The code of practice, which was developed by the Hervey Bay whale watching fleet, outlines best practice processes and policies for swimming with the majestic humpbacks.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor with the Tourism Portfolio, Stuart Taylor said the trail gives the Fraser Coast a competitive advantage over other operators in the industry.
‘Adding to the close up experiences that whale watching in Hervey Bay offers is the interactive swim with the whales experience. There is nowhere else that guarantees whale watching experience where whales stay and play for days on end,’ said Cr Taylor.
Hervey Bay, which is known as the ‘whale watch capital of the world’, is renowned for its whale watching experiences. It is one of the only places in the world that whales actively interact with the whale watching vessels.
Jill Perry, owner of Hervey Bay Whale Watch said safety is always their first priority when letting guests swim with whales. Water conditions and whale behaviour must be perfect for the swim to take place.
‘This year we are getting a lot more enquiries due to it being advertised on our website and in our brochures. Last year due to the approval coming late in the season, the awareness was not high. This year we are working to change that,’ said Jill.
The season kicks off this month with an anticipated 23,500 whales migrating along Australia’s east coast. Over 8,000 of those are expected to make their way into Hervey Bay waters between July and November.
For more information on the whale season, head to whalesherveybay.com.au.
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