Hervey Bay, on the coast of the Fraser Coast Region of Queensland, is one of the world’s best places for whale watching. Here are five of the best tours:
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Think Whale watching and you’ll probably think Hervey Bay. Away from the glitz of Surfers Paradise and the street art and farmers markets of Brisbane, the string of seaside towns further up north that are collectively known as Hervey Bay are more how you might imagine Australia to be. Long, protected golden beaches, leafy parks and island getaways all make it a laid-back destination – but it’s most famous for its migrating whales that visit each winter from June to November. Dozens of tours have sprung up around the official Whale Heritage Site, with visitors travelling across the world to get a glimpse of humpback whales enjoying the calm, protected waters around the island of K’gari, plus occasionally performing 40-tonne backflips metres from a boat. This is more than just ticking off one of the sights of Australia’s East Coast, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed. Here are five tours to see whales at Hervey Bay:
Exclusive Whale Watch Encounter
This is the tour for serious whale watchers. It’s a whole day long – maybe too much for those for whom a passing glimpse is enough – and includes a few goodies that other tours don’t necessarily include. Experienced skipper and owner Peter Lynch takes groups of up to 24 people out to his favourite whale watching spots, providing expert commentary as you go. If there is whale action to be found Pete will whip out the exclusive in-water platform for an up-close-and-personal experience with the giant mammals as well as setting up an on-board hydrophone to hear the animals singing. This is all topped off by a full buffet lunch, tea and coffee and even a beer thrown in. From € 111.39.
Book at getyourguide.com
Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
For something a bit less in depth but fun nevertheless, this half-day excursion will be perfect for most casual whale viewer. The boat is big, with three open decks, making it all a bit more fun if you like meeting new people, allowing guests to move around to get the best position to see the whales. One of the things that makes this tour special is the dedication of the skipper and crew to making sure everyone is stocked up on tea and coffee, as well as knowledge about the whales – it’s a quality experience. There are even biscuits included too.
Book at getyourguide.com
Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter
If life is about the journey rather than the destination, then this trip ticks both boxes. You get to travel on a fully-equipped, eco-friendly catamaran during this eight-hour tour, sailing out to K’gari’s Platypus Bay. The boat has a submerged platform for a closer encounter with the whales and live commentary to keep guests up to date with the action surrounding them. This is more of a relaxed and intimate experience than some of the bigger boats and also a great way to spend a day just in case the whales don’t make much of an appearance (which can happen). Buffet lunch and tea and coffee included. From €113.39.
Book at viator.com
Ultimate Whale Watching Experience
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Calling your trip the ‘ultimate’ and then making it one of the shortest available means it has to pack a lot in to three hours to live up to its name. The snappily-named Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures manages to pull it off too, with expert commentary from certified marine naturalists, underwater hydrophones, panoramic water-level ‘whale’s eye’ views and an onboard whale researcher to give the latest intel on these underwater giants. The state-of-the-art vessel, The Ocean Defender, is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. The good news is that it’s also pretty cheap, making it good for backpackers or anyone on a budget. From € 65.63.
Book at getyourguide.com
Hervey Bay Fun Cruise
If whales aren’t the top priority on your whale watching trip, then this tour is a great shout. It’s three hours long and cruises through the turquoise waters of the Great Sandy Strait and along the western coast of K’gari. The party piece of this trip is a boom net that hangs in the water for bathing on the go, and also getting face-to-face with dolphins and sea turtles. They do offer the chance to see whales but the birdlife, lush islands, dingos and secluded beaches are also on the itinerary. Even if no big marine life turns up you’ll still have a whale of a time. From €36.77.
Book at viator.com