Hervey Bay's protected warm waters provide a safe nursery and playground for mother Humpback whales and their babies. About 3000 Humpback whales migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef annually. Their numbers are growing - whaling nearly wiped out Humpbacks until a moratorium was imposed in 1983: the Australian Museum says Humpback whales remain vulnerable to extinction.
Hervey Bay is also the most popular place on Australia's east coast to whale watch, providing memorable experiences of awesome sea creatures. Choose from about 20 whale watching cruises, all operating out of Urangan Boat Harbor.
Why Humpback Whales Are So Popular
Humpback whales are natural performers. The most acrobatic of all whales, according to the Australian Museum, their playful antics - leaping, rolling and breaching - make fascinating viewing.
How Close To Humpback Whales Will Tour Boats Go?
Whale watch cruises are bound by government regulations imposed to protect the Humpback whales and encourage their return, year after year. This means whale watching tour boats do not herd pods of whales or separate a mother and calf. Neither can they approach a whale head on, or go closer than 100 meters (300 meters if a number of boats are in the area). But that doesn't stop whales coming closer: some are so fearless, whale watchers can practically count the barnacles on a whale's underside and get splashed with sea spray during the cavorting.
More Than Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay Waters
Dolphins and turtles are regularly seen during whale watching tours in Hervey Bay. Dugongs - or sea cows - are occasionally spotted.
More Things To Do At Hervey Bay
Whale watching is a seasonal business - between July and November - but the seaside town is popular year-round.
It is the gateway to World Heritage-Listed Fraser Island, endless white beaches flanked by colored-sand cliffs, ancient rain forests and more than 100 freshwater lakes.
Hervey Bay itself is a calming holiday destination. Golden beaches hug the northern-facing bay. A lifeguard-patrolled beach is at Torquay. Hervey Bay's water is balmy and safe to swim in all-year. It doesn't have surf. Kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing are popular: equipment can be hired and tuition arranged.
About 15 kilometers of path edge the foreshore, perfect for walking and cycling. Bicycle hire is available. Scooter hire is another popular way of getting around.
Urangan Pier is the most popular fishing spot in a region known for its catches. The pier juts out more than 800 meters into the bay; but that's a shadow of its former self. Back in 1917, the jetty was twice as long and used for sugar and coal exports.
Mammino's macadamia ice-cream, rich and creamy, is a local product not be missed.
Accommodation At Hervey Bay
Accommodation at Hervey Bay is priced for all budgets, from camp sites, caravans and backpackers' hostels to motels, bed and breakfast and five-star resorts.
Getting To Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is about 290 kilometers north of Brisbane, Queensland's capital.
- By car - It takes about four hours to drive from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.
- By air - Two major airlines service Hervey Bay with direct daily flights from Brisbane and Sydney.
- By coach - Two bus lines include Hervey Bay in their long-haul routes.
- By rail - Trains operate daily from Brisbane to Maryborough with air-conditioned coach links to Hervey Bay.
Heather Grant - Heather Grant is a freelance journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. She's spent the best part of the last 20 years juggling writing ...
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