It's estimated more than 4,000 Humpback whales migrate up the east coast of Australia each year providing breathing-taking opportunities to get up close at numerous points along the coast line. However, it is mainly in Hervey Bay that the whales stay and play for prolonged periods averaging up to 3 weeks, providing exceptional opportunities for the numerous local whale watching tours.
Certainly one of the major whale watching regions, acknowledged by many experts and renown with tourists worldwide as the Whale Watching Capital of The World, Hervey Bay consistently provides outstanding opportunities to view these magnificent, gentle giants.
It's thought the stopover provides a resting haven on the return from the warm breeding waters of Great Barrier Reef. It's also an ideal opportunity for the calves to gain in strength, to play and socialise in a calm, pristine environment and enjoy the protection and marine haven surrounding World Heritage listed Fraser Island before tackling the southbound journey.
Whale watching season in Harvey Bay kicks off about late June lasting through until late October as the adult whales and calves make their way back to Antarctic waters. Though Humpbacks are the most commonly sighted whales, Minke and Pilot whales are occasionally seen in small numbers.
A number of professional companies offer Hervey Bay whale watching eco tours drawing upon years of knowledge and expertise. Tours can be half, three-quarter or full day in spacious, fully equipped launches designed to provide maximum viewing opportunities from a number of decks, some equipped with underwater viewing windows and hydro phones that often allows visitors a more intimate experience. On deck, whale watchers can thrill to the awesome sight of whales breaching sending up cascading explosion of water as they pound back into the sea.
Helicopters and spotter planes search Hervey Bay for pods and direct the boat captains to the whales, guaranteeing each voyage will engage with the whales. All Harvey Bay whale watching tours abide by strict eco-sensitive rules and do not approach the whales closer than 100 meters to ensure the whales safety. The whales themselves love to close the gap and often inquisitively swim alongside the boats providing great photo opportunities and moments never likely to be forgotten.
It is possible to view 'blows' and breaching whales from the beaches and headlands of Fraser Island, and you can also take a Hervey Bay whale tour from the island. In Platypus Bay, just off Fraser Island, whale watching is often at its best.
With whales able to live up to a hundred years, often the same whales are sighted year after year making whale watching tours very personal experiences for the crews and frequent visitors. The Fraser Island Company offer memorable package get-aways combining a stunning whale watching cruise with their unforgettable accredited eco tour of beautiful Fraser Island – providing the very best of both worlds.
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