Human-cetacean conflict solutions
The Hervey Bay whale watch fleet and the community prides itself on being a site with usually premium conditions for whale or dolphin watching, where the...
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Come to Hervey Bay, Australia’s whale-watching capital, where over 20,000 humpback whales visit to rest annually. Enjoy pristine beaches, abundant marine life, and lively whale events! Known as the Whale Watching Capital of Australia, Hervey Bay is famous for the beautiful beaches and abundant marine life along its coastline. An increasing population of Southern humpback whales use the area as a ‘whale nursery’ for resting and socialising, with multiple mothers and calves joining together before they undertake their long migration back to Antarctica.
The pride and sense of connection that local residents and businesses feel with regard to whales is clear to see throughout the town.
Top photo: Fraser Coast Tourism & Events
Available for sponsorship
Available for sponsorship
Stories
Education and research
Many research organisations and universities have studied whales in Hervey Bay since the 1980s and continue to do so, including The Oceania Project, Pacific...
Cultural heritage (new/modern)
Hervey Bay has a well-established community engagement programme that has been evolving over many years, with several cultural events held annually during the...
Experiences
Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
Visitor centres or museums
The Discovery Sphere is a family-friendly educational centre, featuring many environmental and cultural displays, including a 22-tonne sculpture of the much-loved and documented humpback whale ‘Nala’.
This is a facility with interpretive environmental and cultural displays that provide year-round educational opportunities on the wildlife and natural environments of the region, including an immersive audio visual ‘underwater encounter’ with humpback whales and a full-sized reproduction of a whale skeleton.
This is a venue that has a strong Indigenous influence, with a looped film continuously telling the story of K’Gari (Fraser Island) and the Butchulla People’s connection to the environment.
Photo: Fraser Coast Tourism & Events
Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre
Visitor centres or museums
The attractive accredited Visitor Information Centre is the shop window to this diverse region, offering information on exploring K’gari, the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Sandy Straits.
The Visitor Information Centre is the proud winner of numerous Customer Service Awards. These have been achieved through the work of their dedicated and well-informed team, who pride themselves in assisting regional visitors to achieve the ultimate Fraser Coast Experience.
Whale watching excursions
Boat-based wildlife tours
Go on a responsible whale watching trip. Known as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of Australia’, Hervey Bay is famous for viewing the Southern population of humpback whales between July and November.
Photo: Lloyd Edwards
Species & habitat
More than 20,000 humpback whales migrate through this area each year between July to November, with more than 8,000 of them using the calm waters of Hervey Bay to rest and nurse their new-born calves as they make their return trip to Antarctica.
The area also hosts various other cetaceans, including the endangered Australian humpback dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, false killer whales and increased sightings of Southern right whales.
Gallery images: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10.Fraser Coast Tourism & Events, 8.Clive Martin, 9.Liz Carter.
Did you know?
Threats
The threats faced by cetaceans in Hervey Bay include global issues like climate change that can affect the habitats and food sources of cetaceans. These changes may disrupt migration patterns.
In addition, localised threats such as increasing recreational boats and vessel strikes can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
Trustworthy
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Looking for more in-depth information?
Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
