Whales, K’gari & a weekend in Hervey Bay

We ask for your preference at booking so we can lock in the whale cruise or the K’gari 4WD tour and ferry permit in advance, since both can sell out in peak periods. If you book outside whale season (December to June), the Saturday activity is the K’gari day tour. If you book in season (July to November) and aren't fussed either way, our specialist will recommend based on availability that week.

Return coach transport from Brisbane, two nights' hotel accommodation in Hervey Bay, your Saturday activity (whale-watching cruise with lunch on board, or K’gari guided 4WD day tour with lunch and NPWS permit and ferry), and a Cooee tour leader for the full weekend. Breakfast is included both mornings at the hotel. Dinners and Sunday lunch are at your own cost, with recommendations provided.

No. Humpback whales are present in Hervey Bay from July through November only, with peak activity August to October. If your weekend falls outside that window, the Saturday activity is the K’gari guided 4WD day tour instead, which runs year-round.

Both Saturday options are accessible to most fitness levels. The whale-watching cruise involves a full day on a boat with seating and shaded deck areas; some swell is normal even in sheltered Hervey Bay waters, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly. The K’gari day tour involves walking on sand at several stops (boardwalks at Central Station, a beach walk at Eli Creek, steps at Lake McKenzie) but no strenuous hiking. Let us know about any mobility considerations when booking.

Yes. Extra nights before or after the tour, at the same hotel or elsewhere in Hervey Bay, can be added at booking. Let your Cooee specialist know your preferred extension and we'll quote it alongside the standard weekend package.

Hervey Bay is mild and dry for most of the year — winter days (June–August, which overlaps whale season) average around 21–22°C, and summer days average around 29–30°C. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat regardless of season. For the whale-watching cruise, pack a warm layer since the water is noticeably cooler than the shore. For K’gari, bring swimwear and comfortable closed shoes for the boardwalks at Central Station.

Cancellation terms follow our standard booking conditions, available at booking and on our website. If weather conditions affect the whale-watching cruise or K’gari crossing on the day, our on-ground operators make the safety call and we'll work with you on the best alternative, whether that's rescheduling the activity or applying it toward a future Cooee tour.

Both Saturday options work well for families. The whale-watching cruise is a good full-day option for kids old enough to sit through a few hours on the water, and K’gari's Lake McKenzie swim and Eli Creek float are consistently popular with children. Let us know ages at booking so we can flag anything specific to plan around.

We use a comfortable, well-located Hervey Bay hotel close to the Esplanade, confirmed to you before travel. Rooms are twin or double share as standard, with a single supplement available if you’d prefer your own room. Room or hotel upgrades and extra nights can usually be arranged — just let your Cooee specialist know at booking and we’ll quote it.

Our coaches are modern and comfortable, with a washroom on board and a comfort stop on the drive each way. Wi-Fi availability varies by vehicle, so we’d suggest not relying on it — mobile coverage along the Bruce Highway is generally good if you need to stay connected.

Yes. One main bag plus a small day pack per person is the comfortable guide for a weekend. If you’re extending your stay or travelling with more, let us know at booking so we can make sure there’s room on board.

During the July–November season, sightings in Hervey Bay are very common because the whales rest here rather than passing through — but wildlife is never guaranteed. Many local operators offer a “see a whale or come again” style guarantee on their cruises; the exact terms sit with the cruise operator and we’ll confirm them with your booking so you know where you stand.

Child pricing is often available and depends on ages, room configuration and the Saturday activity chosen. Tell us the ages of everyone travelling at enquiry and we’ll include child rates in your quote.

Yes — the included lunches and hotel breakfasts can accommodate common dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free and allergies, provided we have notice. Let us know your requirements at booking and we’ll pass them to the hotel and activity operators in advance.

The tour is built around Brisbane departure points, but because the route heads north via Gympie we can sometimes arrange a pickup along the way. Ask your Cooee specialist at booking and we’ll let you know what’s possible for your travel date.