Hervey Bay Whale Festival
10 July and 29 - 30 August 2026
The annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival is returning in 2026!
There are few places in the world that compare to the awe-inspiring, soul-stirring, up-close whale watching encounters that you will find in Hervey Bay.
Between July and October, thousands of humpback whales travel the ‘humpback highway’ and arrive in the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay. Unlike any other place along the ‘humpback highway’, the whales will stop and spend up to 10 days resting, socialising and playing before continuing their trip back to the Antarctic for the summer months.
This unique relationship gives reason to celebrate each year with the Hervey Bay Whale Festival. An eclectic event to recognise the importance of the ocean to Hervey Bay and promote the conservation of the marine environment and animals that are unique and important to our region.
Fun for the Whole Family
2026 Whale Festival Events
Blessing of the Fleet (10 July)
Blessing of the Fleet is back at a brand new location! Kick off whale season at Urangan Harbour Boat Ramp carpark. Enjoy a live DJ set by Rave the Bay, face painting, food, and markets as well as the much loved, traditional Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
City and Sea (29 Aug)
Get ready for a jam-packed day of family fun across two exciting locations: City Park and Seafront Oval! Enjoy a fantastic lineup of entertainment, activities, displays, food, and fun for all ages as the festival comes alive across the heart of Hervey Bay.
Tasman Holiday Parks Parade of Lights (29 Aug)
Dive into a sea of light and imagination as this year's Tasman Holiday Parks Parade of Lights celebrates Magical Migration! Light up the night, unleash your creativity, and join a glowing parade of ocean magic as we celebrate the wonder of whale season.
Paddle Out For Whales (30 Aug)
Be part of an unforgettable experience that blends fun, community spirit, and a deep love for the ocean at Paddle Out for Whales - Hervey Bay's iconic tribute to the gentle giants of the sea.
Strange Kinship (23 Aug - 16 Nov)
Drawing on our region’s reputation as a whale watching capital, 'Strange Kinship' brings together international and Australian artists to examine our desire to understand and connect with animals.
SEA KIN STORIES (9 Aug)
On the 9th August the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery presents a special event exploring the cultural significance of relationships between Indigenous peoples and sea-kin.
Sammy Hawker’s Sound Forms: Whale Song (29 AUG)
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is launching Sammy Hawker’s Sound Forms: Whale Song during the Hervey Bay Whale Festival weekend. The launch will take place alongside two additional exhibitions at the Gallery: Matters of Time and Regional Spotlight.
Whale Heritage
The world's First Whale Heritage Site
Hervey Bay’s reputation as Australia’s whale watching capital was made official in October 2019, when the region was dubbed the world’s first Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.
To qualify, a Whale Heritage Site must ensure the highest standard in respectful human-wildlife interactions, as well as showing active engagement by the local community and their tourists with marine life through art, music, science, education and other heritage and cultural events.
This 6, 000 square-kilometer area, covers about 20 percent of the Great Sandy Marine Park, spanning from Rooneys Point, across to Burrum Heads, and as far south as Big Woody Island. The area is part of the wider Great Sandy Biosphere, awarded reserve status by UNESCO back in 2009.
A Message from the Minister for Environment and Tourism and the Minister for Science and Innovation, the Honourable Andrew Powell MP
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Hervey Bay Whale Festival, an event that truly captures the character and charm of Fraser Coast.
Supported by the Queensland Government through Round 2 of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program, this event showcases the unique connection between our state’s vibrant communities and the diverse regions they call home.
Events like the Hervey Bay Whale Festival bring people together, celebrate local culture and contribute significantly to the community’s pride and economy.
While you’re here, I encourage you to explore all that the Fraser Coast Region has to offer—whether it’s its scenic beauty, local flavours, or the warm hospitality that makes this part of Queensland so special.
A big congratulations to the organisers and everyone who worked hard to bring this wonderful event to life. Thank you for being part of the thriving Queensland Destination Events Program.
Andrew Powell MP Minister for Tourism
Learn About the Humpback Whale
Ocean Life Education
