Top Hervey Bay Culture

Go whale-watching from Hervey Bay on your choice of a 4-hour or 5.5-hour cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of the whales. You are likely to also see dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island. The tour includes complimentary morning or afternoon tea, and the longer tour includes lunch and tea.

Travel back in time to the golden era of train travel with a journey on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway. Experience the old world nostalgia as soon as you step into the historic Gympie Station, where you’ll learn about the history of steam locomotives before boarding the Mary Valley Rattler. Enjoy the countryside views as you head out to Amamoor, where the train is turned around for the journey back.

Hop on board the vintage railmotor, known as the Mary Valley Rattler, and experience the magic of heritage rail travel. Back in the day, the train provided a link to the town of Gympie for the transportation of goods and people. Nowadays, travelers can take a nostalgic rail journey through Queensland. Enjoy a tasting plate featuring local fare while on board as you cross the Mary River.

Take in the amazing natural beauty of Great Sandy Marine Park with the only tour to explore the park’s southern end. Visit a wide range of sights including Woody Island and the North White Cliffs, as well as admiring the range of Australian wildlife in the area, including a wide selection of birds. You also have a chance to learn about the history of early settlers to the area.

Enjoy a premium half-day whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay that visits Platypus Bay, a prime location for whale watching near Fraser Island. Have plenty of time to witness the majestic humpback whales at play as they pass the Australian continent during their annual migration to the Antarctic. Your tour includes morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch, and an afternoon tea with a fruit and cheese platter. Learn about the whales and the marine environment from your crew's informative commentary during the tour.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island and the Great Sandy National Park, and some of the best views are from the water. With this evening cruise, set sail at sunset and admire the views as you cruise along the Sandy Straits. Sip an included glass of Champagne, look out for dolphins along the coast, and perhaps even enjoy live music performed onboard (select dates only).

Set sail for a quintessential Aussie beach adventure with this 5-hour cruise to beautiful Fraser Island. Look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you cruise out across Hervey Bay, then enjoy up to 2 hours of free time to explore Fraser Island. Make the most of optional activities like kayaking, fishing or snorkeling; cool off with a swim or stroll along the fine sandy beaches. Back on-board, tuck into a scrumptious BBQ lunch, including fresh Hervey Bay prawns, as you float back to the mainland.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales, and getting close to them, on this guided tour from Hervey Bay. In a small group of no more than 20 people, head out into the water in search of whales. Jump into the water for some snorkeling and, with luck, the whales will decide to swim close to you.

Enjoy an unforgettable close encounter with the marine life of Hervey Bay on this 4-5-hour cruise, including hotel pick-up. Step aboard the specially designed MV Whalesong and discover the bay’s majestic whales and dolphins with the help of an expert crew. As well as guaranteed whale sightings, you’ll have chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and endangered dugong, plus a rainbow of tropical fish.

Explore the waters of Hervey Bay in search of whales on a whale-watching expedition with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Board a vessel with seating options in both sun and shade, then head out to the watery paths where humpback whales do their migration and birth their calves. Listen to commentary and interpretations from certified Marine Naturalists and listen to whale communications on an underwater hydrophone.

Named K’gari by the land’s original owners, the Butchulla people, K’gari (Fraser Island) features more than 100 freshwater lakes, extensive rainforests, and giant sand dunes. Explore the island with an expert guide who leads rainforest walks at Pile Valley, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, and the Hammerstone Sandblow, and provides swimming opportunities at Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, the Champagne Pools, and Lake Wabby. Stay overnight at K'gari Beach Resort on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, see the Pinnacles and Maheno shipwreck, and have the option to book a scenic sightseeing flight on this fun and informative two-day tour.