Hervey Bay Whale Swim 2026

Swimming with Humpback Whales

Another amazing year swimming with these majestic animals. Hervey Bay is a resting place for the humpbacks on their way back to the Antarctic after birthing their young further north.

This is our 5th year and our 2nd year being joined by our fabulous group of friends from the Sunshine Coast. This year was by far the coldest weather we have had for our swim day, but that did not take away from the magic of this incredible experience.

St Peter, watching over the vessels leaving the Urangan Harbour. The statue commemorates local fishers who have been lost or taken by the sea. The marble statue was sculpted in Italy and was installed at the mouth of the harbour in 2013

The below video taken by Sandy, shows two of the many whales that swam under the boat, so close the surface.

Humpbacks swimming under our boat. Video by Sandy

Our camp

Once again we stayed at Torquay Caravan Park.

Around town

Ferris Wheel, Mini Golf and a 1950s cafe.

Reef World Hervey Bay

A must visit if you are in Hervey Bay. Turtles that have been injured and can’t be relocated back to the ocean are in large tanks for visitors to pat and feed, and even swim with.

Urangan Pier Markets

There are two Saturday markets near our camp. One is in the park next door and a much larger one is at Urangan Pier, a short bike ride away.

Hervey Bay Whale Festival

The annual Whale Festival extends over a weekend with various activities through out the town. There is a night parade with fireworks, and a paddle out for whales from two jetties, one just near our camp.