Saturday 30 July 2016

Enjoy an Ocean of Festival Fun in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay Ocean Festival kicks off this August with visitors enjoying oceans of fun and a jam-packed 9 day program of events highlighting the Fraser Coast's deep connection with the sea.

World famous whale-watching experiences, renowned mouth-watering seafood, a seaside lifestyle, music and cultural activities are all heroes of this gigantic showcase from August 13.

Festival highlights include the Blessing of the Fleet on August 13, the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival on August 14, the Whale Parade and Concert on August 20 and the Paddle Out for Whales on August 21.

The Blessing of the Fleet is the opening event in which the Fraser Coast's famous fleet of whale watch vessels undergo a centuries old tradition at Hervey Bay Marina to ensure a safe and prosperous season. Visitors can tour the vessels, wander through market stalls and enjoy delicious wine and cheese tasting, a sail past, fabulous fireworks and live entertainment.

The following day, August 14, is one to savour with the annual Hervey Bay Seafood Festival offering something for all tastes. Hosted by the local industry who catch Hervey Bay's famous seafood, the event serves up a host of fresh and delicious wild-caught ocean produce, loads of entertainment, competitions, cooking and catching tips and more at Fishermen's Park, Urangan Boat Harbour.

Highlights include tasty morsels such as cooking demonstrations from leading chef Javier Codina from Moda Restaurant, prawn eating competitions, bumper artistic, music and cultural program with performances by 8 Ball Aitken, The Rain and Wal Neilson plus more.

Next on the Ocean Festival menu is the Whale Parade and Concert featuring an enchanting spectacle of lights and floats representing the humpback's annual migration, followed by a fabulous free concert with local artists.

This iconic Hervey Bay event is a favourite for the locals, with carnival rides, market stalls and plenty of live entertainment for the whole family.

Last but not least is the Paddle Out for Whales where visitors are encouraged to jump aboard a paddleboard, kayak or anything that floats to support the conservation of whales and their environment both on the Fraser Coast and throughout the world.

As a recognised endangered species, the humpback whale has flourished in recent years with more than 22,000 whales expected to make the migration this season. The event includes races, environmental speakers, live music and more.

The Fraser Coast is Australia's Home of the Humpbacks where the natural shape and calm protected waters of Hervey Bay offer a natural playground for thousands of the majestic creatures and the best up-close and personal whale watching encounters in the world.

Every year an estimated 22,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the north to breed.

On their return journey between late July and early November, the proud new parents and the cutest calves on earth make a temporary home in the tranquil marine environment of Hervey Bay creating a wonderland of intimate and interactive whale activity.

To plan your Fraser Coast holiday for the Hervey Bay Ocean Festival and the world's best whale watching, head to herveybayoceanfestival.com.au.

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