Whale Season
The majesty of a whale breaching
Each year during the months from August to November, the Fraser Coast is home to a very special natural event. Between the mainland resort of Hervey Bay and the idyllic World-Heritage-listed Fraser Island are the protected waters of Platypus Bay.
During this window of time, it is possible to see pods of humpack whales swimming and frolicking as they take a break from their long journey.
The whales migrate at the same time each year from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the balmy waters off Queensland to breed or give birth. On their return journey, the whales seek out the playground off the Fraser Coast to rest and allow the new calves to gain strength before beginning the long trip south.
The rare and memorable opportunity to witness the whales during this time of recreation has made Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast one of the most popular destinations for whale watching.
Several tour operators take whale watchers on day tours to be a part of this special natural phenomenon. Operators work to a strict code of conduct to avoid getting too close to the whales, but this doesn’t stop some of the more curious whales from coming up to the boats to say hello and put on an awesome display of strength.
Humpbacks are one of the largest whales with a full-grown adult weighing in at around 45 tonnes and measuring between 10 and 15 metres in length. Despite their enormous size, humpbacks are one of the more active whales, performing a variety of behaviours from the simple ‘blow’ to tail slapping, waving their pectoral fins, or best of all, the spectacular ‘breach’, which is the most prized of shots for every visitor armed with a camera.
If you are fortunate enough to be visiting Noosa at this time of year, make a whale-watching trip a special priority.