How whale watching in Hervey Bay guarantees humpback sighting

Knowing when and where to look, plus which tours to book, with our tried-and-tested guide to whale watching in Hervey Bay.

As an East Coast local, spotting a whale cruising along Australia’s Humpback Highway isn’t all that unusual. Placed front row as they migrate annually from Antarctica to breed and birth, I’m on the Gold Coast where sudden leaps and misty blows are visible just beyond your morning cuppa.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay, however, sits in a league of its own. Crowned the world’s first Whale Heritage Site in 2019 by the World Cetacean Alliance, the coastal town in Queensland’s Fraser Coast is filled with such toasty waters that whales linger for up to 10 days to flex and flip with ease. It dials up sighting chances exponentially while offering some of the most breathtaking acrobatic displays on earth. Here, how to navigate your next adventure.

Best time of year to see whales in Hervey Bay

whales swimming in the turquoise waters off Hervey Bay — The peak season for whales in Hervey Bay is mid-July to late October. (Image: Visit Fraser Coast)

There’s a specific window for whale watching in Hervey Bay as predictable seasons draw humpbacks to Australia’s warm waters annually. June to November is the official window but when you start chatting to local tour operators, you’ll quickly learn that pods start heading home in November. Our tip? Cut your plans by the end of October to be safe.

Jazz up your experience a step further by visiting during the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival which typically runs over two weekends during the early stages of whale watching season. You’ll get swept up in activities like an after-dark parade of marine animal lanterns, fireworks, local gallery talks and the standout ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ which sees a trail of boaties create a fleet to receive good will from the local minister.

The 2025 festival is done and dusted but stay across the event’s website for future scheduling.

What types of whales can you spot in Hervey Bay

a humpback whale above the water in Hervey Bay — Humpback whales are the most common whale species in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tracy Farr/Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s humpback central every year as the medium-sized whale species kick-start one of the longest migratory expeditions taken by any mammal. But while there’s just one species to snoop for, a smorgasbord of humpback sizes is known to drop in come whale watching season in Hervey Bay.

Male humpbacks tend to lead the charge with the younger guys right up front. At the back of the queue, pregnant humpbacks and little calves hang, while the middle is filled with frisky males and females looking to breed.

In Hervey Bay at the beginning of 2025, I chatted to a tour operator who told me that the mamas spend good quality time with their calves as they bask in Hervey Bay’s ideal waters. What that means is mums flaunt their breaching techniques to encourage youngsters to develop their own gymnastic skills. I didn’t catch such a spectacular show in person, but keep your eyes peeled during your visit and get more information on specific sightings from locals who are all so passionate about accommodating their magnificent aquatic neighbours.

Top whale watching tours in Hervey Bay

a whale rising above the water, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours Hervey Bay — Watch humpback whales playfully breach. (Image: Peter Lynch/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of excellent whale watching tours in Hervey Bay, and many offer up-close-and-personal encounters with pods of humpbacks (think just metres away, with spritzes delightfully unavoidable).

I set sail out of the bay with Blue Dolphin Marine Tours in 2025 and adored every inch of my experience aboard the team’s low-carbon-footprint catamaran. Peter Lynch runs the show, a skipper with more than 40 years of international experience in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals, so while you’re enjoying the pristine blue waters out yonder, he’s right on hand to alert you to animals of all shapes and sizes. During my tour, Peter pointed out dolphins and turtles before we even left the marina.

The company’s full-day Whale Watching Encounter offers the ultimate whale watching in Hervey Bay experience, complete with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, a drink, and pick-up and drop-off transfers from your Hervey Bay accommodation. Prices start from $195 per adult.

We also love these whale watching tours in Hervey Bay:

K’gari Salty Safaris

Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that runs for roughly four hours. Your K’gari Salty Safaris ride is an 11-metre inflatable vessel that slices and dices the water for an added adrenaline rush. The team allow you to swim (safely) and snorkel around popular whale locations as they journey to beautiful K’gari and the northern Great Sandy Strait and back. Prices start from $165 per adult.

Spirit of Hervey Bay

If you’re looking to share your whale watching experience with a large group, Spirit of Hervey Bay is a popular pick. Half day tours invite guests to take a load off over five levels and six viewing decks with air conditioning and multiple bathrooms ensuring everyone’s comfortable. Morning or afternoon tea is also thrown in depending on when you head out. Prices start from $145 per adult.

Whalesong Cruises

The team at Whalesong Cruises take guests out for whale watching in Hervey Bay twice daily for about five hours each spin. The afternoon option runs over sunset so factor that into your happy snapping hopes. What we love about this tour is that it’s highly accessible to guests with access needs — think wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets — which isn’t always the case. Prices start from $160 per adult.

Tasman Venture

A half-day Tasman Venture Whale Watching Encounter gives guests awesome water-level and underwater viewing platforms, so watching the big fellas dance weightlessly before they breach is often on the cards. Morning or afternoon tea is also included, as is an antipasto platter that’s rolled out on the trip back in. Prices start from $155 per adult.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

This Aussie town is the whale watching capital of the world