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Welcome to your floating oasis! Step aboard the exclusive Quick Cat II for the ultimate day of fun, relaxation, and adventure in the Great Sandy Straits. 🌊
Your Island Adventure Awaits
As we depart the Great Sandy Straits Marina, we will set course for a scenic cruise through the Great Sandy Straits to Kingfisher Bay Resort. Keep an eye out for an abundance of local wildlife, from playful dolphins and turtles to flying fish and majestic eagles. The coastal scenery is simply stunning! 🐬
Exciting Water Activities and Relaxation
Once we arrive at our pristine anchorage, get ready for some action-packed activities. If water sports aren’t your thing, find your perfect spot on the spacious sun decks, grab a seat or towel, soak up the sun, and flick through your favourite book. Our fully licensed onboard bar offers the perfect refreshments as you enjoy the spectacular views. 🍹
Dive into the fun with our range of activities: swim, try Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), slide down the inflatable slide, or get your adrenaline pumping on our multi-level jumping platforms. When tides and conditions allow, take a tender ride or swim to shore to explore the beach with the sand between your toes. 🏖s
Upgrade Your Experience
After a peaceful escape, we make our way to Kingfisher Bay Resort. Guests who choose to upgrade their tickets can disembark to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on K’Gari (Fraser Island) and a delicious lunch at the Sandbar Bistro. If you do not wish to spend the afternoon on K’Gari, you will return to the Great Sandy Straits Marina at approximately 1:15pm.
Premium Cruise Inclusions
- Scenic cruise through the Great Sandy Straits with informative commentary, local knowledge, and history
- Complimentary morning tea and refreshments
- Over 2 hours of free time with water activities and beach access
- All equipment provided: inflatable slide, jumping platforms, air dock, water toys, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling gear, and beach activities (beach cricket, frisbees, balls, sandcastle building equipment, shade umbrellas)
- Fully licensed bar for snack and beverage purchases
- OPTION TO UPGRADE TO AQUA OASIS + LUNCH @ K’GARI – EXTRA $40.OOpp (includes lunch + drink, use of resort facilities and return transfers back to the mainland via the resort barge & bus)
- Low passenger numbers for a personalised experience (maximum 40 guests on a 100-capacity vessel)
- Non-smoking vessel
What to Bring
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Swimwear and a towel
- Camera (preferably waterproof)
- Money for drinks, snacks, and souvenirs (EFTPOS is available on board)
- Your sense of adventure!
Cruise Schedule and Departure
- Departure: 8:00am departure (travelling via Kingfisher Bay Resort, approx. 30-45 minutes)
- Return: If you do not wish to disembark at Kingfisher Bay Resort for lunch, you will return to the Great Sandy Straits Marina at approximately 1:15pm
- Check-In: Please ensure all guests check in at our floating office at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Our floating office is located beside Quick Cat II at the Great Sandy Straits Marina, near Cafe Balena.
Weather and Safety Policy
The Hervey Bay Whale Watch team has been operating in the area for over 30 years, ensuring expert knowledge of local conditions. To ensure the safety of all passengers, Quick Cat II will not leave the harbour in dangerous conditions. If the weather is too rough to provide an enjoyable experience, guests will be notified of the cancellation and offered the choice of a refund or the opportunity to rebook for a calmer day.
Important Guest Information
- Mobility Requirements: Please be aware that when you arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort, guests should have a certain level of mobility to navigate sets of stairs to access the jetty to the resort, which may vary based on the tide level at the Jetty. Additionally, keep in mind that the return transfer to the mainland via the resort barge may also involve the use of stairs. Unfortunately, heavy power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated in these circumstances. However, we do accept light foldable wheelchairs and walkers.
- Resort Stopovers: Certain tours may not stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort in the morning for guest pick-up, depending on bookings. However, all tours will stop at the resort on the return trip to allow guests to disembark for lunch. Please note that Sunday tours do not visit the resort in the morning but will do so on the return journey.
- Weather Concerns: If you are concerned about weather conditions for your tour, including wind, rain, and sea conditions, or if you have young children, are pregnant, prone to motion sickness, or feel unsteady on your feet, the option to change dates is available (subject to availability) if the weather is not suitable for your booking.
