Quick Cat II travels via Kingfisher Bay resort daily on our Morning Whale Watch Cruise. If you wish to join our tour from the Island please contact Kingfisher Bay Resort directly to make a booking.
Travel times and locations we travel to differ on each individual cruise depending on the weather, tides & the whales location.
Our Morning Cruise and Afternoon Cruise on the same day can even be completely different travel times and locations. No cruise is the exact same.
There is no exact location when Watching the Whales. The most common area to spot our Humpback Whales is Platypus Bay which starts approximately 30 minutes after departing the Great Sandy Straits Marina. However, Humpback Whales are wild animals in their natural environment, and they move around all parts of the bay at any time meaning we can be travelling anywhere between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours before we see our first whale.
The travel time between departing and finding the whales is completely out of our control although it is a lovely scenic cruise along the way with beautiful sights of local islands, sandbars, other marine life and of course the Western side of K'Gari (Fraser Island).
Our Humpback Whales join us from mid July to October each year, the whales are fantastic to see all season however you can see different whales/behaviours at different times in the season. At the start of the season we tend to see a lot of curious & playful Sub Adult whales and from September onwards we start to see the Mother’s & Calves as well which is a super cute sight to see.
Both tours are great!
Our Morning Tour is an early start and has extra travel time while we travel to/from Kingfisher Bay Resort to pick up/drop off extra guests. However, our Morning Tour also gives you the option to upgrade to our exclusive 'Whales & Lunch @ Fraser' package.
Our Afternoon Cruise travels directly to/from the whales and you are treated to a beautiful sunset over the water on the way home which is an excellent time to sit back and relax with a glass of bubbles.
We bring it down to personal preference and the timing of your future travel plans!
While it is extremely rare for the whales to elude us onboard our cruises, it can occasionally happen very early or late in the season. To avoid this happening, we modify our cruise start and finish dates each year to best align with whale watching projections, thereby minimising possible disappointment!
Hervey Bay Whale Watch have always guaranteed whale sightings, meaning if you have joined us for our whale watch cruise and we haven’t sighted whales, your ticket is valid for any of our other whale watch cruises until Humpback whales are sighted! (Subject to availability) Hervey Bay Whale Watch has always maintained this policy, with one guest waiting 15 years to redeem their ticket!
Yes. We have a fully licensed kiosk on board with a range of drink or food purchases such as Pies, Sausage Rolls, Toasted Sandwiches, Chocolates, Chips, Coffee, Tea, Alcoholic and non - alcoholic beverages
We certainly do. However, please make note of any dietary requirements at the time of your booking. If we are not made aware, there is a possibility we may not be able to. You are also more than welcome to bring your own snacks if desired.
Absolutely! We offer a 1/2 price ‘Mates Rates’ discount for returning adult passengers within the same season. Once you have travelled with us with a full priced ticket, you can then travel again at half price as many times as you would like within the same season. This is only valid for the current season you have travelled in.
Guests need to be 13 years old and above to be able to participate in this experience.
We must take into consideration the sea conditions, weather conditions & the whales we have around us at the time. For example, if there are any Mother’s & Calve’s around us, if there are any other boats around us etc we legally cannot enter the water. These conditions have to be perfect to allow a safe swim experience. The Skipper on the day will decide if swims can or cannot go ahead. Unfortunately, sometimes these conditions are out of our control however, we will always try our best to conduct a safe swim experience for our guests.
Swimming with the whales is an extra $100.00 per person. Payment for the swim is to be made on board.
Unfortunately, Whale Swims cannot be pre booked as we cannot guarantee this experience. You can express your interest of swimming with the whales at the time of booking or on the day once on board.
We have had swims last anywhere from between 5 minutes and up to an hour. Whale Swims are completely on the whales terms as wild animals.
Swimming with the whales can never be guaranteed on any of our tours as we are working with wild animals. We may have successful swims in the morning and/or the afternoon or sometimes not at all. It really is up to nature.
We recommend trying to swim at the start of the season (July-August), from September onwards the number of Mother & Calf pods increase and we do not swim with Mothers & Calves as this is a very important time for development.
*Mask & Snorkel + life jacket are provided by us - you may bring your own if desired*
*No Fins to be worn during Whale Swim*
Once you have purchased a Whales & Lunch @ Fraser ticket, this includes your Morning Whale Watch Cruise, a light breakfast & morning tea on board Quick Cat II, lunch at The Sandbar Bistro (anything off the menu) & your return barge and bus back to the mainland.
No, drinks are to be purchased separately from the Bar.
