Everything you need to know about whale watching in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is to whales what Hotel California is to its guests in that famous Eagles song. In fact, it’s the only known destination on their migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef where they check-in, but don’t really leave.

Humpback whales use the calm, protected waters around K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) as a calf kindergarten to teach their young how to adult. From flip slaps and blowhole spurts to full, 40-tonne out-of-water aerial displays, Hervey Bay is where you come for Cirque du Soleil of whale behaviour. It’s this phenomenon, along with the region’s dedication to research, cultural and celebratory ties to these majestic creatures that saw it crowned as one of the world’s first Whale Heritage Sites by the World Cetacean Alliance at the World Whale Conference in 2019.

Best still, Hervey Bay is an easy drive north of Brisbane - about 3.5 hours. And it can easily be discovered in a weekend - though you may wish to stay a while longer to explore K'gari or take one of these day trips. 

When is the best time to go whale watching in Hervey Bay?

Migrating humpback whales time their visit each year between June to November, and so should you. So confident are the whale watching operators that you’ll see the whales, most even offer a guarantee over the whale watching period so if you don't see a while, you can cruise again for free.

To celebrate the whales’ arrival, the local community gathers for the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival. Festivities kick off with the Marina Party and official Blessing of the Fleet (20 July 2024), then continue with a weekend of parades and parties on 3-4 August. Don't miss the Paddle Out for Whales - which sees hundreds of people float into the bay on surfboards, kayaks, bright inflatables and SUPs to raise awareness for whale welfare and the conservation of the marine environment.  

Where to stay in Hervey Bay?

The Humpback Highway cuts through the entire Fraser Coast real estate, so you can stay island-side or on the mainland for a whale watching weekend.

Hervey Bay is the best mainland base, and it's a haven for caravan parks. Not your style? Oaks Resort and Spa, Mantra Hervey Bay, and Akama Resort are stumbling distance from the marina, which will afford you the best chance of a sleep-in before your tour. 

On K'gari, Kingfisher Bay Island Resort is the take-off point for a day of cruising the seas in search of whales. But there are plenty of other accommodation options on the world's largest sand island, including pitching a tent at one of the 45 camping areas found here.

Which whale watching tour to choose?

At first glance, it might appear like there’s not much difference between the whale watching tours in Hervey Bay, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see it’s a nuanced decision. So much so, that we've got a dedicated guide to choosing the best tour for you.

Spirit of Hervey Bay is a larger cruiser with five levels of viewing decks, and you can choose from half-day tours (morning or afternoon) or the option to combine with a full day exploring K'gari too. It’s perfect for folks who came to the region to see what runs out first – your SD card or the time on the water.

For something smaller, there’s the sailing catamaran, Blue Dolphin, which caters for up to 24 people and is the most intimate experience on the bay.

Quick Cat II, Tasman Venture and Hervey Bay Dive Centre are among several operators licensed for once-in-a-lifetime swim with whales experiences.

Whalesong allows marine fanatics up-close encounters with both humpbacks and dolphins, on a tour boat that caters to passengers who require wheelchair accessibility. As does Pacific Whale Foundation, whose water-level ‘whaleseye’ viewing deck allows you to eyeball these giants of the deep.

Boat Club Adventure Cruises’ four-hour adventure takes you into the whales’ domain. Tasman Venture’s Remote Fraser Island tour allows you to see the unique and untouched side of stunning K'gari.

Regardless of which boat you choose, the experience is world class – and whale watching vessels team up like a gang of cattle dogs out on the water, making radio calls to one another to identify where whales are playing to ensure their vast aqua-playground is covered.

What to wear while whale watching?

Dressing sensibly is part of your whale watching experience: after all, it's winter and you'll want to spend most of your time on the deck looking out for the whales. Even if your tour vessel has an indoor cabin, outdoors can be windy and wet.

A waterproof jacket or windbreaker, long pants and grippy shoes are recommended.

What to pack?

You definitely don’t need to worry about staying well-fed on a day at sea in Hervey Bay. Depending on your trip you’ll be served morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea (or all three!). 

A camera is an absolute must. Many boats offer binoculars to share, but you may wish to bring your own. 

Where to eat while holidaying in Hervey Bay?

We promise there’s more than just a smorgasbord of krill and plankton to eat in Hervey Bay. While you're here, stop in at some of the best cafes and restaurants.

Things to know about humpback whales

Whatever you think you know about humpback whales, you'll walk away from your whale watching tour knowing a whole lot more - and an even greater appreciation for their majesty. 

Check out these fascinating facts and get inspired to visit this winter. Here's a few to get you started. 

• An adult humpback whale can weigh up to five times more than five adult elephants
  
• Whale songs are an example of nurture, not nature – and all whales learn and perfect their tunes throughout their life
  
• Humpback whales are very social. While they live solo, they often form temporary pods during migration
  
• Whales are highly intelligent - in the top five smartest animals on the planet - and can self-recognise, which is something few animals can do
• Whales play an important role in the food chain. A humpback whale can eat 2500kg of krill and plankton each day, which gives you an idea what would happen if humpback whales were to become extinct
• Females bare a calf each season
• Whales cruise along humpback highway at a speed of 5-15km per hour

Want to whale watch but can’t make it to Hervey Bay?

Don’t worry, Queensland is positively swimming with them. Here’s where you can check out the best spots in Queensland to watch the whales.