'Religion' may be defined as 'a complex of beliefs and practices that point to a set of values and an understanding of the meaning of existence' (Year Book Australia, 1998, p.163). At the time of European settlement, the Aboriginal inhabitants followed their own religions involving belief in the spirits of ancestors and nature. Traditional Anglo-Celtic religions were brought to Australia with the advent of European settlement. However, post war and recent immigration has expanded the numbers of other religions, while adding to the ethnic diversity in Christian groups.

This diversity is reflected in Hervey Bay which has a wide range of Christian and non-Christian churches, religious groups and faiths. Apart from conducting regular services for worship, the religious community supports a wide range of community programmes and facilities including aged care, education, hospice, opportunity shops, family day care and youth outreach.

Many Hervey Bay couples take advantage of the Bush Chapel in the Botanic Gardens in Elizabeth Street, Urangan and the historical church at the museum as wedding venues.