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.

We advocate for healthy oceans - join us on our Ultimate Whale Watch and become an ocean advocate too! Cruise in comfort on our 12m rigid inflatable boat, the Ocean Defender, purpose-built for small-group tours and whale watching. Enjoy a stunning scenic ride offering panoramic views of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) as you head into the protected waters of Platypus Bay, the world's first Whale Heritage Site - a unique resting area and playground for the East Australian Humpbacks on their migration - part of the Great Sandy Biosphere and Great Sandy Marine Park. The tour is led by marine scientists, providing expert interpretation of whale behaviours, as well as facts and findings from ongoing, world-leading research. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones. Take lots of photos from water-level views, and become an advocate for healthy oceans by supporting whale research, marine education and ocean conservation in Australia.

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.

Our iconic pink 4WD vehicles, paired with our expert guides, ensure an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers of all ages and experience levels. Ideal for a long weekend getaway, our 2-day Tag-Along Tour offers an exciting mix of experiences, from exploring the bush and beaches to discovering lakes and rainforests. As you journey across K’gari, you'll have plenty of chances to capture incredible moments—whether you're walking through the lush Pile Valley rainforest, floating down Eli Creek, relaxing by the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, or exploring the famous Maheno shipwreck. Enjoy a night walk under the stars, wake up to a breathtaking sunrise, or spot wild dingoes in their natural habitat—your sense of adventure will be fully satisfied on this unique tour. You’ll stay in comfortable beach house accommodations (quad shared rooms) with access to a spacious communal deck. All meals are included, and you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers while gaining valuable insights from our knowledgeable guides. To drive one of our pink 4WD vehicles on K’gari, you’ll need to be over 21 years old and hold an open driver’s license.

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.

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.

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 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 15 minutes prior to departure at Fisherman's Wharf Marina Urangan. Parking at the public boat ramp Urangan. Directions to meeting point: Head to Ramada Hotel Urangan. Turn into Jetty Street, follow the road to the end and turn right into the car park. Park your vehicle here. (careful not to park in the 'car and trailer' section as you may incur a fine). From here you will see a very large green shed. In front of this shed is a sliding gate and to the left of this gate is a pedestrian push gate. Enter the gate and turn left and you will be met outside Marina office building 15 mins prior to departure.

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.

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.