• Witness intimate whale behaviour, including mothers and calves resting and socialising in the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay, the world’s first Whale Heritage Site.
• Stay overnight aboard your private yacht and enjoy sunset anchorages, calm waters and the chance to wake to whales surfacing nearby at first light.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Great Sandy Strait with an expert skipper, offering close wildlife encounters and a personalised marine experience.

Experience Australia’s only overnight humpback whale watching charter from Hervey Bay. Stay aboard your private yacht, explore the Great Sandy Strait and witness intimate whale encounters during the peak migration season.

What to Expect

Step into Australia’s only overnight humpback whale watching charter and witness the Fraser Coast’s world-renowned whale migration in the most immersive way possible. This exclusive experience is available as a 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night private charter aboard K’gari Breeze, guided by an experienced skipper who knows the Great Sandy Strait like their own backyard.

Your private yacht becomes your base as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Sandy Strait, a sheltered marine corridor alive with humpback whales, dolphins and rich coastal scenery. With intimate group numbers and the privacy of your own vessel, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe whales resting, socialising and nurturing their young during their annual migration.

As evening settles, unwind on deck with your group and take in the pastel winter sunsets that transform Hervey Bay into one of Australia’s most breathtaking whale-watching locations. By morning, you’ll wake to the calm waters of the Fraser Coast and the possibility of whales surfacing nearby — a moment that makes this overnight charter truly unforgettable.

All charters are skippered for safety and comfort and are suited to seasoned sailors and first-time adventurers alike. Whale season runs from July to October, with pricing based on full-vessel bookings for up to 6 guests for overnight charters.

Features and Highlights

• Private Sailing Catamaran – Enjoy exclusive use of a fully equipped sailing catamaran complete with comfortable bedding, kitchen facilities and all required safety equipment, offering a relaxed home base in the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait.
• Experienced Local Skipper – Your journey is led by a commercially qualified skipper who brings in-depth regional knowledge, meaningful commentary and a genuine connection to the Fraser Coast’s marine environment.
• Tailored Itineraries – Each day is shaped around guest preferences and prevailing conditions, allowing access to secluded anchorages, quiet beaches and the region’s most reliable whale viewing locations.
• Swim With Whales Opportunity – When conditions allow, guests may enter the water on a guided mermaid line for a safe and unforgettable swim-with-whales experience.

 

Sample Itinerary

2 Day 1 Night Itinerary

Day 1

12pm – Depart the Hervey Bay Marina aboard your private, skippered catamaran and cruise north toward the iconic Wathumba Creek and Platypus Bay. Take in sweeping views of K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait while watching for dolphins, turtles, whales and even the occasional dingo along the shoreline.

As you reach Platypus Bay, settle into one of Australia’s best whale-watching locations and witness the remarkable behaviours of humpback whales as they approach, play and interact in these calm, protected waters.

After an afternoon of marine encounters and exploration, your skipper will select a sheltered anchorage for the night. Unwind on deck as the sun sets over the ocean and dinner is prepared for you on board.

Day 2

Wake to the sound of whales vocalising through the hull and enjoy a fresh breakfast as the Great Sandy Strait slowly comes to life. Your morning continues with more unhurried whale encounters before beginning the return journey south along the island, with opportunities to step ashore and explore hidden pockets of the Fraser Coast.

Cruise back toward Hervey Bay, passing the historic pier and coastline as you reflect on your overnight adventure.
Arrive back at the Boat Club Marina at 12pm.

3 Day 2 Night Itinerary 

Day 1

12pm – Depart the Hervey Bay Marina aboard your private, skippered catamaran and begin your journey north toward Platypus Bay. Take in the sweeping views of K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait while keeping watch for dolphins, turtles, whales and the occasional dingo along the shoreline.

As you enter Platypus Bay, one of the most famous whale-watching areas in Australia, enjoy unhurried time observing the playful and curious behaviour of humpback whales in their sheltered playground.

After an afternoon of ocean exploration and close marine-life encounters, your skipper will select a calm anchorage for the night. Settle in, relax on deck and enjoy a spectacular winter sunset while dinner is prepared for you on board.

Day 2

Wake to the sound of whales vocalising through the hull and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast as the morning unfolds. The day begins with more intimate whale encounters before cruising south along K’gari with opportunities to step ashore and explore.

Your skipper will outline several itinerary options and tailor the day to your preferences, with the possibility of visiting Coongul Creek, Moon Point or Pelican Bank (weather and tide permitting) for beach walks, relaxation or land-based activities.

After your chosen adventures, return to the yacht for an afternoon of downtime as your skipper selects a new anchorage for your second night. Take in your final uninterrupted winter sunset over the Great Sandy Strait while dinner is prepared for you.

Day 3

Begin the morning with a wholesome breakfast before setting off for your final day on the water. Explore more of the Fraser Coast’s hidden gems before cruising back toward Hervey Bay, passing the historic pier and coastline as you reflect on your unforgettable whale-watching journey.

Arrive back at the Boat Club Marina at 12pm.

Activities / Inclusions

• Swim With Whales Experience – Guests have the opportunity to enter the water on a mermaid line, allowing them to safely float at the surface while humpback whales pass beneath and around them. This activity is conditions-dependent and offers an extraordinary, low-impact way to observe these gentle giants.

• Beach Access – While no structured beach activities are included, guests are welcome to swim from the shore at approved locations during island stopovers.

• Equipment – Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are not provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their own suitable swimwear and equipment for in-water activities.

Vessel Description

K’gari Breeze is a 12-metre (39-foot) Seawind 1200 sailing catamaran designed specifically for intimate, small-group charters. The vessel offers three private double cabins for up to six guests, with the fourth cabin allocated to the skipper. Two bathrooms are available onboard, with the skipper sharing access to one.

Purpose-built for comfort, the catamaran features a bright, open saloon with kitchen facilities, fridge, and freezer, along with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces ideal for relaxing between marine encounters. The wide front deck provides an impressive viewing platform for uninterrupted vistas across Fraser Island (K’gari) and the Great Sandy Strait.

For effortless shore excursions and exploration of remote anchorages, K’gari Breeze is also equipped with a motorised tender, allowing guests to access secluded beaches and lesser-known stretches of coastline only reachable by boat.

Sample Menu

Adjustments can be made depending on dietary requirements:

Breakfast - Assorted muesli, yoghurt and fruit with tea, coffee, juice.

Morning Tea - Fruit and light snacks

Lunch - Roast chicken/ham rolls with assorted salads.

Afternoon Tea - Savoury nibbles platter of various meats, cheeses, crackers and dip

Dinner - BBQ Meat, Prawns/seasonal seafood and salads.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hervey Bay

Departure Time

12pm

Departure Instructions

Check in on the boat 30 minutes prior to departure at Boat Club Marina Hervey Bay

Destinations

• Moon Point
• Conngul Creek
• Kingfisher Bay
• Pelican Bank
• Big Woody Island

Months of Operation

July - October

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

2 Day 1 Night or 3 Day 2 Night

Fitness Level Required

Low

• Swimwear
• Comfortable clothes
• Beach Towels
• Medications
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Snorkel equipment if you want to snorkel
• Wetsuits if you would like to wear them (water temp can be cold during winter)
• Any alcohol you would like to enjoy during charter

Child must be under parent supervision at all times.