Our most recommended things to do in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

1. Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

This whale watching tour is led by certified marine naturalists who provide expert interpretation of the amazing whale behaviors you'll encounter. As an exclusive, you'll also interact with an onboard whale researcher. Listen to live whale songs with underwater hydrophones and learn the latest whale facts and findings. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are all available onboard. You'll cruise in comfort on Hervey Bay's newest, a state-of-the-art vessel the Ocean Defender. Enjoy a fast, smooth ride with panoramic water-level views from forward-facing seats offering plenty of shade. On this small-group tour, there are excellent photo opportunities. The Ocean Defender is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. Enjoy the knowledge that your ticket supports whale research, marine education, and ocean conservation in Australia and around the world. 

From Hervey Bay: K'gari, Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour

2. From Hervey Bay: K'gari, Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour

Join a guided day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island) in a 4WD bus and visit highlights, such as Lake McKenzie, 75 Mile Beach, and the Maheno Shipwreck, with return ferry transfers included. Let your driver traverse the tracks and tides to ensure an enjoyable experience on the world’s largest sand island. Begin your adventure with pickup from your Hervey Bay accommodation, or make your own way to River Heads. Take a 40-minute ferry ride to K'gari, keeping a look out for dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Once on the island, follow your local guide to see the stunning natural sights. If English is your second language, download the free foreign language app prior to the tour and use it offline for audio commentary. Learn fascinating facts about the island’s history, and its flora and fauna. Travel in an air-conditioned bus to Central Station, a former logging station. Then stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk to discover the ancient king ferns, towering ghost gums, and pine trees. Continue to Lake McKenzie and swim in the crystal blue waters or relax on the sandy beaches. Next up is the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Choose to take a flight over the island (at an additional cost), or float down Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and enjoy a photo stop at the rusting wreck of the Maheno. Also, see The Pinnacles colored sands, and learn how these formations were created. Board the 5:00 PM ferry back to River Heads, and get dropped off at your accommodation.

Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

3. Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

Hervey Bay Whale Watch offer 2 Half Day Whale Watching tours on our purpose built catamaran 'Quick Cat II' designed to specifically enhance your whale watching experience. The vessel was designed and built right here in Hervey Bay and features 5 viewing decks on 3 different levels to ensure uncrowded and unobstructed views. The vessel has various vantage points from right on the water line, to the third story rooftop viewing platform where you feel on top of the world. We also offer Incredible and exclusive opportunities to enhance your tours with exciting add on options making us the best value whale tour on the Fraser Coast!

Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

4. Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

This half-day whale watch cruise departs twice daily from the Hervey Bay Marina on the luxury 20-meter catamaran Tasman Venture. Experience a tranquil cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and past rugged islands before sailing along the pristine western side of World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). The catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching, offering clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and a unique water-level viewing platform for the ultimate personal experience. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime up-close and personal encounters with the majestic humpback whales and marvel at their sheer size and athleticism. Friendly, experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour and serve a morning or afternoon tea and delicious antipasti platter.

From Hervey Bay: Remote Fraser Island (K'gari) Tour

5. From Hervey Bay: Remote Fraser Island (K'gari) Tour

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of Fraser Island (K'gari). Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, slice, and biscuits. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the remote western side of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K'gari), driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek on a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks, or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. From mid-July to the end of October each year, be on the lookout for humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they enjoy the calm clear waters off Fraser Island (K'gari). If conditions are ideal, guests will have the opportunity to experience a humpback whale immersion. The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea: antipasti platter including cheese, cabana, crackers, pickled onions, and dip. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience

6. Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). The fast and comfortable 20 meter catamaran is perfect for a small number of passengers ensuring an intimate, personalized tour. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the western side of World Heritage-listed K’gari, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek during a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious buffet lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. Be on the look out for Humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm clear waters off K’gari. Marvel at their sheer athleticism as they explode out of the water in a spectacular breach or be awestruck as you come face to face as they spy hop right next to the boat. Be one of the few and very fortunate to experience an intimate, immersive whale experience that allows you to get closer to these creatures than ever before as you swim with them in their own natural environment (subject to conditions). The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Experience

7. Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Experience

Hervey Bay has a reputation as one the best places in the world in which to observe Humpback whales, enjoy this excursion with the guarantee of seeing these wonderful animals. See these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat on this enthralling half–day tour.  Depart from your hotel or accommodation in Hervey Bay and travel to the marina to begin your aquatic adventure. Travel across the beautiful blue, clear water of Hervey Bay and take in the stunning views. Spot humpback and other majestic species of whales as they frolic in the water. Look out also for birds, turtles, dugongs and 3 different species of dolphin. While you watch whales and a whole host of wonderful sea creatures, the friendly crew will serve morning tea and lunch (on Extended Morning cruise) or afternoon tea and dinner (on Afternoon and Sunset cruise).

Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise

8. Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise

Join the crew of the Amaroo, a purpose-built whale-watching vessel, for a world-class whale-watching tour departing from Hervey Bay, one of the best destinations in the world to watch humpback whales. Explore the 3 open decks that allow you to feel the cooling sea breeze and see the whales from many vantage points that provide perfect photo opportunities. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of a highly trained team and captain. They are passionate about the whales and will provide expert commentary on their behavior and the history of Hervey Bay. Watch the migrating humpback whales take a break during the annual season. Here they stop and relax in large numbers, making for the most amazing whale-watching encounters on earth. You can assist the crew by scanning the seas for the first flash, or splash, as pods of whales play, signaling the start of your awe-inspiring experience. Experience the unique phenomenon of whale 'mugging', as they move in close to watch you, watching them. After your tour, enjoy a discount on meals and beverages at the Hervey Bay Boat Club, one of the region's premier dining venues and the departure point for your cruise.

Hervey Bay: Turtle Discovery Eco Tour & Cultural Experience

9. Hervey Bay: Turtle Discovery Eco Tour & Cultural Experience

Dive deep into the indigenous culture while cruising the bluest shallows and exploring the wildlife and unique beauty that surrounds the Great Sandy Straits on this turtle discovery tour. Begin your eco-tour at 10:30 AM onboard a 10-meter glass-bottom vessel. Travel through the spectacular waterways of the Great Sandy Marine Park, with stops at Round Island and Big Woody Island, and coral reefs for snorkeling and viewing through the glass panels. Enjoy time spent on the islands where you can swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters, play a game of beach cricket or take the opportunity to relax on the sandy beaches. Immerse yourself in the Butchulla culture with our local Indigenous guide. Gain a whole new perspective and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Fully immerse yourself in the captivating stories from your guide. Or choose to relax and take in the views. Prepare to be transported to another time and place as your guide explains how they were taught to look to the elements, and further afield, to the stars for signs. It’s a breathtaking moment that will live on long after your gentle journey back to the dock. Snorkel and see if you can spot turtles, dolphins, dugongs, sea birds, and other marine life. Sneak off to your own private corner of a picture-perfect beach. Walk where the crystal blue water meets the white sand and spinifex grass. As you travel through the Straits, join the search for fish habitat amongst the coral reef, turtles, dolphins, sea bird colonies, and possibly a reef shark or dugong.

Hervey Bay: Sunset Cruise to Great Sandy Marine Park

10. Hervey Bay: Sunset Cruise to Great Sandy Marine Park

Relax on a tranquil evening cruise from Hervey Bay into the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park. This is the perfect appetizer for your evening ahead. Nothing beats watching the sunset at sea and the experience of returning to the port at dusk. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as you soak up the changing colors of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife that frequent the Marine Park at dusk. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset. Early evening is a special time to be on the water as marine wildlife of the harbor comes out to play. You will find the peacefulness of the water perfectly reflecting the evening light, and the lights of Hervey Bay twinkling in the distance mesmerizing.

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What people are saying about Hervey Bay

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,969 reviews

Tour guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Terrible weather the day we went and they did everything to make it good. Unlimited tea and coffee on board, morning tea was biscuits (arnotts). Boom net was fantastic fun. Beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.

It was a best decision we ever made to book this cruise. We enjoyed every single minute on cruise. All activities were so fun filled and food was yummy . Staff was so approachable and friendly. We will book it again next time ❤️

The day was well organised, team on board friendly. The information pre departure was timely and regular. Really had a lot of fun would go out with the crew again and do another experience on the boat great fun.

We booked this at the last minute & so very glad we did. Affordable price & the staff were great. The kids loved swimming in the boom net. Would definitely recommend doing this cruise.

The best $60 I ever spent! A great experience that had us wishing for more at the end.