How whale watching in Hervey Bay guarantees humpback sighting

Knowing when and where to look, plus which tours to book, with our tried-and-tested guide to whale watching in Hervey Bay.

As an East Coast local, spotting a whale cruising along Australia’s Humpback Highway isn’t all that unusual. Placed front row as they migrate annually from Antarctica to breed and birth, I’m on the Gold Coast where sudden leaps and misty blows are visible just beyond your morning cuppa.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay, however, sits in a league of its own. Crowned the world’s first Whale Heritage Site in 2019 by the World Cetacean Alliance, the coastal town in Queensland’s Fraser Coast is filled with such toasty waters that whales linger for up to 10 days to flex and flip with ease. It dials up sighting chances exponentially while offering some of the most breathtaking acrobatic displays on earth. Here, how to navigate your next adventure.

Best time of year to see whales in Hervey Bay

whales swimming in the turquoise waters off Hervey Bay — The peak season for whales in Hervey Bay is mid-July to late October. (Image: Visit Fraser Coast)

There’s a specific window for whale watching in Hervey Bay as predictable seasons draw humpbacks to Australia’s warm waters annually. June to November is the official window but when you start chatting to local tour operators, you’ll quickly learn that pods start heading home in November. Our tip? Cut your plans by the end of October to be safe.

Jazz up your experience a step further by visiting during the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival which typically runs over two weekends during the early stages of whale watching season. You’ll get swept up in activities like an after-dark parade of marine animal lanterns, fireworks, local gallery talks and the standout ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ which sees a trail of boaties create a fleet to receive good will from the local minister.

The 2025 festival is done and dusted but stay across the event’s website for future scheduling.

What types of whales can you spot in Hervey Bay

a humpback whale above the water in Hervey Bay — Humpback whales are the most common whale species in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tracy Farr/Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s humpback central every year as the medium-sized whale species kick-start one of the longest migratory expeditions taken by any mammal. But while there’s just one species to snoop for, a smorgasbord of humpback sizes is known to drop in come whale watching season in Hervey Bay.

Male humpbacks tend to lead the charge with the younger guys right up front. At the back of the queue, pregnant humpbacks and little calves hang, while the middle is filled with frisky males and females looking to breed.

In Hervey Bay at the beginning of 2025, I chatted to a tour operator who told me that the mamas spend good quality time with their calves as they bask in Hervey Bay’s ideal waters. What that means is mums flaunt their breaching techniques to encourage youngsters to develop their own gymnastic skills. I didn’t catch such a spectacular show in person, but keep your eyes peeled during your visit and get more information on specific sightings from locals who are all so passionate about accommodating their magnificent aquatic neighbours.

Top whale watching tours in Hervey Bay

a whale rising above the water, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours Hervey Bay — Watch humpback whales playfully breach. (Image: Peter Lynch/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of excellent whale watching tours in Hervey Bay, and many offer up-close-and-personal encounters with pods of humpbacks (think just metres away, with spritzes delightfully unavoidable).

I set sail out of the bay with Blue Dolphin Marine Tours in 2025 and adored every inch of my experience aboard the team’s low-carbon-footprint catamaran. Peter Lynch runs the show, a skipper with more than 40 years of international experience in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals, so while you’re enjoying the pristine blue waters out yonder, he’s right on hand to alert you to animals of all shapes and sizes. During my tour, Peter pointed out dolphins and turtles before we even left the marina.

The company’s full-day Whale Watching Encounter offers the ultimate whale watching in Hervey Bay experience, complete with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, a drink, and pick-up and drop-off transfers from your Hervey Bay accommodation. Prices start from $195 per adult.

We also love these whale watching tours in Hervey Bay:

K’gari Salty Safaris

Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that runs for roughly four hours. Your K’gari Salty Safaris ride is an 11-metre inflatable vessel that slices and dices the water for an added adrenaline rush. The team allow you to swim (safely) and snorkel around popular whale locations as they journey to beautiful K’gari and the northern Great Sandy Strait and back. Prices start from $165 per adult.

Spirit of Hervey Bay

If you’re looking to share your whale watching experience with a large group, Spirit of Hervey Bay is a popular pick. Half day tours invite guests to take a load off over five levels and six viewing decks with air conditioning and multiple bathrooms ensuring everyone’s comfortable. Morning or afternoon tea is also thrown in depending on when you head out. Prices start from $145 per adult.

Whalesong Cruises

The team at Whalesong Cruises take guests out for whale watching in Hervey Bay twice daily for about five hours each spin. The afternoon option runs over sunset so factor that into your happy snapping hopes. What we love about this tour is that it’s highly accessible to guests with access needs — think wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets — which isn’t always the case. Prices start from $160 per adult.

Tasman Venture

A half-day Tasman Venture Whale Watching Encounter gives guests awesome water-level and underwater viewing platforms, so watching the big fellas dance weightlessly before they breach is often on the cards. Morning or afternoon tea is also included, as is an antipasto platter that’s rolled out on the trip back in. Prices start from $155 per adult.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

This Aussie town is the whale watching capital of the world