Three years after the start of commercial whale watching our waters became the Hervey Bay Marine Park with the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service controlling the number of commercial operators, the enforcement of whale watch regulations and monitoring the effects of whale watching.
And together with the Humpback whales thousands of Bottlenose, Spinner and Common dolphins provide spectacular daily viewing. The original season appeared rather short, from the second week of August to the third week into October, but during 1993 it became obvious, that Hervey Bay can guarantee fabulous whale watching from the end of July till the beginning of November.
What has caused this longer season? Firstly there is a significant increase in the actual number of whales and where in the past only a few pods were seen very early or very late in the season, more and more whales are being sighted during this time. Also some operators have reported seeing the same whales twice during a season, once early August and again later in the season. Does this mean that some of the Humpback whales travel into the Bay on the way North and again call in on the way South to Antarctica? Whale watching has directed world attention to Hervey Bay. Did you know that in 1991 some 4 million people throughout the world went whale watching, spending A$400 million? Commercial whale watching is a sustainable tourist industry, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.
And together with the Humpback whales thousands of Bottlenose, Spinner and Common dolphins provide spectacular daily viewing. The original season appeared rather short, from the second week of August to the third week into October, but during 1993 it became obvious, that Hervey Bay can guarantee fabulous whale watching from the end of July till the beginning of November.
What has caused this longer season? Firstly there is a significant increase in the actual number of whales and where in the past only a few pods were seen very early or very late in the season, more and more whales are being sighted during this time. Also some operators have reported seeing the same whales twice during a season, once early August and again later in the season. Does this mean that some of the Humpback whales travel into the Bay on the way North and again call in on the way South to Antarctica?
Whale watching has directed world attention to Hervey Bay. Did you know that in 1991 some 4 million people throughout the world went whale watching, spending A$400 million? Commercial whale watching is a sustainable tourist industry, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.
As other species of whales return to pre-whaling breeding grounds elsewhere in Australia, Hervey Bay can expect strong competition in its quest to remain the Whale Watch Capital of the World. But with what we have to offer as a total product, Hervey Bay will remain the envy of all other whale watching areas in the world.
Where else do you find vessel-friendly Humpback whales on R and R, NOT IN TRANSIT, but playing, chasing, breaching, their ever increasing numbers, mothers feeding and training calves, singing and even sleeping. In an area strictly controlled as a Marine Park, prevailing South
Easterly trade winds, yet sheltered by magnificent Fraser Island, now World Heritage listed, an average winter temperature of 22 degrees, clear waters for excellent viewing and thousands of dolphins as a bonus.
Departing from the City of Hervey Bay with some twenty motels thirty caravan parks, an abundance of family orientated units backpacker hostels, restaurants and fast food outlets. And a choice of tours from fast half-day trips to leisurely full day-trips including lunch, all at affordable prices. And only just three and a half hours drive North of Brisbane and an international airport.
As such, Hervey Bay will always remain the Whale Watch Capital of the World.
