Barrier Reef Australia Blog

Ten Tips & Hints To Prepare For Whale Watching tours in Hervey Bay & K'gari (Fraser Island)

 If you're planning to go whale watching in Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island), there are a few things you should know before embarking on your aquatic adventure. Whale watching is a thrilling experience that will leave you in awe of these majestic marine mammals.

Here are ten tips to help you make the most of your whale watching tour experiences.

1. Best time to go: Whale watching season in Hervey Bay and Fraser Island starts in July and runs through to November. There are approximately 40,000 Humpback whales heading our way each year on their annual migration, so you are sure to see many of them during these months. The peak months are August to September when the older and bigger humpback whales are passing through the area with their calves.
2. What to wear: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes with good grip. It can get quite windy and chilly on a boat in open waters, so bring a jacket or sweater just in case our Queensland winter decides to disappoint. It's also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Seasickness: If you know you suffer from seasickness, it's a good idea to prepare ahead and take medication before the trip. There are natural remedies such as ginger or sea-bands that can help alleviate symptoms and you can pick these up from your local chemist. If you start to feel unwell during the trip, try to focus on the horizon and avoid reading or looking at your phone. Do not lie down as this is the worst thing to do.
4. What to eat: It's best to eat a light meal before the trip and avoid greasy or spicy foods if you think you are not a steady mariner. You don't want to feel nauseous during the whale watching experience. Snacks and drinks are usually provided on board, but you can bring your own if you have specific dietary requirements. Sucking mints can help settle your tummy too.
5. Morning or afternoon: The best time to go whale watching for me personally I think is in the morning as the water is usually calmer and serene and there may be fewer boats on the water. However, afternoon trips can also be great as the sunlight is better for photography and the whales may be more inclined to be active and show off around the tourist boats.
6. Types of whales: Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) are famous for their humpback whales, but there are also other species that can be spotted as they migrate north, such as minke whales and southern right whales, although they do not stay in Hervey Bay, they just keep swimming towards far north Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The crew on board your whale watching tour boat will be able to identify the different species and provide information about their behaviour.
7. Humpback Whale behaviour: Humpback whales are wild animals, and their behaviour can be unpredictable. They may breach, tail slap, or blow, but they may also choose to stay underwater for long periods of time. It's important to respect the whales and not approach them too closely. In Australia there are strict rules for boating distances between the whales and when entering the water to swim with the whales.
8. Eco-friendly practices: When booking online you will see our whale watching tour operators follow eco-friendly practices and respect the Humpback whales and their environment. Most have a low carbon footprint, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and minimize noise pollution.
9. Photography: Bring a camera or phone with a good zoom lens to capture the whales in action. However, remember to enjoy the experience and not just focus on taking photos. It's also important to respect the whales' personal space and not use flash photography.
10. Duration of the trip: Whale watching trips can last from two to six hours, depending on the tour operator and the current weather conditions. When booking online make sure you choose a whale watching tour that suits your schedule and budget. It's also a good idea to check the cancellation policy in case of bad weather and potentially not seeing whales. Most tour operators provide a whale sighting guarantee for their passengers.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) is an unforgettable experience that requires some preparation. Make sure you dress appropriately, take medication for seasickness if necessary, and book online with our eco-friendly tour operators. Keep in mind that whales are wild animals, and their behaviour can be unpredictable, so it's important to respect their personal space. With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to book online now for you and your families to enjoy this amazing interaction with these gentle giants.

Read this article on the best time to go whale watching in Hervey Bay and Fraser Island and this one here for what to expect on your whale watching tour.

Should you have any more questions on how to prepare for your Hervey Bay and Fraser Island whale watching tour speak to the team at Barrier Reef Australia first.