Wathumba Creek is a shimmering blend of turquoise water, fine white sand, and lush mangroves. You can kayak or snorkel in its tidal creeks, float gently in still waters, or explore the surrounding banks, where the only footprints may be your own.
Why go whale watching from Hervey Bay?
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It’s a Whale Heritage Site for a reason
Hervey Bay is a designated Whale Heritage Site, one of only two in all of Australia. What makes it special? The waters here are calm, shallow, and naturally protected by K’gari (Fraser Island), creating the perfect resting ground for humpback whales. That means you get more time, closer views, and the kind of prolonged sightings other locations can’t offer.
You’ve got options
Only got a morning? The 4-hour cruise lets you see whales up close, with a hydrophone to listen to their underwater songs. Want to make a day of it? Go for the full-day cruise. Not only do you get extended whale encounters, but also a chance to explore Fraser Island’s untouched western coast. You can do snorkelling in clear waters, kayaking through creeks, and time spent on sandy inlets you’d never reach otherwise.
There’s a guide on board
Every cruise includes a marine guide or local naturalist on board who knows these waters and their giants inside out. They’ll point out breaching, pec-slapping, tail-lobbing, spy-hopping. More importantly they’ll explain what it all means. It’s more than sightseeing; it’s storytelling with a scientific lens. You’ll also learn about the region’s rich ecology, the role of K’gari in shaping this sanctuary, and how the whales interact with their environment.
No whales? Come back for free
Some whale watching cruises include a sighting guarantee. If you don’t spot a whale on your trip, you get a free return ticket valid for another day in the season. It’s part of a wider commitment to ethical whale watching—no chasing, no feeding, no interference.
You’ll get to see a side of K’gari most visitors miss
Most travellers to K’gari stick to the eastern stretch but these whale cruises take you to the island’s quieter, lesser-known western coast. With guided walks, swimming, tubing, and sand dune climbs, it’s an immersive add-on to your whale experience.
The wildlife doesn’t stop with whales
While it’s focused on whales, you’re also likely to see bottlenose dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, and coastal birdlife. The Great Sandy Strait is rich with seagrass meadows and mangrove-lined channels. Some tours even include underwater viewing windows or hydrophones, letting you tune in and watch marine life without even getting your feet wet.
