Hervey Bay

Dolphin & whale watching

Join a guided day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island) in a 4WD bus and visit highlights, such as Lake McKenzie, 75 Mile Beach, and the Maheno Shipwreck, with return ferry transfers included. Let your driver traverse the tracks and tides to ensure an enjoyable experience on the world’s largest sand island. Begin your adventure with pickup from your Hervey Bay accommodation, or make your own way to River Heads. Take a 40-minute ferry ride to K'gari, keeping a look out for dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Once on the island, follow your local guide to see the stunning natural sights. If English is your second language, download the free foreign language app prior to the tour and use it offline for audio commentary. Learn fascinating facts about the island’s history, and its flora and fauna. Travel in an air-conditioned bus to Central Station, a former logging station. Then stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk to discover the ancient king ferns, towering ghost gums, and pine trees. Continue to Lake McKenzie and swim in the crystal blue waters or relax on the sandy beaches. Next up is the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Choose to take a flight over the island (at an additional cost), or float down Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and enjoy a photo stop at the rusting wreck of the Maheno. Also, see The Pinnacles colored sands, and learn how these formations were created. Board the 5:00 PM ferry back to River Heads, and get dropped off at your accommodation.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of K'gari (Formerly Fraser Island). Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, slice, and biscuits. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the remote western side of World Heritage-listed K'gari, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek on a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks, or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. During whale season mid-July to October each year (official season dates vary from year to year), be on the lookout for humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they enjoy the calm clear waters off K'gari. If conditions are ideal, guests will have the opportunity to experience a humpback whale immersion. The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea: antipasti platter including cheese, cabana, crackers, pickled onions, and dip. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

This whale watching tour is led by certified marine naturalists who provide expert interpretation of the amazing whale behaviors you'll encounter. As an exclusive, you'll also interact with an onboard whale researcher. Listen to live whale songs with underwater hydrophones and learn the latest whale facts and findings. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are all available onboard. You'll cruise in comfort on Hervey Bay's newest, a state-of-the-art vessel the Ocean Defender. Enjoy a fast, smooth ride with panoramic water-level views from forward-facing seats offering plenty of shade. On this small-group tour, there are excellent photo opportunities. The Ocean Defender is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. Enjoy the knowledge that your ticket supports whale research, marine education, and ocean conservation in Australia and around the world. 

This half-day whale watch cruise departs twice daily from the Hervey Bay Marina on the luxury 20-meter catamaran Tasman Venture. Experience a tranquil cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and past rugged islands before sailing along the pristine western side of World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). The catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching, offering clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and a unique water-level viewing platform for the ultimate personal experience. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime up-close and personal encounters with the majestic humpback whales and marvel at their sheer size and athleticism. Friendly, experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour and serve a morning or afternoon tea and delicious antipasti platter.

Relax on a tranquil evening cruise from Hervey Bay into the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park. This is the perfect appetizer for your evening ahead. Nothing beats watching the sunset at sea and the experience of returning to the port at dusk. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as you soak up the changing colors of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife that frequent the Marine Park at dusk. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset. Early evening is a special time to be on the water as marine wildlife of the harbor comes out to play. You will find the peacefulness of the water perfectly reflecting the evening light, and the lights of Hervey Bay twinkling in the distance mesmerizing.

This tour departs from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Hervey Bay. You travel to K'gari (Fraser Island), across the beautiful, clear water. Look out for Australian wildlife including dolphins, turtles, and dugongs on the way. Morning tea will be served on the journey over. Arrive on the protected waters on the West Coast of K'gari or Pelican Banks, depending on the season and weather. Beaches on the western side of Fraser Island are far more remote and untouched. Pelican Bank is a sandbank on the Great Sandy Strait which is utter perfection due to the clear water. Swim, kayak, walk, play and explore this beautiful location. An Aussie BBQ lunch will be provided as you cruise back from K'gari. This includes locally-sourced ingredients such as steak, sausages, Hervey Bay prawns, green salad, Greek salad, potato salad and fresh bread rolls. Cold drinks are available for purchase at the licensed bar.

Hervey Bay was declared the World's First Whale Heritage site and is still the only such site in Australasia; it has a reputation as one the best places in the world in which to observe Humpback whales. Enjoy close encounters with a 100% guarantee of seeing these majestic beauties. They are in their natural habitat and we get to have an enthralling half–day with them.  Depart from your hotel or accommodation in Hervey Bay and travel to the marina to begin your aquatic adventure. Travel across the beautiful blue, clear water of Hervey Bay and take in the stunning views. Spot humpback and other majestic species of whales as they frolic in the water. Look out also for birds, turtles, dugongs and 3 different species of dolphin. While you watch whales and a whole host of wonderful sea creatures, the friendly crew will serve morning tea and lunch (on Extended Morning cruise) or afternoon tea and dinner (on Afternoon and Sunset cruise). When conditions permit, we can listen to the whales 'sing' with our hydrophone. Whalesong is wheelchair accessible and our caring and empathetic team will ensure everyone on board is taken care of, no matter their ability.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). The fast and comfortable 20 meter catamaran is perfect for a small number of passengers ensuring an intimate, personalized tour. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the western side of World Heritage-listed K’gari, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek during a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious buffet lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. Be on the look out for Humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm clear waters off K’gari. Marvel at their sheer athleticism as they explode out of the water in a spectacular breach or be awestruck as you come face to face as they spy hop right next to the boat. Be one of the few and very fortunate to experience an intimate, immersive whale experience that allows you to get closer to these creatures than ever before as you swim with them in their own natural environment (subject to conditions). The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

Dive deep into the nature while cruising the bluest shallows and exploring the wildlife and unique beauty that surrounds the Great Sandy Straits on this 3.5 hr Turtle Discovery Tour. Begin your eco-tour onboard a 10-meter glass-bottom vessel. Travel through the spectacular waterways of the Great Sandy Marine Park, with Island stops at either Round Island, Big Woody Island, or Pelican banks. View the beautiful coral reefs below through the glass panels. (tides permitting). Enjoy time spent on the islands where you can swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters, play a game of beach cricket or take the opportunity to relax on the sandy beaches and take in the views. Sneak off to your own private corner of a picture-perfect beach. Walk where the crystal blue water meets the white sand and spinifex grass. Whilst cruising along, keep a look out for turtles, dolphins, dugongs, sea birds, and possibly a reef shark or dugong. Please check the calendar for departure times as this may vary due to tides. Check in 20 minutes prior to departure at our Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours office located at Shop6/17 Buccaneer Drive Urangan Qld 4655. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire for $10 per set, payable upon check in.

Join the crew of the Amaroo, a purpose-built whale-watching vessel, for a world-class whale-watching tour departing from Hervey Bay, one of the best destinations in the world to watch humpback whales. Awarded BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCE - by Travelers Explore the 3 open decks that allow you to feel the cooling sea breeze and see the whales from many vantage points that provide perfect photo opportunities. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of a highly trained team and captain. They are passionate about the whales and will provide expert commentary on their behavior and the history of Hervey Bay. Watch the migrating humpback whales take a break during the annual season. Here they stop and relax in large numbers, making for the most amazing whale-watching encounters on earth. You can assist the crew by scanning the seas for the first flash, or splash, as pods of whales play, signaling the start of your awe-inspiring experience. Experience the unique phenomenon of whale 'mugging', as they move in close to watch you, watching them. After your tour, enjoy a discount on meals and beverages at the Hervey Bay Boat Club, one of the region's premier dining venues and the departure point for your cruise.