Hervey Bay at a glance
Hervey Bay is a base for two things: the island and the whales. Day tours to K'gari collect guests from selected pickup points in town. The ferry to Kingfisher Bay leaves from River Heads. In the whale season, boats leave from the marina for morning trips on the bay.
You do not need your own 4WD to visit the island from here. A guided day tour uses a 4WD bus, and the ferry, morning tea, a buffet lunch, park fees and fuel levy are included. Self-drivers need a vehicle access permit and a ferry ticket, which are covered on our 4WD page and the ferry page.
Hervey Bay whale watching
The season is limited, so plan the dates first.
Regional tourism information gives July to October as the whale watching season in Hervey Bay. That is a guide to the season, not a promise from every operator. Operators end the season on their own dates, and some close before the end of October. Ask the operator for the last sailing date before you plan around it. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
One operator's published morning trip shows what a trip includes and costs. Treat it as an example from the 2026 season and check live dates and prices with the operator.
| Ticket | Price (2026 example) |
|---|---|
| Adult | A$130 |
| Senior or student | A$120 |
| Child 4–14 | A$70 |
| Child 0–3 | Free |
| Family, 2 adults and 2 children | A$350 |
| Family, 2 adults and 3 children | A$420 |
The same listing shows check-in at 06:45, a trip window of 07:00–12:30 from the Great Sandy Straits Marina, and a light meal with morning tea. It is a morning trip, so allow for the whole morning.
Our picks: whale watching from Hervey Bay
Cruises and a boat tour that include whale watching in season.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Remote K'gari boat tour with lunch
Hotel pick-up, buffet lunch, guided walks, kayaks and snorkelling gear are included, plus whale watching in season. It is a boat tour, so there is no separate ferry.
Check availability →Four-hour whale watching cruise in Hervey Bay
A seasonal cruise with pick-up from selected stays, tea and coffee, antipasti and an underwater window.
Check availability →
Three-hour whale watching cruise with marine scientists
A seasonal cruise with marine scientists on board, hydrophones, a snack and soft drinks. You make your own way to the marina.
Check availability →Hervey Bay tours and K'gari day trips
Whale watching, K'gari day tours and two-day trips from Hervey Bay, with live prices and availability.
Using Hervey Bay as a base for K'gari
Three ways to reach the island.
Day tour
The Hervey Bay day tour runs in a 4WD bus with the return ferry, morning tea, a buffet lunch, park fees and fuel levy included. The 2026/27 adult price is A$279 in low season (13 October to 11 December 2026), A$299 in shoulder season (12 to 20 December 2026) and A$319 in high season (21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027). Children aged 4–17 pay A$199, A$239 and A$279 in the same periods. A family of 2 adults and 2 children is A$799, A$899 or A$1,049. GST is included and blackout days are possible.
Two-day tour
The two-day trip starts at A$645 per person on a triple share in low season, A$679 on a twin share and A$779 for a single. Children aged 4–17 are A$459 and the family package is A$1,999. It includes 1 night in a standard room without air conditioning, breakfast, morning tea and lunch, the ferry and park fees. Dinner is not included. Stops depend on weather, tides and access.
Self-drive
With a suitable 4WD you take the ferry from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay. Book a ticket in advance and check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Read the permit rules before you go.
K'gari ferry guide →Urangan Pier and the waterfront
The Urangan Pier is 868 m long. The council reported on 1 July 2025 that repairs and coastal protection work were complete and the pier had reopened. Check for new works before you go.
It is an easy walk on a day you are not on a tour or a boat.
Flying in and parking at the airport
Hervey Bay has its own airport.
The council lists connections to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, plus charter and scenic flights. Check schedules with the airlines. If you leave a car at the airport, these 2026 rates apply.
| Stay | Main car park | Secure car park |
|---|---|---|
| First 30 minutes | Free | – |
| Up to 2 hours | A$6 | – |
| 2–5 hours | A$15 | – |
| 5–24 hours | A$25 | A$30 per day started |
| 7 days | A$120 | A$195 |
After 7 days the main car park charges A$25 for each 24 hours started. The secure car park needs no reservation.
Hervey Bay: frequently asked questions
When is whale watching season in Hervey Bay?
Regional tourism information gives July to October. Operators set their own last sailing, and some finish before the end of October. Confirm the dates with the operator you plan to use.
Can I visit K'gari from Hervey Bay without a 4WD?
Yes. The day tour from Hervey Bay uses a 4WD bus and includes the ferry, morning tea, a buffet lunch and park fees. You do not need your own vehicle.
How much is a day trip from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island?
The adult price in 2026/27 is A$279 in low season, A$299 in shoulder season and A$319 in high season, with children aged 4–17 at A$199 to A$279. GST is included.
Is the Urangan Pier open?
The council reported repairs finished and the pier reopened on 1 July 2025. Check for any new works before you go.
Where does the ferry to Fraser Island leave from?
The ferry to Kingfisher Bay leaves from River Heads. The barge from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach is the other main route. Details are on the ferry page.