Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: 5 Viewing Decks

Four hours spotting humpbacks and dolphins across five viewing decks

A half-day whale watching cruise from Hervey Bay on the purpose-built catamaran Quick Cat II, with 5 viewing decks on 3 levels designed to give every passenger an unobstructed view of humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds in the Great Sandy Straits and Platypus Bay. Choose between a morning tour with complimentary light breakfast or an afternoon departure; both include live crew commentary, tea, coffee and refreshments onboard. The vessel is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels, with infants and small children able to ride in a pram or stroller.

The Experience

The Quick Cat II was designed and built in Hervey Bay specifically for whale watching, and the 5 viewing decks stacked across 3 different levels mean you're never crowded into one spot. Vantage points run from the water line all the way up to a third-story rooftop platform, so whether you want to be close to the surface or high enough to scan the horizon, there's a deck for it. The boat operates two half-day tours—morning and afternoon—each running 4 hours, so you pick the timing that fits your schedule.

An experienced crew provides live commentary throughout, sharing insights into humpback whale behavior and the other marine life you'll encounter: dolphins, turtles, seabirds and occasionally dingoes along the shore. The morning tour includes complimentary light breakfast, while both departures offer tea, coffee, juice and light refreshments onboard. Hervey Bay Whale Watch has been running commercial whale watching tours for over 36 years and is owned and operated by fourth-generation locals with 85 years of combined experience on the Fraser Coast waters.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome, and the vessel is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Live commentary from experienced crew.
• complimentary light breakfast on the morning tour.
• morning or afternoon tea onboard.
• tea, coffee, juice and light refreshments throughout the cruise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hervey Bay Whale Watch - Quick Cat II

Is this one for you?Book the morning tour if you want breakfast included and prefer an early start; the afternoon departure works better if you're exploring Hervey Bay earlier in the day and want to end your afternoon on the water.

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Top questions

When do the morning and afternoon whale watching tours leave Hervey Bay?

The cruise operates two half-day departures—a morning tour and an afternoon tour—each lasting 4 hours. You choose which fits your schedule when you book.

What marine life will I see on the Quick Cat II whale watching cruise?

Humpback whales are the main attraction, particularly in the Great Sandy Straits and Platypus Bay where they gather. You'll also look out for dolphins, turtles, seabirds and sometimes dingoes along the shoreline.

Are there good viewing spots for someone who gets seasick or prefers to stay out of the wind?

The 5 viewing decks across 3 levels give you options—lower decks closer to the water line and enclosed areas, or the rooftop platform for open-air views. You can move between decks throughout the tour to find what works best for you.

Can I bring my young child or infant on the whale watching tour?

Yes, infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller on the Quick Cat II. The vessel is designed to be accessible for families, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the price of the half-day whale watching cruise?

All tours include live crew commentary, tea, coffee, juice and light refreshments. The morning departure also includes complimentary light breakfast.

Is the Quick Cat II wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them to reach the departure point.