Tasman Venture · Hervey Bay (Urangan)
A full day on Tasman Venture's boat from Hervey Bay, landing at remote creeks on K'gari's western side to kayak, snorkel, float and climb a dune. Choose it if you'd rather swim than sit on a bus, and know going in that it skips Lake McKenzie, the Maheno and 75 Mile Beach.
Most K'gari tours fight the crowds on the east side. This one goes the other way: across Hervey Bay to the western shore, where Tasman Venture lands at up to three creeks, Wathumba, Awinya and Bowarrady according to the operator. Guests get ashore on an amphibious Sealegs tender. The boat departs at 8:00 am and returns at 5:00 pm (7:30 am to 4:30 pm in whale season).
The day is active and wet. There's kayaking up a mangrove creek, snorkelling, tube rides behind a small boat, a guided bush walk and a climb up a sand dune for the view. Everything is optional, and the crew get good marks for adapting to kids and older guests. Morning tea, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea are served on board; the bar is extra. From mid-July to October you may pass humpbacks on the way, but a whale encounter isn't the point of this product.
Be clear on what you don't get. No Lake McKenzie, no Maheno, no 75 Mile Beach: the west coast has no 4WD access from the boat. Snorkelling visibility depends on the day. In summer, QPWS warns of Irukandji stingers around the western mangrove creeks, so ask about stinger suits. Booking direct, the operator lists it from AUD 259 with a maximum of 35 guests.
Hotel pickup in Hervey Bay, or park free on Buccaneer Drive and be at the terminal 15 minutes early.
Morning tea on board, past small islands, watching for dolphins and turtles.
Kayak or snorkel, or ride the tube. The Sealegs tender drives you up onto the beach.
Back on board for lunch while the boat moves up the coast.
A guided walk and a climb for the view, then afternoon tea on the ride home to the marina by 5:00 pm.
★★★★★Hubby and I had a great time, the crew was knowledgeable of K'GARI with a relaxed, easy going atmosphere. Great on board lunch with morning/afternoon tea options. Be prepared to be wet all day, with various water activities [...] Loved the more remote aspect.
★★★★★Awesome trip, we had 3 stops on the boat and were transferred 3 times for different activities, walking, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling. And tubing. [...] They served delicious morning and afternoon snacks as well as a great lunch.
★★★★★One of the best day tours we've done. Everything was well organised, well paced, loved seeing the more secluded parts of the island. [...] Super friendly and thoughtful staff who adapted activities to be suitable for my elderly father [...]
★★★★★The team were great we had such a good day on K'gari! Really enjoyed that it was a more active way to see the island!
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No. It lands on the west coast, which has no road link to the lakes from the boat. For Lake McKenzie, take a 4WD tour such as the day tour.
8:00 am from Great Sandy Straits Marina, back at 5:00 pm. From mid-July to late October it runs 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Yes. Every activity is optional and reviewers with young children rate it highly. In summer, check about stinger suits for the creek swims.
No. Snorkelling is in shallow water, kayaks are stable, and you can stay ashore or on board for any activity.
Ready to book
Kayak, snorkel and walk on K'gari's quiet west coast by boat from Hervey Bay, with lunch on board.
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