9 Reasons Why K’gari (Fraser Island) is the Best Place in Australia for Whale Watching
The waters between K’gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay, Queensland are known for close encounters with humpback whales during their annual migration. From July to October, Kingfisher Bay Resort runs whale watching tours with guaranteed encounters, departing right from the resort’s doorstep.
Before you book your trip to say hello to the humpbacks, here are 9 reasons why K’gari (Fraser Island) is the best place to see the whales from Kingfisher Bay Resort’s very own team of expert eco-rangers.
1. Humpback Whale Haven
The calm and protected waters between K’gari and Hervey Bay is used by these magnificent creatures as a rest stop during their long migration journey.
2. Annual Migration
Humpback whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling thousands of kilometres each year. They migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef and back, passing by Kingfisher Bay Resort for some rest along the way.
3. Unique Behaviour
K’gari is known for its "whale ballet" phenomenon. The calm waters and unique topography of the western bay create an ideal environment for humpback whales to engage in displays such as breaching, tail-slapping, and playful interactions.
4. Mother-Calf Interactions
The sheltered waters off the west coast of K’gari provide a safe and nurturing environment for mother humpback whales to teach their calves essential survival skills. Visitors often witness heart-warming scenes of mother-calf interactions, including tail-slapping lessons and playful behaviour.
5. Research and Conservation
The whale watching industry in Hervey Bay contributes to ongoing research and conservation efforts. Researchers gather valuable data on the behaviour, health, and population dynamics of humpback whales, helping to better understand and protect these magnificent creatures.
6. Sustainable Whale Watching
We, like all other operators in the area are committed to sustainable whale watching practices. Operators adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the whales, such as maintaining a respectful distance, reducing boat speed, and limiting the number of vessels in the vicinity of the whales.
7. Whale Songs
Humpback whales are well-known for their complex and beautiful songs. Male humpbacks sing intricate songs that can last up to 20 minutes and can be heard underwater for kilometres. These songs are believed to be a form of communication and play a role in attracting mates.
8. Close Encounters
Visitors are guaranteed close encounters with humpback whales. Under strict guidelines, some tour operators offer unique experiences such as swimming with the whales, which provides a memorable and awe-inspiring interaction with these gentle giants.
9. Conservation Success
The recovery of humpback whale population is considered one of the great success stories in marine conservation. Once on the brink of extinction due to commercial whaling, humpback whale numbers have rebounded, and their migration through the Great Sand Strait is a testament to their resilience and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Kingfisher Bay Resort offers the only whale watching tours that leave from K’gari. Make the most of it with the K’gari Whale Retreat package and enjoy resort accommodation with easy access to the island’s iconic must-do experiences on both land and sea.
All tours operated from Kingfisher Bay Resort ensure that, while observing whales, it is important to respect their space, follow set guidelines, and prioritise their well-being to ensure a positive and sustainable experience for both humans and these incredible creatures.