
→ Mater Lotteries – support life-saving medical research while entering to win beautifully designed Australian prize homes

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Editor’s note: This article has been refreshed and updated from the original version published in June 2023.