Hervey Bay in Queensland, Australia, is one of the best places for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate to the warmer water here in the winter and offer an incredible adventure for everyone. Whale watching season begins in July and goes to November. At this time, the majestic humpback whales can be seen entering Hervey Bay, and then the fun really begins. Seeing these majestic creatures romping and jumping out of the water and big tails in the air is a breathtaking experience.
It is easy to reach Hervey Bay which is just north of Brisbane. Humpback whales prefer the calm, protected waters surrounding Fraser Island, where they teach their young. This means you can expect blowhole spurts to provide a spectacular out of aerial water display and flip slaps. Whales have also been known to swim near and alongside vessels and at times enjoy making huge splashes of water, drenching everyone near the very front with cool refreshing water. It is always a surprise and always fun, especially for the whales.
Humpback whales come to Hervey Bay every winter from July to November. At this time, there are many events offered that celebrate the whales’ return. Paddle Out for Whales is where many people participate in heading into the bay on surfboards, kayaks, and inflatables to welcome these enormous creatures. Other events include the Whale Parade and Concert, Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, and Blessing of the Fleet.
When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are many choices, and you can stay on the mainland, find resorts with many different accommodations, and even camping is available on Fraser Island.
Once you are settled and ready for whale watching, you have a choice of boats. You can find large cruisers that accommodate many people and have different viewing decks. There are also sailing catamarans that offer room for up to 24 people. If you prefer, you can find special packages offering different kinds of adventure like swimming with whales and close-up encounters with both humpbacks and dolphins. You can find out more information about package tours online and booking ahead is always a good idea.
Some facts about whales:
The scientific name of humpback whales is Megaptera novaeangliae.
As adults, humpback whales can weigh up to five times more than five adult elephants.
Male humpbacks will serenade female humpbacks with song. The whales learn and perfect their tunes all of their lives.
Humpbacks are very social creatures and will sometimes form temporary pods while migrating.
They are very intelligent, included among the top five smartest animals globally, and can self-recognize.
Humpback whales have an essential role in the food chain. Each whale can eat 2500 kg of krill and plankton each day.
Each season a female humpback give birth to a calf that can weigh up to 907 kg at birth.
The life span of the average humpback whale is around 50 years.
Humpback whales can move at a speed of 5-15 km per hour.
These whales don’t have any teeth; they use baleen plates to eat the plankton.
So get yourself out to Hervey Bay and enjoy watching humpback whales for one of the most unforgettable adventures you have ever participated in, and remember to photograph each incredible moment. If you are whale watching for the first time, once you get out on a vessel, you can always get advice and help from the crews about what you should watch for to know when a humpback whale is near.
Book with Spirit of Hervey Bay for a fun and memorable tour.
