Development Site Esplanade Frontage
Esplanade Frontage Development Site – 2,689m² Mixed-Use Opportunity
356 Esplanade, Torquay QLD 4655
Development site with existing improvements
2,689m² land | 8 units + 1 residence
Esplanade frontage, dual street access, high-density mixed-use zoning
Feature Summary
Positioned directly on the Esplanade just steps from the coastline, this 2,689m² site represents a rare large-scale development holding within one of the Fraser Coast’s most tightly held beachfront corridors.
The property currently comprises eight 2-bedroom units and a 5-bedroom residence, generating holding income while future planning is undertaken. However, the true value lies in the scale of the landholding, its dual street frontage, and its zoning — which supports high-density residential, tourism and mixed-use outcomes under the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme.
For developers, this is not a standard unit block. It is a strategic site capable of delivering a multi-storey coastal project that integrates residential living, short-stay accommodation, and retail or commercial activation along the Esplanade.
Must Haves
- 2,689m² Esplanade-front landholding
- High-density mixed-use zoning
- Dual street frontage
- Existing income-producing improvements
- Direct beach access (approx. 100 steps)
- Positioned within active tourism and lifestyle precinct
I Wants
- Multi-storey development potential (STCA)
- Ability to integrate residential, tourism and retail uses
- Strong exposure to Esplanade foot traffic
- Rare large-format coastal development site
- Long-term capital growth in constrained beachfront supply
Location Advantages (With Distances)
Beach & Recreation
- Esplanade beachfront – approx. 50–80 metres
- Hervey Bay Esplanade walking/cycling track (approx. 15 km corridor) – immediate access
- Torquay Beach – approx. 100 metres
- Urangan Pier – approx. 3.5 km
- Great Sandy Strait / Fraser Island access (via barge) – approx. 10–15 km to departure points
Shopping & Retail
- Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre – approx. 3.2 km
- Pialba Place Shopping Centre – approx. 3.5 km
- Torquay local retail strip, cafes & dining – within 0–300 metres
Transport & Connectivity
- Hervey Bay Airport – approx. 5 km
- Boat Harbour / Marina precinct – approx. 4–5 km
- Major arterial roads connecting to Maryborough – accessible within 5–10 minutes (approx. 5–8 km)
- Public transport services operate along the Esplanade corridor, linking Torquay, Urangan and Pialba
Education
Public Schools:
- Torquay State School – approx. 1.5 km
- Hervey Bay State High School – approx. 3.5 km
Private Schools:
- Xavier Catholic College – approx. 2.5 km
- Fraser Coast Anglican College – approx. 6–7 km
Health & Medical
- Hervey Bay Hospital – approx. 6 km
- St Stephen’s Hospital (private) – approx. 6–7 km
- Medical centres and allied health – within 1–3 km
Tourism & Lifestyle Drivers
- Whale watching hub (seasonal tourism) – local region
- Marina and boating infrastructure – approx. 4–5 km
- Fraser Island (K’gari) gateway – regional access via barge points approx. 10–15 km
Development Opportunity
The zoning framework supports a wide range of outcomes including:
- High-density residential apartments
- Short-stay / tourism accommodation
- Ground-floor retail or food activation
- Mixed-use commercial/residential projects
Dual street frontage enhances design flexibility, allowing for:
- Separate access points
- Basement or podium parking solutions
- Improved circulation and staging of development
This is the type of site where design and planning unlock the real value.
Market & Regional Growth
The Fraser Coast has experienced a major uplift in development activity, with reported growth from approximately $300 million in 2019 to nearly $3 billion in 2024.
Key indicators include:
- Significant increase in development approvals
- Expansion of residential, tourism and commercial infrastructure
- Strong pipeline of major projects across the region
Upcoming and active projects include:
- Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (Torbanlea)
- Hervey Bay Community Hub (Pialba)
- New multi-storey residential developments along the coast
- Industrial expansion in Maryborough
This level of activity supports long-term demand for well-located development sites, particularly those with coastal positioning and mixed-use potential.
Strategic Value
This property should be viewed as a land acquisition with holding income, not a yield-driven investment.
- Existing income: approx. $134,600 p/a
- Value is driven by redevelopment potential
- Limited supply of large Esplanade-front sites
- Strong alignment with planning scheme intent
Buyer Search Q&A
Is this a development site or an investment property?
It is primarily a development site with holding income. The value lies in the land, zoning and future potential.
What can be built here?
The zoning supports high-density residential, tourism and mixed-use outcomes, subject to council approval.
How close is the beach?
The site is approximately 50–100 metres from the beachfront, with direct Esplanade access.
What shopping and amenities are nearby?
Major centres such as Stockland Hervey Bay (approx. 3.2 km) and Pialba Place (approx. 3.5 km) are nearby, along with cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
Is there access to schools and healthcare?
Yes. Schools are within approximately 1.5–7 km, and both public and private hospitals are within approximately 6–7 km.
How strong is the growth outlook?
The Fraser Coast is experiencing significant infrastructure and development growth, supporting long-term demand for coastal development sites.
What Buyers Need to Know
- Property is a development site with holding income
- All development outcomes subject to council approval
- Zoning supports mixed-use, residential and tourism outcomes
- Buyers should conduct full planning and feasibility due diligence


















