These latest findings – as well as a recent international ban on Japanese whaling - will add a massive dose of excitement and action to this year's Hervey Bay Whale Festival – a season-long festival celebrating the region's amazing relationship with the humpback whales.
From July to early November each year, thousands of whales stop, stay and socialise in the pristine, protected waters of Hervey Bay for up to ten days.
While taking their Hervey Bay “vacation” the humpback actively seek out encounters with the whale watch fleet and entertain those on boat with incredible displays of aquatic acrobatics that include spectacular breeching and cheeky spy-hopping.
Savvy whale watchers can coincide their visit to the world's most unique humpback whale destination with one of the Whale Festival's activities spread throughout the season – all with a key conservation focus to 'educate and celebrate' about the whales and the environment.
The Hervey Bay Whale Festival helps to launch the whale watch season on July 19 with a massive celebration combining the international Paddle Out For Whales event, Ocean of Fun Fest, the blessing of the whale watch fleet, and fireworks over the ocean.
Start the day by joining hundreds of others and paddling out into the ocean off the Torquay foreshore in a united show of support for to protect the whales – creating an impressive spectacle from the air and the shore.
It's Australia's largest anti-whaling demonstration as part of National Whale Day and this year is cause for a major victory celebration with the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice to uphold Australia's bid to ban Japan's Antarctic whaling program.
Back on shore, join in Ocean Of Fun with a host of environmentally-focused workshops and activities aimed at children and families.
As day turns to night, enjoy a centuries old tradition as Whale boat operators line up their illuminated vessels for a blessing to mark the start of the season, ending in a major fireworks display from a barge behind the boats.
Throughout the whale watch season there will be a full program of workshops, displays and activities including Creating Waves – a series of talks from leading researchers and wildlife campaigners.
Among the key note speakers will be PHD researcher Trish Franklin and Wally Franklin, fellow researcher Wally who this year released the amazing results of two decades of study into the whales of Hervey Bay.
For whale watchers, its irrefutable scientific proof that they are experiencing one-of-a-kind whale encounters and behaviours in Hervey Bay not found anywhere else in the world.
Other highlights of the festival include a Whale Aid concert featuring Australian and local performers and a spectacular illumination parade along the Hervey Bay esplanade.
For more go to www.herveybaywhalefestival.com.au
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