The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

Hervey BayWhile travellers flock to Hervey Bay every year to see the humpback whale during its migration season, it's also a hub for tours to nearby Fraser Island and is home to a beautiful waterfront esplanade offering calm beaches for families to swim.

There is nothing quite like seeing a humpback whale launch itself out of the ocean a few metres away - and that's the experience you can have if you travel to Hervey Bay during whale season. Each year thousands of these gentle giants rest, play and nurture their young in the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay. The season runs from mid-July to early November and there are many whale watching vessels that head out daily and offer the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Watching these guys still not quite close enough? Tick off a bucketlist moment when you experience swimming with these gentle marine mammals. With a range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts, Hervey Bay is a popular holiday destination particularly for those on their way to Fraser Island or Lady Elliot Island. The town is a great place for water activities like fishing, sailing, swimming and kayaking. Take an eco-tour to see dolphins, turtles and other marine life - or go diving at Hervey Bay's sheltered artificial reef, the largest man made reef in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Things to do

See the humpback whale up-close!

Be one of the few, not the many, to experience their award-winning Exclusive Full Day Whale Watch (late July to October). For an up-close and personal experience that you will never forget, see the magnificent humpback whale from the uncrowded deck of Blue Dolphin. As one of the smallest vessels and a luxury sailing catamaran, you will experience the trip of a lifetime. See the whales eye to eye and listen as your skipper shares his 30 years of experience working with marine mammals. A whale immersive platform for those who wish to see a whale eye to eye underwater. Carrying a maximum of 24 people, your day on Blue Dolphin will be an intimate and personal tour. Take your time, slow down and take an enjoyable day to see the whales. The Blue Dolphin is a modern luxury 38-foot sailing catamaran, offering wide flat decks and room for all to see. WiFi available and hydrophone onboard. The full-day tour includes morning tea, lunch (with a drink included), and afternoon tea. Eco-adventure and Sunset Sails operate outside of the whale season. Their quality and experience set them apart from the rest.

Experience Fraser Island

Visit Fraser Island to be dwarfed by ancient rainforests growing out of only sand and to explore the freshwater lakes and spectacular sand formations on one of the most incredible islands on earth. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island has the absolute best that one island can offer - cool towering rainforests to walk through; more than 100 freshwater lakes to swim in including the iconic Lake McKenzie, huge sand blows to climb, and an amazing 120-kilometre beach highway, complete with the shipwreck of the Maheno and cliffs of stunning coloured sands. Lying off the coast of Hervey Bay and just south of the last of the Great Barrier Reef's coral cays, Fraser is the world's largest sand island and stretches for 123-kilometres. Unforgettable island eco-adventures include cruises to discover the untouched beauty of the remote western side and guided or self-drive tours. Though surrounded by untamed wilderness and rugged terrain, Fraser Island boasts luxurious, relaxing and natural accommodation experiences. Fraser Island also offers some of the best beach fishing experiences in the world and provides options for young novice anglers and seasoned fishing professionals. Whatever adventure you are looking for, Fraser Island has you covered.

Dive the ex-HMAS Tobruk

The Hervey Bay Dive Centre is Hervey Bay's premier marine and dive tour operator. Owned and operated by a local family with years of experience in the marine industry the centre prides itself on a personal experience, passionate and professional crew and a strong environmental approach. The dive centre provides guided ex-HMAS Tobruk dives, PADI diver training and Hervey Bay's dedicated swim with whales tour.

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