Whale Bay Discovery Cruise

Whale Bay Discovery Cruise
AUD $95.00
  • Duration: 5 Hours (approx.)
  • Location: Hervey Bay, QLD

Join us for a magical 5hr ocean safari as we explore the calm waters of Platypus Bay searching for the first humpback whales of the season.

Platypus Bay (Whale Bay) is the sheltered body of water between World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay. It is home to a diverse range of marine life including multiple dolphin and turtle species, rays, sharks, sea birds, and of course migrating humpback whales. On this tour, we'll seek out as many interesting animals as possible, and we might spot some of the first whales as they arrive in the bay.

You can also take in the stunning scenery of this remote coastline as we cruise along the scenic western beaches of Fraser Island. We'll pass iconic locations such as Pelican Banks, Moon Point, and Big Woody Island.

By booking a whale watch with us you are also entitled to a discount off meals and beverages at the Hervey Bay Boat Club, one of the region's premier dining venues and our departure point for the cruise.  

COVID Safe Whale Watching - for detailed information on how we've adjusted our tour to be COVID Safe and for updated terms click here.

The whales
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales stop over in Platypus Bay to take a break from their long migration back to Antarctica. Because they stay here and relax in the sheltered waters between Fraser Island and Hervey Bay it makes for some of the best whale watching encounters in the world. 

The captain will do his best to seek out the first whales of the season, which start arriving in the bay from early June. However, the whales don't start arriving in significant numbers until mid-July, and this is when peak whale watching commences. For this reason please note that whale sightings are not guaranteed during this cruise.

Your cruise includes:

  • Courtesy bus from accommodation
  • Light lunch
  • Morning tea served aboard
  • Departure lounge located within the Boat Club
  • Expert commentary on dolphins, whales and features of Fraser Island

What to bring:

  • Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Jacket

Our vessel

The tour is conducted from our purpose-built whale watch vessel the MV Amaroo, a modern and stable, 20m catamaran. The Amaroo boasts 3 specialised viewing decks, with a shaded rooftop and a large enclosed cabin.

Vessel features:

  • COVID-19 safe practices and facilities 
  • Fast, comfortable and stable
  • 3 viewing decks
  • Hydrophone equipped
  • Fully licensed
  • 2 full-size toilets
The Amaroo is captained and crewed by our highly trained and experienced local team. They are passionate about the whales and will provide expert commentary on their behaviour and the history of Hervey Bay.


Departs from:

Depart daily at 9:00am from the Hervey Bay Boat Club, until the official start of the whale season.