Return travel from the Island is with Kingfisher Bay Resort barges & buses, not Quick Cat II. You have a choice of either the 2:30pm or 5pm barge from Kingfisher Bay Resort to mainland (Riverheads), once on mainland you can catch the resort bus back to the Marina (where you started from) or back to your accommodation. Please note that Quick Cat II does not return back to Kingfisher Bay in the afternoon. The 5pm resort barge is the last boat to depart the Island, if you miss this departure time the only option for you is to book a room at the resort if available. Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Kingfisher Bay Resort take no responsibility if guests miss these departure times. Please ensure you are at the barge departure point (half way along the Kingfisher Jetty) 15mins prior to your departure time.
Approximately 45 minutes on the resort barge to mainland (Riverheads) & the bus trip back to the Marina or your accommodation may vary depending on the resort bus drop off schedule.
No, activities aren’t included. There are a range of different activities available at the resort including Segway Tours, Kayak Hire, Bushwalking and more. Once you have arrived at the Island you can check at reception for any activities available & the prices of these.
Quick Cat II will drop you off at Kingfisher Bay Resort at approximately 12pm, you can then choose to depart on the 2:30pm or 5pm barge.
Hat, Sunscreen, Mozzie/Bug Spray, Water Bottle, Towel & Swimmers (if you wish to swim), Jacket/Jumper, Camera/Phone, Money.
*IMPORTANT: ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION - Please be aware that when you arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort, guests should have a certain level of mobility to navigate sets of stairs, 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.*
The Aqua Oasis Cruise is primarily a boat-based tour with most activities being conducted from the boat. Access to a landing spot on the beach is not always possible due to tides and weather, however, ideally on each cruise we would like to anchor close enough to the beach where is it a short swim/paddle or tender ride to the beach if possible.
As far as reef goes in Hervey Bay, there isn’t much of it, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a little look at life under the sea, occasionally we may have turtles, eagle rays or schools of bait fish around coffee rock or sunken logs that can be nice to look at.
We have a small supply of masks and snorkels on board for guests to use, we don’t supply fins as snorkeling is to be conducted in close range to the anchored vessel and we don’t encourage deep diving or breath holding during this activity.
Yes, there can be jellyfish, most are harmless and leave only a slight irritation of the skin and easily fixed buy a quick splash of vinegar that we keep on board. There have been isolated reports previously of Irukandji Jelly fish in the area, usually reported closer to the creeks on the island, we do recommend long sleeve clothing for a bit of added protection if you are concerned about stingers. We are third generation locals here in Hervey Bay and we have never hesitated to swim in these areas in the past.
Yes, we have a range of floatation devices on offer throughout the cruise, these range from toys and equipment to Australian standard Life vests.
Our regulated floatation devices include: The ships Life Jackets, Life rings, Carly Floats and water sports life vests Our unregulated floatation devices include: Floating Air dock, Water Carpet/mat, Stand Up Paddle boards and pool noodles. We would encourage you to bring your own small Personal Floatation devices if you would like to, please refrain from bring large bulky blow-up pool toys that may easily blow away in the breeze and take up large amounts of deck space.
Yes, there can be sharks in the area, we are yet to see one while conducting shallow water swimming activities but there is always a chance as we are swimming in the ocean with no fences or cages and sharks are free to swim where they please. As always, you enter the water at your own risk and again as third generation locals we have never hesitated to swim in these areas.
Quick Cat II is completely wheel chair accessible around the entire main deck due to having ramps instead of stairs, unfortunately we don’t have a means for accessing the water or tender vessels for wheelchairs.
Access to and from the water is via a ladder off the rear swimming platform, moderate physical ability/mobility is required to climb this ladder.
At times our tides are very strong sometimes up to 3-4 knots, this can make swimming difficult if you are not a strong swimmer, we do have safety precautions in place to help like the floating air dock and mat, as long as you are on one of these you have no need to worry about the currents, we also trail a long drift line off the rear of the vessel that you can hold on to if you start drifting away and pull yourself back to the boat, we also have floating aids like life vests, pool noodles, life rings and the motorized tender that is a rescue vessel. The current isn't always strong and try to avoid the current where possible.
It is approximately 30-45mins from the Great Sandy Straits Marina to Kingfisher Bay Resort. We will make a short stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort where we will tie up alongside the Jetty to load resort guests and then we will be on our way to our own little slice of paradise!
You have the option to include lunch at Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'Gari if you would like. Once you have purchased an Aqua Oasis + lunch @ K'Gari ticket, this includes your Aqua Oasis Cruise with a morning tea + refreshments on board Quick Cat II, lunch at The Sandbar Bistro (anything off the menu), 1 x Complimentary Drink & your return barge and bus back to the mainland.
Yes, 1 x Complimentary drink (beer, wine, soft drink) is included. Additional drinks are to be purchased separately from the Bar.
