4.9 (576) · Hervey Bay · By Whalesong Cruises Free cancellation
Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure aboard Hervey Bay's premier mid-sized whale watching and charter boat. We are dedicated to ecological practices, sustainability, education, inspiration, and enjoyment!
Experience intimate whale encounters, witnessing behaviors like pec/tail slapping, breaching, and spy-hopping up close.
As the newest vessel in our fleet, this boat was custom-built for exceptional whale and dolphin viewing. With a limited capacity of 75% of its total, everyone is guaranteed a great view from both indoor and outdoor multi-level viewing decks.
Choose between two daily cruises. We are the only half-day cruise boat that includes meals: lunch on the morning cruise and dinner on the afternoon cruise.
Listen to the whales' songs through our hydrophone and enjoy live commentary in English, with translations available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
✓ Expert commentary, translated by our multilingual crew (German, French, Spanish, Italian)✓ Hydrophone and underwater cameras for listening to and viewing the Humpback Whales✓ AM departure: Includes morning tea and a buffet lunch✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hervey Bay accommodations✓ PM departure: Includes an antipasto platter (afternoon tea) and a buffet dinner✓ Filtered water, tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo✓ Multi-level viewing decks✕ Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board✕ Souvenirs are available for purchase on boardActivity Schedule
5 h
We depart from the Great Sandy Straits Marina, heading towards Platypus Bay, a favored resting and playing ground for the magnificent Humpback Whales. During our journey, we'll observe behaviors such as breaching, spy-hopping, pec-slapping, and tail-slapping. You might also spot our resident bottlenose dolphins interacting with the Humpback whales. As we cruise along the west coast of K'gari (Fraser Island), there's a chance to see a dingo.
Our half-day morning or afternoon cruise promises cherished memories. Opt for the Extended Morning cruise (5 hours) or the Afternoon + Sunset cruise (4 hours). Whalesong's whale watching experience is fun, educational, interesting, inspirational, and truly amazing. Join us for an incredible bucket-list adventure.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One ticket per booking.
We offer pickups from local resorts, hotels, motels, and caravan parks. Due to time constraints and the wide distribution of locations, we do not pick up from AirBnBs unless they are situated close to the Esplanade.
Your pickup (and drop-off) times will vary based on your accommodation's location within the Bay.
Generally, pickup times for the morning cruise are approximately: Point Vernon/Pialba: 7:05 AM - 7:15 AM, Scarness: 7:15 AM - 7:20 AM, Torquay: 7:20 AM - 7:30 AM, Urangan: 7:30 AM - 7:40 AM. Please call to confirm your pickup address at least 24 hours before the cruise.
Generally, pickup times for the afternoon cruise are approximately: Point Vernon/Pialba: 1:05 PM - 1:15 PM, Scarness: 1:15 PM - 1:20 PM, Torquay: 1:20 PM - 1:30 PM, Urangan: 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM. Please call to confirm your pickup address at least 24 hours before the cruise.
This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.
This activity is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. All areas and surfaces are accessible for wheelchairs. This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please inform us of any specific dietary requirements when booking. This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered the option of an alternative date. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If no whales are spotted during your cruise, you will receive a return ticket to join us again on a future date. Afternoon + Sunset Whale Watch Enjoy a whale watching cruise on the same day you arrive and experience the sunset on your return journey to the Marina. Duration: 4 hours Includes afternoon tea and buffet dinner, along with filtered drinking water, loose leaf tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo. Pickup is included. Extended Morning Whale Watch Whalesong's Morning Cruise allows you to be out on the bay and interacting with whales before other boats, while still returning in time to enjoy your afternoon. Duration: 5 hours Includes morning tea and a buffet lunch, along with filtered drinking water, loose leaf tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo. Pickup is included. Family - Afternoon Whale Watch Duration: 4 hours. Enjoy the afternoon light while watching the Humpback Whales, with a beautiful sunset on the return journey. Includes afternoon tea and buffet dinner, as well as filtered drinking water, tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo for the entire cruise. This is the Afternoon + Sunset Whale Watch: a whale watch and sunset cruise combined – what a fantastic experience! Pickup is included. Family - Morning Whale Watch Duration: 5 hours. With the Extended Morning Whale Watch, you and your family will have an extra hour to experience Humpback Whale encounters. Includes morning tea and buffet lunch, as well as filtered drinking water, loose leaf tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo for the entire cruise. Extra time: This is a great option for families who desire a longer experience than a half-day but prefer not to spend three-quarters or a full day on the water. Pickup is included. Book in advance, especially during peak whale season. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Wear comfortable shoes for easy movement on the boat. Inform the operator of any dietary needs at the time of booking. Be prepared for potential weather changes; dress in layers. Have your camera ready to capture incredible moments! For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 9362P1
Activity offered by Whalesong Cruises via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Solo travelers Nature enthusiasts Photography lovers Intimate whale encounters with multiple behaviors observed Custom-built boat for optimal whale and dolphin viewing Limited passenger numbers for a better experience Includes meals (lunch or dinner) and refreshments Multilingual commentary available Hydrophone and underwater cameras for an immersive experience
Population 57,722 (2021)
Elevation 18 m
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 26° Jan 25° Feb 24° Mar 22° Apr 19° May 17° Jun 16° Jul 17° Aug 20° Sept 22° Oct 24° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What behaviors can I expect to see from the whales? + You can expect to see behaviors such as breaching, spy-hopping, pec-slapping, tail-slapping, and lunges. You may also see resident bottlenose dolphins.
