Whalesong Cruises · Hervey Bay (Urangan)
Whalesong's catamaran sails from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay, the sheltered water off K'gari's west coast where humpbacks rest on their way south. Book it in season for the whales, and for the promise of a free return trip if you don't see any.
Hervey Bay calls itself the world's first Whale Heritage Site, and Platypus Bay is why. Every year, Queensland's tourism body says, around 7,000 humpbacks stop in the calm water between Hervey Bay and K'gari on their way south. Whalesong runs an extended morning cruise (about 8 am to 1 pm) and an afternoon and sunset cruise (about 2 to 6 pm) from the Great Sandy Straits Marina.
On board there's a hydrophone so you can hear the whales sing, underwater cameras, and commentary translated into German, French, Spanish and Italian. The morning trip includes morning tea and a buffet lunch; the afternoon trip an antipasto platter and a buffet dinner. The boat carries up to 75 guests and is wheelchair accessible. If no whales are seen, you get a ticket to come back another day.
The season is the catch. Whalesong's 2025 season ran from 12 July to 12 October for morning cruises, and the operator had not posted 2026 dates when we checked. Most sightings fall July to October, with mothers and calves in September and October. Outside that window, look at the west coast BBQ cruise instead. Direct adult fares were AUD 160 in 2025.
Pickups from Hervey Bay hotels, motels and caravan parks. Airbnbs away from the Esplanade are not covered.
Morning tea or antipasto as you cross toward K'gari's west coast.
The skipper finds the pods; breaching, tail slaps and pec slaps if you're lucky. Listen on the hydrophone.
A buffet meal on board, then back to the marina and your hotel.
★★★★★The skipper Ben is very knowledgeable in the history and facts of whales and the region. We saw at least a dozen whales which was very exciting.
★★★★★Whales are amazing. Forth year in a row. It never disappoints. Crew were fantastic and very helpful. Lunch was yummy.
★★★★★Our long experienced Captain was very informative and found plenty of whales including 2 that circled close to the boat for 45 minutes. We saw all the hoped for whale antics on a comfortable and well run boat.
★★★★★Absolutely loved the experience would do again next year. Only one change would make sure we had warmer clothes it was fresh on the water
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Generally June to November, with most sightings July to October. Whalesong's 2025 season ran 12 July to 12 October. Our best time guide covers the months in detail.
No sighting can be promised, but Whalesong gives you a return ticket for another date if no whales are seen.
No. The land tours may spot whales offshore from 75 Mile Beach at most. For a real encounter you need a boat like this one.
The extended morning cruise is about 5 hours; the afternoon and sunset cruise about 4.
Ready to book
Humpbacks in Platypus Bay with lunch on board, and a free return trip if you see no whales.
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