Whale Watching
Whale watching is very popular (and mainly only possible) at this time of year. Queensland’s Fraser Coast and specifically Hervey Bay is well known both in Australia and around the world as the Whale Watching Capitol.
Hervey Bay plays host at this time of year to mostly Humpback Whales but you can also see Minke and other whale species in the area as they pass through on their winter migration form Antarctica.
Humpback Whales belong to the group of whales known as rorquals, a group that also includes the Blue Whale, Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, Sei Whale, and Minke Whale.
Rorquals have two characteristics in common: dorsal fins on their backs, and ventral pleats running for the tip of the lower jaw to the navel area. They are characterised by the possession of baleen plates which are used to sieve the krill upon which they feed.
Humpback Whales make regular visits to the coastal waters off southern Queensland. Each year, during the winter months, humpback whales migrate from Antarctic waters to the warm waters of the tropics for calving.
Many humpback whales arrive in Hervey Bay from late July and remain until November when they begin their return to the southern ocean.
Whale watching in Hervey Bay has become an important attraction for tourists and naturalists. In recent years visitors to Hervey Bay, from mid-July to early November, have discovered the awe inspiring experience of watching the majestic humpback whale makes for a truly unforgettable holiday activity.
These majestic creatures have made Hervey Bay a regular stop on their annual migration to Antarctica after giving birth and calves have become relaxed and at home with the whale watching boats which carefully approach their playground, and the guaranteed sightings are counted as "an experience of a lifetime".
The humpbacks have made Hervey Bay their own, and as one of the most active and acrobatic of species they provide an awesome sight with their playful antics, including spectacular displays of breaching and tail flapping.
About 20 operators offer whale watching tours, with most vessels leaving from the Urangan Boat Harbour.
Some vessels have sound systems to enable passengers to hear the whales sing, most also offer videos on the journey to Hervey Bay.
All vessels have experienced crew who provide knowledgeable commentary which provides a greater interpretation of these gentle creatures.
As the years go by, the whales seem increasingly comfortable with the cruise vessels and often come so close you can almost reach out and touch them.
The tour operators always adhere strictly to the rules provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, designed in consultation with the Hervey Bay operators, to protect the whales and keep them coming back to Hervey Bay year after year.
Other marine life which can be sighted during a day's whale watching include dolphins, turtles, and occasionally dugong.
There are many Queensland Accommodation options available for your next holiday, Queensland Hotels are a great way to arrange your accommodation, especially for Accommodation Hervey Bay area, which range from budget to 5 star luxury.
| Tweet |
