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Whalesong Cruises · Hervey Bay (Urangan)

Half a day on a quiet K'gari beach

Whalesong's boat crosses to a remote beach on K'gari's west coast, drops you ashore with kayaks, snorkels and sun shelters, then feeds you a barbecue lunch with Hervey Bay prawns on the way home. It suits families and anyone with half a day who wants the island without the bus.

K'gari West Coast Cruise with BBQ Lunch

About this experience

When the whales leave, Whalesong points its boat at the beach. The cruise runs from November to May, 9 am to 2 pm, and passes Round Island, Big Woody Island and Pelican Bank on the way to the remote western shore of K'gari. You get about two hours on the beach: jump off the top deck and swim in, or ride the tender.

Ashore there are kayaks, snorkel gear, sun shelters, beach games and tube rides behind the small boat. Stinger suits are free, which matters: QPWS warns that Irukandji are present off the west coast in summer. Morning tea is fruit and cake; lunch is steak, sausages, Hervey Bay king prawns and salads, served on the cruise back.

This is a beach day, not an island tour. You don't walk inland, and there's no Lake McKenzie, Maheno or 75 Mile Beach. The snorkelling is over sand rather than coral. The operator takes up to 50 guests. Its last posted adult price was AUD 150 (valid to May 2025); on Viator it's from $114.

  • Two hours on a remote west-coast beach
  • Kayaks, snorkel gear, tube rides and beach games
  • BBQ lunch with Hervey Bay king prawns
  • Free stinger suits
  • Five hours door to door, easy with young kids

How the day runs

  1. 9:00 amBoard at the marina

    Free parking at Great Sandy Straits Marina, or hotel pickup in Hervey Bay.

  2. About 1 hourAcross the bay

    Morning tea past Round Island, Big Woody Island and Pelican Bank, watching for dolphins and turtles.

  3. About 2 hoursBeach time

    Swim or ride ashore, then kayak, snorkel, ride the tube or sit in the shade.

  4. MiddayBBQ lunch and home

    Steak, sausages, prawns and salads on the way back. Ashore by 2 pm.

Aerial view of a long white sand spit and turquoise water on K'gari's west coastThe Whalesong boat anchored off a white beach with kayaks in the waterAerial view of a tender towing a tube toward a beach with sun shelters

What's included

Included

  • All beach activities and equipment
  • Morning tea and BBQ lunch
  • Tea and coffee
  • Guide and crew
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hervey Bay

Not included

  • Other food and drinks (bar on board)
  • Lake McKenzie, the Maheno and 75 Mile Beach
  • Walking inland on K'gari
  • Coral reefs: the seabed is sand

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You only have half a day in Hervey Bay
  • You have young kids who'd hate a 9-hour bus day
  • You're visiting November to May, after whale season
  • You want a lazy beach day with lunch sorted

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

Unsure about what to expect, the half day tour turned out to be a great way to relax and spend time by the beach. [...] Was a great day out.

Dimitrios_R · Jan 2025
★★★★★

Went on the trip with my son, he jumped off the boat and swam, I rode in the tender to shore The crew were great and managed to cater for all ages. They provided plenty of beach/water sports options, lunch was surprisingly good too! Recommend the trip if you only have half a day

Karen_M · Mar 2024
★★★★★

Excellent family day out with 3 kids age 3,6 and 9.They loved all the water activities and great food

Deirdre_F · Dec 2020
★★★★★

Amazing staff and boat. Lovely morning tea and lunch. Lots of activities to do. They gave us gears for snorkeling, paddling boats, cricket and toys for kids to play.

Aarati_C · Dec 2025

Tips before you book

  • Wear the free stinger suit for every swim from November to May.
  • Bring your own snorkel mask if you have one; sizes on board are limited, guests say.
  • Tell Whalesong about dietary needs when you book.
  • Drinks are extra, though guests call the bar prices reasonable.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the K'gari west coast cruise go to Lake McKenzie?

No. It anchors off a remote west-coast beach and you stay on the beach. For the lake, book a 4WD day tour.

When does the Whalesong beach cruise run?

November to May, 9 am to 2 pm. From July to October the same boat runs whale watching cruises.

Is it good for young children?

Yes. Reviewers bring kids from toddlers up, the day is only five hours, and children must be with an adult.

Are there stingers on K'gari's west coast?

In summer, yes: QPWS reports Irukandji around the western mangrove creeks. Whalesong lends stinger suits free of charge.

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A half day on a quiet K'gari beach with kayaks, snorkelling and a BBQ lunch.

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A half day on a quiet K'gari beach with kayaks, snorkelling and a BBQ lunch.

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