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Make a day of it! Join us for close encounters with friendly humpback whales. We spoil you as you watch and interact with the whales resting and playing around the boat alongside K’gari (Fraser Island). The day is yours - no rushing back for the next passengers. See the majestic whales in style!
Make a day if it with Freedom Ecotours and the whales in Hervey Bay this winter! We spend more time with the whales. With a leisurely start and with only one trip per day, we don't have to race back for the next group. So, if we are surrounded by whales, we can switch the engines off to give you the most spectacular experience possible.
Freedom is a comfortable motor catamaran with three viewing decks and water level, plenty of seating indoor and out, an air-conditioned saloon and three toilets. With small group numbers (maximum 48), friendly and fabulous crew and superb catering, it's no surprise that Freedom Premium Whale Watching Cruise is rated so highly on Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook - we have loyal returning guests year after year.
We feel privileged to take our guests to the pristine Platypus Bay, where thousands of humpback whales gather each year to rest and play. It is world-renowned and the first location accredited by Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance, recognized globally for its unique whale-watching opportunities. We don't have to battle the open ocean to find them - our humpback whales come to the calm waters of Hervey Bay for their 'holiday', a rest period on their impressive annual migration to and from their feeding grounds in Antarctica and where they give birth in tropical waters to the North.
Our guests often experience the thrill of curious humpback whales approaching the boat, sometimes even waving back at them with their long pectoral fins! We also respectfully observe the whales from the proper distance, marveling at their natural behaviors, including pec-slapping, rolling, and the awe-inspiring sight of breaching. The hydrophone adds another dimension to your experience. Hear the incredible whale song and hundreds of dolphin clicks - the underwater orchestra is always incredible. Do you know the song the whales sing changes every year? Recent research found it is shared from one whale to another until all the males are singing from the same song sheet! We will also have an underwater camera which we are excited about.
We will spoil you throughout the day so you can focus of creating memories on this bucket-list experience. Our catering is a point of difference. Enjoy freshly prepared morning tea of scones and pastries, a fresh and healthy lunch and afternoon tea of cheese and fruit platters - you won't be hungry! Tea, coffee and filtered waters is available free of charge throughout the day and sodas or alcoholic drinks can be purchased from our licensed bar. Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please reach out if you have any special requirements.
So, book now to make magical memories with the whales on Freedom in the Great Sandy Marine Park of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Our expert skippers and crew provide informative and engaging commentary about whale behavior throughout the tour. We guarantee whale sightings (or return booking) and guests are interested to learn about the changes in the population during the season. In July, playful juvenile whales are the first to arrive, followed by the larger adults in August, giving visitors an appreciation for the whales’ majestic size. During September and into October, mothers and calves make their appearance, creating unforgettable memories that showcase why Hervey Bay stands out as a premier whale-watching destination in Australia. We frequently see turtles, dolphins and dingo's on our journey as well as pelicans, gannets and osprey.
We aim to create a relaxing, memorable experience, knowing many guests have travelled far for this bucket-list adventure. Freedom Ecotours operates with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the amazing marine creatures and our valued guests.
To ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests, we require you to inform us at the time of booking if you, or anyone in your party, have any physical, sensory, cognitive, or other conditions (including food allergies) that may require special accommodations or assistance during the cruise. This will help us provide appropriate support and seating arrangements to meet your needs. Please note that while we strive to accommodate all guests, certain limitations may apply due to the nature of our vessel or cruise activities. For example, the vessel is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for anyone that cannot walk up 5 steps with a support rail. If you have any questions or specific requirements, we encourage you to contact us prior to booking. Children must be closely supervised by their parent or guardian at all times. Children cannot be unaccompanied at any time.
Tours operate according to weather conditions and Freedom Ecotours reserves the right to cancel the tour with no notice in the case of adverse weather. We reserve the right to substitute another vessel in the event of unavailability of the advertised vessel.
If Freedom Ecotours cancels the cruise, the guest will be given the choice of:
If guest cancels the following will apply:
There is a maximum of 48 participants on board.
The captain will determine changes to procedure due to weather. Passengers are given relevant warning if the weather looks to be unfavourable. Passengers may be advised to reschedule if they feel the need to. If cancelled by captain, bookings will be rescheduled if able or fully refunded.
Good fitting hat, sunglasses and full-length sleeves for sun and wind protection are recommended. Layered clothing and wind and showerproof jackets will be needed in winter months. Skirts and dresses are not recommended because it can be windy. Flat, rubber soled shoes must be worn (white soles preferred) – no heels or bare feet.
Freedom is a 60ft motor catamaran berthed at the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan Harbour, Hervey Bay, Queensland. The vessel is fully licensed to serve alcohol. There are three toilets and showers, an air-conditioned saloon and other seating on the decks.
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