From late July to early November, Hervey Bay is considered one of the best places in the world to view the humpback Whales on their return to the Antarctic.

Hervey Bay is preferred for its calm and safe whale watching conditions, where the whales put on a spectacular display for their admirers. A variety of vessels offer whale watching trips during the season and visitors can choose from either a morning, afternoon or full-day cruise.

Celebrating the return of the humpback whales each year; Hervey Bay stages a Whale Festival each year including an aquatic carnival, an illuminated procession of floats and the Blessing of the Fleet are highlights of this fun filled week.

The Humpback Whale, Scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae is aptly named from the Greek megas meaning great and pteron, a wing, because of its huge wing-like flippers. It is the fifth largest of the great whales. Adult females grow to 15 m slightly longer than adult males. A mature humpback may weigh 40 tonnes.

Hervey Bay Marine Park was declared in 1989 to conserve the natural resources of the tidal lands and waters of Hervey Bay. Much of the bay, including the broad Platypus Bay off the north western side of Fraser Island is zoned to manage human activities around the Humpback Whales and to monitor the effects of such activities to protect the whales.

Humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales and are renowned for their 'singing'. They are the fifth largest of all whales, growing up to 15 metres and weighing up to 40 tonnes. Many thousands of people have possibly the best opportunity in the world of seeing this magnificent creature in its natural environment. Other marine life such as dolphins, turtles and dugongs are also sighted regularly.

Hervey Bay is situated approximately 300 kilometres, 3½ hours drive, north of Brisbane. Bordered by 40 kilometres of pristine beaches, Hervey Bay offers access to islands, adventure, wildlife and a beautiful safe aquatic playground for visitors to the Fraser Coast.