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.
Karin Metz
over 3 years ago
Excellent tour with lots of whale encounters. Highly recommended.
Crew is super friendly, food was good and plenty. There was enough space on the boat so that everyone got a good spot to see the whales. We saw many more whales up close than I expected this early in the season. Highly recommend this tour as good value for money.
Myrim Margolis
over 4 years ago
Had such an amazing day with Freedom
Had such an amazing day with Freedom. Could not have asked for more. Lucky for us the weather was calm. Many times the whales came right up to the boat and when they left it wasn't long before another pod was found. Truly memorable. They were plenty of room for all on the boat, no chance of missing anything and the food was good.
Maria Pascual
over 5 years ago
Being able to behold the magnificent whales
Being able to behold the magnificent whales, just a couple of meters away from the boat, was definitely a memorable experience. No one having the possibility of doing it should miss it. And our boat, the Freedom III Whale Watch, was a perfect choice. Smaller than other boats shipping from Hervey Bay, it allows you to be closer to the water surface while keeping a great level of comfort for the 40 passengers on board. It had little crew, just the number of people needed, friendly, kind and professional. A lunch buffet enough to get your stomach filled for the trip. But, above everything, a great ability to find where the whales are – without disturbing them, of course – which allowed us to be surrounded by up to seven of them! WOULD ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND.