Welcome to the annual whale watching trip to Hervey Bay. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the esplanade to walk down, 545 Esplanade to stay at, Cauldron Brewing to drink at, Tasman Venture to whale watch from, and Bayswater Bar and Grill to eat at. Let me tell you more.
Hervey Bay, on Queensland’s stunning coast, is famous for calm beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class whale watching from July to November. The bay’s sheltered waters offer incredible close-up encounters with humpback whales, while nearby Fraser Island — the world’s largest sand island — beckons with rainforests, freshwater lakes, and its legendary 75 Mile Beach.
Back on shore, the Esplanade’s cafés, restaurants, and shops capture the town’s laid-back charm. Whether you are here for adventure or pure relaxation, Hervey Bay delivers both in unforgettable style.
Location, Location, Location
Hervey Bay can be found about 300 km north of Brisbane. From my home near Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, it is approximately 225km. It is a drive that takes a little over three hours with a coffee and/or a breakfast stop. Gympie is a usual breakfast stop, and Tiaro is the coffee stop.
Oh, my word, we are still in Winter
Our Hervey Bay trip was set for 25th-29th August, quite literally the last week of Winter. The weather was forecast for an average of 21 during the day and around 16 degrees at night so still bordering on long trousers weather…. but I was brave enough to wear shorts at times too.
Meet and Greet
Welcome to Madhatterpress. Whose Madhatterpress you might ask? Well, that’s me. Joanne Hattersley. I jokingly call myself the CEO of the website! With me on this trip is Barry Beckham, otherwise known as my dad. We do quite a few dad/daughter trips. Check out the “Travel: Escaping Again” section on the menu bar of the home page of my website
Motive for the trip
What is the motive for the trip I hear you ask? Well, my friends, let me elaborate for you. It’s not so much of a trip, it is more an annual pilgrimage to be honest. Whale watching is magical as it lets you witness some of nature’s most magnificent creatures up close and personal. Seeing a whale breach, tail slap, or glide through the water is awe-inspiring, a reminder of the ocean’s power and beauty. Each encounter is unique, full of wonder, playfulness, and a sense of connection that stays with you long after the spout disappears on the horizon. When you ‘whale watch’ with the Tasman Venture crew, you are guaranteed sightings, and the crew remember repeat visitors. That makes it even more special.
Diary of the Whale Trip
There was a bit of an on/off debate this week about whether we would go on this trip. With over a week of not being able to shake flu like symptoms (and little did we know that we had another 2 weeks to come of it!) we were feeeling pretty grotty. But we bit the bullet. We packed the car and hit the road.
Monday 25th August
After packing the car, we had a three-hour journey ahead of us to get to our destination. We were heading to 545 Esplanade, Hervey Bay This is our third time staying here in the last four years. We hit the road. Traffic was light and we made good time.
We were due to check in at 2pm, although I had explained to the owner that we would be in the area from 1pm. At 11:50am I had a text to say that the place was ready now and to have a great stay. That was a welcome surprise. A quick pit stop at the local Woolworths for snacks and we were ready to settle in.
After a relaxing afternoon, we headed down to the Bayswater Bar & Grill for dinner.
Tuesday 26th August
This morning began with coffee and the news on the iPad. The same as we do at home! Then it was time to decide what to do for breakfast. We decided on Pier Village Cafe where we had sausage, eggs, and drinks.
The rest of the morning was about getting our whale watching trip booked. We plan to head out with The Tasman Venture on Thursday morning. We have done this trip with the Tasman several times, well put it this way…. they always say to dad, “oh, it’s you!” A couple of cold ales for dad at Cauldron Brewing and it was back for a relaxing afternoon for me, an afternoon sleep for him!
Dinner at Hervey Bay Boat Club rounded off the evening.
Wednesday 27th August
Still not feeling 100% this week, but the week continues. It’s been nicknamed “The Convalescence Tour” which does make me giggle!! Today started with coffee, toast and the usual morning papers and podcasts.
After a shower, we decided to drive out to Toogoom and visit Goodys on the Beach After lunch we took a slow drive back. Whatever virus we’ve had these last 2 weeks has knocked the stuffing out of us, so we haven’t had the energy to do much on this trip. It was a peaceful afternoon and evening with a good book for me, and one of dads podcasts for him. Dad got his cameras ready for the whale watching and I dived under my headphones to Pink Floyd’s, ‘Wish you were here.’
Thursday 28th August
Today is what this trip has been all about. The whale watching. I was looking forward to this as I always do. Tickets in hand, off we went to the marina. Yes, there is a but coming.
But…..
The westerly winds had blown up overnight and coupled with the tide, we were, for the first time on the trip, faced with some horrible swells. While I did get some good views of the whales, I didn’t take a single photograph. Why? Let’s just say this is the first time in almost twenty years that I’ve been boat-sick (twice!) So, not a good morning. I did catch a healthy amount of sun too – my freckles are making their appearance.
Following the trip, dad had his lunch at the boat club. Unsurprisingly I couldn’t face food just yet. Then we headed back to the holiday let for our remaining evening.
Friday 29th August
The last day of the trip was upon us. But today was also a special day – it was dads’ birthday. I booked us a breakfast at Salt Cafe just up the road from our accomodation. A simple breakfast of toast and eggs for me, and the full monty for dad. Then we hit the road home. We made good time and arrived home at about 1215pm.
Time to wrap up
The annual 2025 whale watching trip is done. Time to ask myself the three questions.
Would I come back again to Hervey Bay?
Yes, I would. It’s a pleasant place.
Would I come back again to this accomodation?
Absolutely. It’s suited to our needs. Having the beds pushed together for me was a big bonus this time.
Would I do anything differently?
I doubt I would.
