Conservation at Hervey Bay
After a three year-trial of swim-with humpback whales, the activity commenced in Hervey Bay in 2014.
Hervey Bay Whale Heritage Area
Hervey Bay, Australia
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.
Banner photo: Fraser Coast Tourism & Events
Stories
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Collaboration for the sake of cetaceans - Hervey Bay
The steering committee for Hervey Bay WHA has observed that working towards and achieving accreditation has brought together...
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Cultural heritage (traditional) - Hervey Bay
Dolphins are the native totem of the Hervey Bay Butchulla People and were called Boothu or Yul’u or...
Experiences
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Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery (HBRG) is a destination gallery.
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Hervey Bay Whale Festival
The annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival celebrates the unique relationship between the local community and the humpback whales...
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Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
The Discovery Sphere is a family-friendly educational centre.
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.
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.
Did you know?
- Hervey Bay became the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area in October, 2019.
- Migaloo, the famous white humpback whale, has been sighted a number of times in Hervey Bay in past seasons.
- More than 20,000 humpback whales migrate through this area each year.
Special Management Declarations can be made when Migaloo is in the area. Boats and prohibited vessels cannot approach within 500m of a predominantly white whale and aircraft cannot fly within 610m. This applies to all whales that are more than 90% white. - Hervey Bay is one of the few places in the world where multiple mothers and calves join together in a single pod.
Supporters & assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Designated by by World Cetacean Alliance