No problem! You just need to book an 'Aqua Oasis ONLY' ticket and you will return to the Great Sandy Straits Marina at approximately 1:15pm after we drop our resort & lunch guests back to Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Return travel from the Island is with Kingfisher Bay Resort barges & buses, not Quick Cat II. You have a choice of either the 2:30pm or 5pm barge from Kingfisher Bay Resort to mainland (Riverheads), once on mainland you can catch the resort bus back to the Marina (where you started from) or back to your accommodation. Please note that Quick Cat II does not return back to Kingfisher Bay in the afternoon. The 5pm resort barge is the last boat to depart the Island, if you miss this departure time the only option for you is to book a room at the resort if available. Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Kingfisher Bay Resort take no responsibility if guests miss these departure times. Please ensure you are at the barge departure point (half way along the Kingfisher Jetty) 15mins prior to your departure time.
Approximately 45 minutes on the resort barge to mainland (Riverheads) & the bus trip back to the Marina or your accommodation may vary depending on the resort bus drop off schedule.
No, activities aren’t included. There are a range of different activities available at the resort including Segway Tours, Kayak Hire, Bushwalking and more. Once you have arrived at the Island you can check at reception for any activities available & the prices of these.
Quick Cat II will drop you off at Kingfisher Bay Resort at approximately 12:30pm, you can then choose to depart on the 2:30pm or 5pm barge.
Hat, Sunscreen, Mozzie/Bug Spray, Water Bottle, Towel & Swimmers (if you wish to swim), Camera/Phone, Money.
*IMPORTANT: ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION - Please be aware that when you arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort, guests should have a certain level of mobility to navigate sets of stairs, 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.*
We sure do! You can purchase our tours as a Gift Certificate online and we will email it through to you once we receive your order.
Yes we do. Please contact our office to discuss local deals.
We certainly do! Whether it be a group of friends, a social group, business trip or a large family you can book a Whale Watch Cruise directly and SAVE!
10-20 people =10% 20-30 people =15% 30+ people =20%
We certainly do!
Those who hold a companion card are required to purchase a full price ticket and their companion/carer are welcomed on board half price!
COMPANION CARDS MUST BE SHOWN AT CHECK IN.
Yes, all ages are welcome on board! We ask that all children are supervised at all times!
Yes they certainly are. Quick Cat II is the only vessel in the fleet with full wheelchair access right around the main deck with no stairs.
No. Smoking is strictly prohibited on board.
Our office & boat are both located at Berth A1 in the Great Sandy Straits Marina - 17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD, Australia.
Enter '17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, QLD, Australia' into your Maps or GPS and follow the directions to find us!
Once you arrive at the Great Sandy Straits Marina drive over the two speed bumps & past the BreakFree Resort reception (on your left), follow the road around the right hand bend and into the FREE car park.
At times the carpark can become quite busy & full. Please allow extra time before your tour to find a carpark.
Once you have arrived and parked your car, walk through the main terminal building towards the water until you reach Café Balena, turn left out of the terminal building and follow the board walk towards the boats. Walk down the ramp to get down onto the dock and we are the only floating office on the right at the bottom of the ramp.
The team at Hervey Bay Whale Watch have been operating in the area for over thirty years and so, are very familiar with the conditions and enjoyment levels of their guests. Quick Cat 2 will not depart the Marina if conditions are dangerous, with guests advised of adverse conditions prior to departure time.
Expectations differ from person to person with some relatively unaffected by rough conditions, despite this, we are more than happy to rebook your cruise for a calmer day if you feel uneasy about the weather. If the day is too rough to be enjoyable, we will advise you as soon as possible of the cruise cancellation with the choice of a refund or to rebook.
Quick Cat II offers amphitheatre style seating on the foredecks and a wide variety of indoor/outdoor seating options throughout the vessel.
Quick Cat II is a purpose built Whale Watching vessel and is one of the most stable sea boats in the fleet. However, some people unfortunately do experience seasickness while on board. If you know you are prone to experiencing seasickness, we recommend taking the appropriate anti-nausea precautions for yourself before your trip.
If you need to cancel your booking please contact our office 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure time and a full refund will be processed.
There are a few great accommodation options within walking distance to the Great Sandy Straits Marina.
- Mantra Hervey Bay
- BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
- Akama Resort
- Ramada Hervey Bay
- Coastal Bliss Holiday House, Burrum Heads
Hervey Bay is filled with many great restaurants & cafes! Here are our some of our top picks!
- The Dock Bar & Restaurant (located at the Marina)
- Cafe Balena (located at the Marina)
- Whale Bay Asian Cuisine (located at the Marina)
- Waterfront Restaurant
- Bayaroma Cafe
- Aqua Vue Cafe
- SeaBar 469
Visit Fraser Coast: https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/
KAYAK Hervey Bay Guide: https://www.kayak.com.au/Hervey-Bay.44149.guide
What's On Fraser Coast: https://www.whatsonfrasercoast.com.au/