What is included in the morning and afternoon cruises? + The morning cruise includes morning tea and a buffet lunch. The afternoon cruise includes an antipasto platter and a buffet dinner. Both include filtered water, tea, herbal tea, coffee, and milo.
What happens if no whales are spotted? + If no whales are spotted, you will receive a return ticket to join us again on a future date.
Is pickup included? + Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Hervey Bay accommodations are included. We pick up from local resorts, hotels, motels, and caravan parks.
Can I purchase drinks and snacks on board? + Yes, drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.
What should I bring on the tour? + We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
The best place to watch Humpback whale mum and calves
LightSleeper8, October 2026
The cruise was well organised and friendly staff. Having done a similar if not the same tour 20+ years ago, the. area is clearly still the best for humpback whale spotting. We definitely saw whales doing their fin slapping and feeding in the best time of year to see mums with their calves. This is the place to be.
★★★★★ Viator review
Spectacular
Gail_C, September 2026
Excellent day and family friendly Lunch was superb and the tour was educational. Staff were very friendly and couldn’t be more helpful
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale of a time!
691davinad, September 2026
A really special experience! We hoped to see a whale but were kindly surprised to see 20+ whales. Thank you for your professional and friendly service. I would definitely recommend to any ocean lovers. The cruise back with the sun setting was pretty spectacular too.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Humpbacks everywhere
Sajoni, September 2026
We booked this tour at the last minute when visiting family in Bundaberg. An easy drive down to the marina and well organised embarkation. Our skipper was patient when looking at whales and as a consequence we had a marvellous and memorable time watching a whale and her calf playing in the seas with the calf breaching many times and the mother fin flapping. What a privilege.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Disappointing
812hannahp, September 2026
Had a poor experience with this operator despite having good whale sightings. Tried to email directly to explain and notify and got no response. So left a google review to which they replied very promptly that they had watched their footage (wasn’t aware we were being filmed and no consent taken) and that we were incorrect about all of our experiences and observations. They stated that they hadn’t replied to our email as were trying to “figure out a diplomatic response” but after a week we still had no reply. Both my partner and I commented multiple times to each other how uninterested the crew were, often sat out the back of the boat (only two crew not including captain for whole boat with rougher seas, didn’t feel Sufficient to safely moniter) on their phones and at other times behind the bar in plain sight. It just didn’t feel professional or warm and welcoming like all the other tours we did that week with other providers. When asked questions about whales they didn’t know answers and we were actually given incorrect information a couple of times too which was surprising. A previous tour left a big wet patch on the seats and someone else sat in it to which the crew responded “oh yes that’s a wet patch from last tour”. Our baby was quite sick during the boat ride and nobody offered help and when we told a member of staff as we had struggled to tidy up she just smiled and nodded.
Just really sub par experience, wouldn’t recommend. Similar / same price for much better experience globally with other operators.
Don’t bother emailing to escalate your concerns as they will ignore anyway and then deny what you say in a public forum. Very odd behaviour.
Please go with another company for a more pleasant and fulfilling experience!
Show more reviews 
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick