Barrier Reef Australia Blog

Peak Times for Hervey Bay & K'gari Whale Watching Trips

If you're thinking about going on a whale watching trip in Hervey Bay and around K’gari (Fraser Island) in Queensland, it's very important to know the peak times to visit to see these impressive Humpback whales in action.

Hervey Bay is best known for its great whale watching, as many Humpback whales come here between July and November each year. This particular area of the coastline is special as it provides a safe place for the whales away from predators. Some of these whales stay here for the season putting on a show with their breaching and tail slaps whilst others continue their migration northwards to the far northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef up around Cairns and Port Douglas.

Young male Humpbacks usually arrive in Hervey Bay first, with sightings as early as June. They're looking for a mate and want to avoid fighting for female favours with other more dominant and experienced males. Older male Humpbacks show up later in the season, followed by mother whales and their babies, who can be seen languishing in these safe waters sometimes even later in the season.

Peak Whale Watching Months Hervey Bay – K'gari

The whale watching season begins in July to November each year and the peak whale season is usually between early August and late September, but whale sightings can change each year due to water temperatures. So, it's a good idea to talk to the Barrier Reef Australia travel team before booking to get the most recent information on whale sightings.

Peak Whale Watching Months Hervey Bay – K'gari

Peak:  Mid July to late September         Season: June to October

But don’t think these are the only months you will see whales because they begin to descend on Fraser Island and Hervey Bay from early in the year from end of April with these one’s being mostly the juveniles who are a lot of fun to see as they are quite inquisitive. However, there are no organised tours during this month.

Humpback whales travel an amazing 10,000 km from Antarctica to Tropical North Queensland and back each year. The warm waters of Hervey Bay are a nice stop for Humpbacks, where they can rest and recuperate in cooler waters and mate in warmer ones. Humpbacks have a layer of fat called blubber that helps them survive in cold Antarctic waters. But baby whales don't have this fat, so many Humpbacks come to the warmer northern waters each year, where their young can grow blubber and get stronger. They then return to the Antarctic as we come into summer and the krill begin to run down once more.

Hervey Bay's warm waters, protected by Fraser Island, are a great place for Humpbacks to meet and mate without too many predators. During mating season, male Humpbacks show off to attract females by jumping, slapping their fins and tails, and singing whale songs. Watching these natural displays is amazing.

There are also lots of whales hanging out in these safe waters, as these big, curious marine mammals play, relax, and show interest in the boat loads of people. This is the time for Mother Humpbacks teach their babies important life skills, which can be seen in their close relationships and playful behaviour.

To see these amazing animals up close in their natural home, book online to join the eco-friendly whale watching tours on offer in Hervey Bay.

These Humpback whale watching tours focus on fun, educational experiences that are safe for you and respectful of the whales. Ensure to book in advance to secure your best dates and times to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Need to know more about what to expect on your whale watching tour, read this article for more information, and read this article on what are the best time to go on whale watching tours in Hervey Bay and Fraser island.

View all your whale watching tour options here or speak to the Barrier Reef Australia travel team.