Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.widebaywater.qld.gov.au/quicklinks/wetside
watereducationpark; The Esplanade, Scarness; 10am-6pm daily,
night show 7pm Sat)
On hot days, this wet spot on the foreshore can't be beaten. There's plenty
of shade, fountains, tipping buckets and a boardwalk with water infotainment. Opening
hours vary so check the website for updates.
A WHALE OF A TIME
Every year, from July to early November, thousands of humpback whales cruise into Hervey Bay's sheltered wa-
ters for a few days before continuing their arduous migration south to the Antarctic. Having mated and given
birth in the warmer waters off northeast Australia, they arrive in Hervey Bay in groups of about a dozen (known
as pulses), before splitting into smaller groups of two or three (pods). The new calves utilise the time to develop
the thick layers of blubber necessary for survival in icy southern waters, by consuming around 600L of milk
daily.
Viewing these majestic creatures is simply awe-inspiring. You'll see these showy aqua-acrobats waving their
pectoral fins, tail slapping, breaching or simply 'blowing', and many will roll up beside the whale-watching boats
with one eye clear of the water…making those on board wonder who's actually watching whom.
Activities
Whale Watching
Whale-watching tours operate out of Hervey Bay every day (weather permitting) during
the annual migrations between late July and early November. Sightings are guaranteed
from August to the end of October (with a free return trip if the whales don't show). Off
season, many boats offer dolphin-spotting tours. Boats cruise from
Urangan Harbour
out to
Platypus Bay and then zip around from pod to pod to find the most active whales. Most
vessels offer half-day tours for around $120 for adults and $70 for children, and most in-
clude breakfast or lunch. Tour bookings can be made through your accommodation or the
information centres.
Spirit of Hervey Bay
MAP
WHALE WATCHING
GOOGLE MAP
8.30am & 1.30pm)
The largest vessel with the
(
1800 642 544;
www.spiritofherveybay.com
;
greatest number of passengers.
MV Tasman Venture
MAP
WHALE WATCHING
GOOGLE MAP