DINERS ARE SPOILED FOR CHOICE

More than 10 years have passed since I spent time at Hervey Bay, and how the town has grown and changed.

It’s now a sprawling mini-metropolis with a population of more than 52,000.

Walking along The Esplanade with the small waves of the bay lapping at the shore is much the same, and the jetty is still there, but the quality of cafes and restaurants along the popular strip has really improved.

AquaVue has a prime position overlooking the water, which is a bit of a rarity. And considering my proximity to the ocean, I though it fitting to order seafood for dinner.

The menu offered beer-battered fish and chips, salt and pepper calamari, barramundi and garlic prawns.

I opted for the grilled barramundi which was served on a sweet potato mash with spinach and dill sauce and was delicious.

The following day I returned to the strip and my attention was caught by a menu boasting a Super Green Smoothie – vegan-friendly and dairy-free. It was something I had to try.

The smoothie was a delicious blend of spinach, banana, pineapple, dates, hemp seeds, coconut water and raspberries. Even my teenager was impressed by the taste.

We were at Bayaroma and stayed for lunch.

I opted for the light three-egg omelette special served with smoked salmon, tomatoes, pickled radish, potato and rocket served with sourdough and herbed cream cheese, while number one son went straight for the lasagne.