Holiday on Queensland's Fraser Coast

Where Whales Frolick

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. October 14, 2008

AUSTRALIA, July 9, 2008. Whale watching is one of the world's great natural experiences, and nowhere is it as alluring as in the calm waters of Queensland's Hervey Bay.

Every year thousands of humpback whales travel from Antarctica along the east coast of Australia to give birth in the warm waters of Northern Queensland. On their return migration they stop to rest and play and nurture their calves in the safe waters of Hervey Bay in the protected lee of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

The official season splashes down in early August with the traditional blessing of the fleet and Kingfisher Bay Resort's popular 'Advanced Ecotourism Accredited' tours commence straight after - where the best whale watching spots are just a short journey north from the resort.

Kingfisher Bay Resort's Head Ranger Colin Anderson said Whale Watching in the bay was an amazing experience to watch, from very close quarters. "It's a great quirk of nature to see these huge 40,000kg whales leap out of the ocean, lift their great heads, salute with their flukes and treat onlookers to some amazing water acrobatics with a flick of their tails," he said.

Ranger Colin believes one of the most amazing developments since the commencement of commercial whale watching in Hervey Bay is the desire of the Humpbacks to 'socialise' with the vessels, swimming around and around, often 'spy-hopping' for a closer look at the whale watchers on board.

For holidaymakers travelling to Queensland and the Fraser Coast, there is the added bonus of the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island on the doorstep so whale watchers can combine the best nature has to offer with a visit to the island, all in the one holiday.

Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a two-night Whale Watch package, including return catamaran transfers from Urangan Boat Harbour to the island, two nights resort hotel accommodation at one of Australia's leading eco-tourism resorts set in World Heritage wilderness, hot buffet breakfasts and a half-day Whale Watch cruise to Platypus Bay (just north of the resort) with expert interpretive commentary by the resort's Ranger Guides. Self-contained villa accommodation options are also available. Ranger Colin suggests visitors opt to spend an extra night on the island when planning their Fraser Coast itinerary.

"Fraser is the world's largest sand island and the national park is full of contrasts and contradictions," he said. "On one hand we have sub-tropical rainforest growing completely in sand, which shares the landscape with magnificent fresh-water lakes perched in the top of sand dunes, arid sand blows that are lunar-like in appearance, coloured sand formations, 75 miles of beach highway on the eastern side of the island and a shipwreck thrown in for good measure. It's like every little piece of natural Australia is showcased in one beautiful spot."

And for an extra 'wild' touch, Kingfisher Bay Resort guests can also take advantage of the eco-resort's free Ranger-guided nature walks and talks during the visit.

For information and bookings call your local travel agent or visit kingfisherbay.com.

*Some conditions apply.