Hervey Bay's pristine waters play host to approximately 7, 000 humpback whales each year on their annual breeding migration and, to mark their return, the Bay comes alive for the month of August.
Hosting a range of family-friendly and educational events incorporating live music, workshops, an illumination parade, lectures, aquatic events, arts, carnival rides and fireworks, the Whale Festival is 40 tonne of fun.
WHEN: Friday 2 August - Saturday 31 August
WHERE: Various locations around Hervey Bay
For a full list of Whale Festival events and activities visit www.herveybaywhalefestival.com.au or for more information about Hervey Bay's whale watching season including the best times to visit and holiday deals, go to www.queensland.com/whales.
KEY EVENTS INCLUDE:
Blessing of the Fleet
Kicking off the Whale Festival, the Blessing of the Fleet is an ancient ritual designed to ensure the safe passage of the boats, crew, visitors and whales that stop and play in Hervey Bay - Australia's home of whale watching. Hervey Bay's whale watching vessels will sail past the Marina and pontoon before dropping anchor in their berths. Visitors will be invited to step aboard each boat, meet the skippers and learn more about the gentle giants of the ocean while enjoying an evening of food and entertainment.DATE: Saturday 3 August 2013
TIME: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
PLACE: Urangan Marina Precinct, Buccaneer Drive, Urangan
Ocean of Fun
Ocean of Fun is dedicated to little kids and big kids at heart with free workshops and activities throughout the afternoon including Nature Hunt Bingo and live music. World famous sand sculptor, Dennis Massoud, will also be creating a masterpiece while visitors can use ochres (natural pigment) to create their own colourful artworks.DATE: Saturday 10 August 2013
TIME: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
PLACE: Ernie Organ Park, Charlton Esplanade, Torquay
Illumination Parade - "Protecting Oceania"
As one of the biggest events of the Whale Festival, the Illumination Parade attracts a crowd of thousands each year as locals and holidaymakers alike unite to light up the sky and celebrate the symbolic whale migration trail. The event will include market stalls, music and fun activities for the kids and the night will finish with a fireworks extravaganza.DATE: Saturday 17 August 2013
TIME: 4:00pm - 8:00pm (Parade 6:15pm - 7:30pm, fireworks 7:45pm)
PLACE: Scarness Park, Charlton Esplanade, Scarness
Whale Aid Concert
The Seafront Oval is set to come alive with a host of local Fraser Coast and Australian artists playing all original music including the soulful tunes of troubadour Barry Charles and the Deeper Beat. Alongside the musical entertainment program, a number of special conservation guest speakers will raise awareness about the current plight of the humpback whales which migrate along Queensland's coast and visit Hervey Bay every year.DATE: Saturday 24 August 2013
TIME: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
PLACE: Seafront Oval, Charlton Esplanade, Pialba
Migaloo Starlight Swing
As the final event of the Whale Festival, the Migaloo Starlight Swing is night of old time swing music under the stars. Ladies are invited to dress in white frocks in honour of Migaloo the white whale and gentlemen a tux or just a dapper bow tie. Enjoy wine tasting and cheese plates from the bar or bring your own picnic.DATE: Friday 31 August 2013
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
PLACE: Pier Park, Pier Street, Urangan
COST: Gold coin donation*
August offers
Another great reason to visit Hervey Bay in August is the multitude of top holiday packages on offer. The Family Whale Watch Accommodation Package at White Crest Luxury Apartments includes two nights stay, a half day family Whale Watch Cruise and use of a range of resort facilities from $75 per person per night.* To book, contact the operator direct on 1800 100 808 and quote "HUMPBACK".For more information about Hervey Bay's whale watching season including the best times to visit and holiday deals, go to www.queensland.com/whales.
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