Planet 72 Ice Creamery in Hervey Bay named best in Australia

It’s something the Fraser Coast locals have known for generations and now the rest of the nation will know what sets this ice creamery apart from the rest.

Australia has finally realised what Fraser Coast locals have known for years.

Hervey Bay’s Planet 72 Ice Creamery has been named the nation’s best ice creamery in Wotif.com’s Uniquely Aussie Awards, announced late last month.

The Uniquely Aussie Awards list the best things to see and do and places to eat across the country.

Planet 72 Ice Creamery owner Dallas Harch said it was humbling to be recognised.

With an extensive 72-flavour range, the ice creamery is popular among holiday-makers and Fraser Coast residents alike for its friendly, welcoming service and huge variety.

Hervey Bay’s Planet 72 Ice Creamery owner Dallas Harch.

Mr Harch said he had been told by people visiting Hervey Bay that his business was the first place they came to visit after checking in and often the last place they came to on their way out of town for one more ice cream.

“You do sometimes have to pinch yourself,” he said.

“A business you’ve set up to make a living is actually that important to people.”

Mr Harch said his son still helps him run the family-owned business.

Some of the delicious ice cream flavours on offer at Planet 72 Ice Creamery in Hervey Bay.

Over the years, popular flavours have come and gone, while some remained constant, like rum and raisin and macadamia.

The latest trends included rock salt caramel and Mr Harch’s personal favourite, burnt fig and honeycomb.

Top picks for kids include rainbow, bubble gum and fairy floss.

Mr Harch said it was especially exciting to claim the win against other ice creameries in capital cities.

The Hervey Bay ice creamery beat finalists including Van Diemens Land Creamery in Elizabeth Town, Tasmania, the Daintree Ice Cream Company in Diwan, Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream in Apollo Bay, Victoria, among many others.