Whale watching season in Hervey Bay
If whale watching is on your bucket list, then a trip to Hervey Bay in the Queensland area is the place to go. A holiday to see the whales in their natural habit as they make their way to Antarctica is one that will surely be remembered for a lifetime. Book a tour and find a holiday rental close by and you’re on your way to having a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the whales.
Why Hervey Bay?
You may be wondering why you should head to Hervey Bay as opposed to other areas along the coast. While whales will pass by many other locations, in Hervey Bay these humpback whales spend some time here taking a rest before continuing on to their destination. This obviously gives you a great chance of not only viewing the whales but you may see them playing and interacting with each other. This is also the place where the mothers will teach their newborn calves life skills. As the whales continue to migrate north, the newborns will need to learn to survive in the deep, cold water of Antarctica. Witness first hand as the mothers teach their calves these necessary skills.
What Will I Experience?
At Hervey Bay, you won’t just get on a boat and hope to see a whale swim by. In fact, it’s not unusual for a group of whales to play, breach and tail slap around the boats. The humpback whales are very playful, so you’ll surely see a show while you watch the whales. Many times, the whales will swim right up to the side of the boat so be sure to have your camera ready. Whale watching season at Hervey Bay is not done in the open sea but is actually done within the bay, where waters are nice and calm. The bay receives protection from Fraser Island on the east and the mainland of Australia to the south and west, making this a pleasant spot to witness humpback whales in nature.
What About Tours?
There are tours available in Hervey Bay. Be prepared for a full day of fun on the clear waters of the bay. Choose from a full day or a half-day adventure. You can book your whale watching tour from a local company. It’s best to book early, to make sure you get a reservation. There are about 20 tour operators in the area, with all vessels leaving from Urangan Boat Harbour.
When Is Whale Watching Season?
The best time to see the humpback whales in Hervey Bay is mid-July to mid-November. Most tours will operate from the end of August until the end of October since the first 2 weeks of the season are known as ‘whale searching’. During the first 2 weeks, the tour companies can’t guarantee a whale sighting, which is why most will wait to start tours the first of August.
Bring the family, grab your camera and enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime witnessing the humpback whales at Hervey Bay.