Make sure to check out our FAQ’S Page on our website for more info!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms and Conditions
- Passengers are required to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.
- Passengers are required to follow all safety instructions given by the crew and captain at all times.
- Passengers are responsible for their own personal belongings and any loss or damage is at their own risk.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on board Quick Cat II.
- Hervey Bay Whale Watch is not responsible for any injury or loss of property resulting from passenger misconduct or failure to follow safety instructions.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Hervey Bay Whale Watch reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who appears to be under the influence of drugs or who poses a threat to the safety of the vessel and its passengers.
- No refunds will be provided for any missed tours or charters due to late arrival or non-compliance with the terms and conditions.
- Hervey Bay Whale Watch has a zero-tolerance policy towards rude or abusive behaviour towards our staff. We ask that all passengers treat our staff with respect and courtesy at all times.
- Hervey Bay Whale Watch reserves the right to substitute another vessel at any time.
- Tour times may vary slightly dependent on conditions and distance travelled.
- Cruise may be cancelled or substituted at any time due to weather or tide conditions or if viable passenger numbers are not reached.
- Guests booked for Aqua Oasis + Lunch @ K’Gari must catch the 2:30pm or 5:00pm resort barge back to the mainland; Quick Cat II does not return to collect guests. Please wait at the Barge Departure point 15 minutes prior to the departure time you choose.
- If guests miss the designated barge times, they are responsible for finding their own way back to the mainland or booking and paying for a room at the resort if available.
- Hervey Bay Whale Watch is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by guests who miss the designated barge times or who are unable to find transportation back to the mainland.
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The whales, well did they put on a show! We seen multiple pods, mother and calf, we even heard a male sing to win over his lady (guys, don't get any ideas)!
We ended up running late coming in because the whales kept showing off! Truly amazing and highly recommended!
It was a wonderful experience all round and saw lots of breaching whales. My first experience to see whales breaching and so support what Hervey Bay is doing to save whales
We saw so many beautiful whales, many with calves.
It was an amazing experience, I hope to do it again.
We had an amazing day. The whales came really close to the boat several times, and I was able to take so many beautiful photos. The crew were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and shared lots of interesting facts about humpback whales.
One of the best things is that there’s also the option to swim with the whales, but you don’t have to pay for it upfront. Swimming only goes ahead when the conditions are safe the whales need to be calm and there can’t be any calves around. The crew were very professional and clearly prioritised everyone’s safety.
The whales were quite active when we went, so swimming wasn’t possible, but I honestly didn’t feel like I missed out at all. The experience was incredible, and the whales put on an unforgettable show!
The price was very reasonable, and I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an amazing whale watching experience in Hervey Bay.
Staff were friendly and helpful and welcoming. It was very relaxed all round. A plentiful afternoon tea was offered and everyone seemed very happy with this adventure.
What an amazing experience
Would highly recommend and will definitely do it again
Fantastic crew , absolutely amazing afternoon !! Well done
We saw so many pods of whales that a few even surfaced close to the boat. The whales saved the best for last, with incredible action right nearby. It’s an experience I highly recommend.
The crowd was larger than the first visit, so was harder to get the best vantage spot this time. We spent a long time with the whales so the 4 hours was the perfect time. There was such excitement onboard, especially when everyone was waving and talking to the whales. The onboard afternoon tea was great. The staff were the best and really made our day special.
Incredible experience
Crew were very friendly & knowledgeable sharing detailed information about the local area and whales. Found us lots of whales & some dolphins too!
The boat was ideal for whale watching and the drinks & light breakfast were great too. Would highly recommend.
From the moment we checked in until the end of the tour, the staff were warm, friendly, and incredibly accommodating. They were amazing with the kids, so patient, and made everyone feel welcome.
We travelled from Hervey Bay to K'gari (Fraser Island) to pick up more passengers, but even then the boat never felt overcrowded. There was plenty of room to move around, relax, and enjoy the experience from different viewing areas. The food was delicious, and the fresh baked treats were a lovely bonus!
