In 2009, UNESCO classed the Fraser Coast’s Great Sandy Strait in the same league as Uluru and the Amazon. Naturally, it’s an area that deserves to be protected and preserved, and that’s exactly what the crew at Pacific Whale Foundation is dedicated to achieving.
Their Whale Watching Cruises aren’t just about experiencing a face to fluke encounter. “My job on board is to promote science and advocacy to help protect our oceans,” explained one of the guides on board, Darcey.
“Our aim is that people walk away from this cruise having learnt something that they can take home with them and share with their community. Just by coming on board people are helping to support research, education and conservation of our beautiful humpbacks as well as all of our marine life in the bay.”
The team are currently in the early stages of studying the health and wellbeing of humpback mums and calves in the bay. “We’re starting to build up our baseline and then over the years we can start to see if patterns change and they can sort of act like an alarm bell,” explained Research Associate, Barry.
“If we see very healthy whales the first couple of years and then we start to see thinner whales then we can start to ask questions as to why we’re seeing that.”
It is a rare privilege to see these majestic mammals up close, come Winter. The Fraser Coast is arguably one of the best places to whale watch as you’ve got relaxed, playful whales enjoying the calm waters of the bay.
Just like the whales, we’d suggest staying a while when visiting Hervey Bay. The Ramada Hervey Bay ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for somewhere central yet secluded. The self-contained apartments have all the creature comforts of home and then some! The balconies overlook the gorgeous pool area which is a perfect spot to soak up the bay’s blue skies.
Visit Fraser Coast Tourism for more!
www.visitfrasercoast.com.au
