

Remote Fraser Island and Whale Experience – Tasman Venture
Experience the unique and untouched remote west coast of Fraser Island (K’gari) and enjoy up…
Read MoreThousands of Humpback whales pass by our coastline each year during their annual migration; from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to their breeding and nursing grounds in tropical north Queensland.
It is here that pregnant females give birth to their 5-meter long (and 2-tonne!) calves. The gestation period for humpbacks is approximately 11-months and once born, calves accompany mum on the annual migration, nursing until at least their first birthday.
It is a constant journey, either north or south, depending on the time of the season. But there is one special place on Australia’s east coast where the whales stop to take a break – Hervey Bay.
It’s here in our Whale Heritage Site, where the whales rest, and calves practise the incredible behaviours whale watchers yearn to see, from breaching, spy-hopping to tail slapping.
Did you know? Twenty years of scientific research has proven that Hervey Bay is the only genuine stopover in what is one of the longest mammal migration journeys on the planet – a 10,000-kilometer round trip from the southern ocean to the tropics and back again.
Many describe coming face-to-face for the first time with these graceful 40-tonne giants as a spiritual experience. Because they are relaxed (and not migrating), the whales are just as interested in ‘people watching’ as we are whale watching – sometimes spending hours eyeballing, slapping, spy-hopping and breaching within arms length of the boats.
Hop on board and join our fleet of specially designed vessels this winter, and see what all the fuss is about. Our fleet offers eco-certified encounters, departing daily from Hervey Bay’s Great Sandy Straits Marina between July and October each year, respectfully observing the thousands of east coast humpback whales in the protected waters of our marine park, in the lee of K’gari (Fraser Island).
Eco-experiences range from intimate all-day sailing expeditions, to half-day trips catered for all ages and abilities. From underwater viewing rooms, to hydraulic lift platforms with optional whale immersion excursions, our dedicated crew is there to help you experience these magnificent creatures in the best (and safest) ways possible.
Devoted to sustainable whale watching practices, our experienced and passionate fleet operates together as one big team. Respectfully abiding by the highest industry standards and regulations, Hervey Bay’s fleet is there to get you to the heart of the action – and ensure you have a whale of a day out on the water.
Experience the unique and untouched remote west coast of Fraser Island (K’gari) and enjoy up…
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Read MoreAn international NGO and world ecotourism leader, Pacific Whale Foundation has been working to save…
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Read MoreExperience an unforgettable up-close wildlife encounter with the majestic humpback whales, on a Fraser Island…
Read MoreEnjoy an amazing half-day aboard the Spirit. Our whale cruises run from 8.30am – 1.00pm…
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Read MoreHervey Bay’s reputation as Australia’s whale watching capital was made official in October 2019, when the region was dubbed the world’s first Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.
This 6, 000 square-kilometer area, covers about 20 percent of the Great Sandy Marine Park, spanning from Rooneys Point, across to Burrum Heads, and as far south as Big Woody Island. The area is part of the wider Great Sandy Biosphere, awarded reserve status by UNESCO back in 2009.
Today’s Hervey Bay whale fleet operates in the renamed Great Sandy Marine Park under strict regulations, aimed at ensuring the thousands of whales that come into Hervey Bay each year are protected – and that they keep coming back in greater numbers.
Joined by a select few ecologically significant sites for cetaceans worldwide, including The Bluff in South Africa, and Dana Point in the USA, our heritage-listed waters puts us on the map as a gold standard destination for eco-tourism, paving the way for sustainable whale watching practises worldwide.
To qualify, a Whale Heritage Site must ensure the highest standard in respectful human-wildlife interactions, as well as showing active engagement by the local community and their tourists with marine life through art, music, science, education and other heritage and cultural events.
“These sites will become places where people respect, celebrate and protect cetaceans and their habitats long into the future.” WCA Honorary President, Jean-Michael Cousteau
As well as amazing personal experiences on the water, visitors can experience our unique connection to the humpbacks through various art installations, including the 30-tonne statue of one of our region’s most beloved whales, Nala, outside The Discovery Sphere along Main Street, Pialba.
In 2019 for the World Whale Conference, Artists Cave Urban and the Fraser Coast community, created a stunning bamboo art piece that you can find at the Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre. This eco-friendly creation aims to inspire change while protecting the cetacean habitat from ocean-destroying plastics.
Whales are also celebrated annually during the month-long Hervey Bay Whale Festival, which features six back-to-back signature cultural events over two weekends in Hervey Bay.
The festival lineup in 2021 includes the popular Blessing of the Fleet and Paddle Out for Whales (pictured), plus a stellar program of new and revamped events, including Song to the Ocean, Seafood Festival, and the much-loved Whale Parade and Family Day.
The annual festival commemorates the beginning of another whale watching season here in Hervey Bay, and celebrates our unique connection to these incredible animals through artistic displays, live music, parades, workshops, food and other action-packed activities suitable for the whole family.
To view the full program for this year’s festival (July 29 – August 8), click here