The whales were absolutely spectacular. Every time we thought it couldn't get any better, another pod would appear. We saw tail slaps, whales popping their heads right up beside the boat, playful rolling and waving, and—twice—we were lucky enough to witness whales launching their entire bodies out of the water. It was breathtaking, and the scenery was just as stunning from start to finish.
I already can't wait to come back again this season! I love supporting this family-owned business, and it's fantastic that they offer a mates' rates discount for every tour after your first visit during the season.
A huge thank you to the entire crew for making my birthday so memorable. It was truly a day I'll never forget!
Here are a few photos I took from my phone, I can’t wait to get the other photos from my camera!
You can really tell this is a family-run business that genuinely loves what they do. Everyone on board was so welcoming, Sam the skipper, Jack, Kelly and Sahara who are all friendly and happy to share their knowledge, making the whole trip feel relaxed and personal.
Seeing the humpback whales up close was absolutely unforgettable, and the crew made sure everyone had plenty of opportunities to enjoy every moment while always putting the whales first.
If you’re thinking about whale watching in Hervey Bay, don’t look any further. Supporting a local family business while having such an incredible experience makes it even more special. I’ll definitely be back xx
We had a wonderful time!
The skipper was excellent, the morning tea delicious and the toys to play in the water with were awesome. Great crew and great day out!
Jo
The setup was perfect, the atmosphere was unreal, and the whole tour was so well run. It was the perfect mix of fun and chill, and we all walked away saying how amazing it was.
We loved it so much we’re already planning to book again! If you’re considering the Aqua Oasis Tour, don’t hesitate — you won’t be disappointed.
The crew are excellent at spotting the signs from km's away and heading towards possible sightings and also at explaining what we are seeing, from the captain at the wheel, to other members of crew around the decks.
Afternoon tea was supplied and was good.
A highly recommended half day trip, with an excellent chance of whale spotting.
The 2025 season has been amazing from commencement in July to last day 19th October.
I am a regular whale watcher throughout the season and as usual was not disappointed.
A big thank you to skippers Josh, Sam. Steve as usual you have excelled in showcasing our humpbacks and I still learn something new on my trips.
The crew Nat, Jack, James, Hayley, Darren, Peta ,Kellie always nearby on deck to lend a hand and provide great morning and afternoon teas.
Lindy, Alicia, Tahnee in the office providing support to guests with their booking requirements.
The "QuickCat" is purpose built for whale watching, plenty of room around the decks to move around with different levels to get the best views whether you wish to be high or lower.
Have witnessed some amazing interactions this season and share some of my photos .
I can highly recommend Hervey Bay whale watch it was the first cruise company we booked with whilst on holiday, now living in Hervey Bay it is the vessel of choice
The only downside was the lunch option, which was very limited for vegans—I was only able to have rice and vegetables, which was disappointing. Other than that, the trip was fantastic: beautiful, well-organized, and memorable.
The staff were friendly and informative.
We stopped multiple times on the way to Platypus Bay whenever we saw a whale or a pod. The whales came up close to the boat and the skipper did whatever he could to keep the whales interested - turning engines on etc.
It was a beautiful day on the water and an experience our family will never forget.
The staff spent lots of time talking with passengers about whales.
But the morning trip was so much better than you could hope for
The crew knew exactly how to make our experience a lifetime memory
From the early morning snacks to the expert commentary this team are winners
100% value for money
Robyn & Leighton NZ
Thank you we had an amazing special time!!
We were fortunate to witness whales up close, hearing their songs, seeing their blowholes, and watching them interact with the boat was absolutely surreal. The fresh fruit on board was a lovely touch, and the overall atmosphere was both relaxed and exhilarating. This was the perfect way to conclude our two-week journey through Queensland. Without a doubt, it was the best investment we made on our trip. I’m already planning to return & next time, I’ll be swimming with them! Thank you to the entire team for creating such a memorable and magical experience for us both!







































































