Harvey has grown up on the water and, over time had many half-successful ventures. His father was a successful local businessman and Councilor and used to fish with Alf Stewart.

Harvey is the classic underachiever. Although he’s smart and had all the advantages of being raised comfortably in the small town of Summer Bay, he has cruised along in life - putting very few demands and expectations on himself.

Harvey is more than capable of winning a woman over with his smile, his easy charm and his blokey boatie ways, and he has had a long-term crush on Roo Stewart since he was a kid, although she doesn't remember him. But it doesn’t take long for Harvey to woo Roo and the couple’s relationship develops into a fiery one, littered with break-ups and make-ups.

When Roo’s ex-boyfriend Tim comes to the Bay intent on getting Roo back, the pair share a kiss, causing Harvey to flee to the city and have a one-night stand with his ex-wife Melissa. Realising they’re made for each other, all is eventually forgiven and Harvey and Roo wed, not before bridezilla Roo momentarily calls off the wedding on the day.

Harvey’s daughter Lottie also causes problems between Harvey and Roo - mostly due to the fact that Harvey never told Roo that he was previously married with children! When Lottie comes to visit her dad she gives him the cold shoulder for neglecting her over the years. Her icy demeanor defrosts when the pair move into the Summer Bay house with Roo, after Harvey is forced to sell his house to pay a court fine. She eventually returns to the city to live with her her mum.

Melissa and Lottie aren’t the only dark secrets Harvey harbored. It’s also revealed that his young son Ben died when he fell off their fishing boat and drowned - and Harvey was drunk at the time.

However, for all his faults, Roo still feels he is the man for her and the couple now have two honorary children - Maddy and Spencer.