Fraser Coast South Burnett Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Ally Jay is a fast Cougar Cat offering fishing trips departing from Boat Harbour Drive, Fisherman Wharf Marina Hervey Bay and fishing the gutters out from Hervey Bay. Fishing trips to the continental shelf and shoals on the outside of Fraser Island and full and half day fishing trips fishing local grounds are also available for groups only or full hire of the boat for half day for as many people from two to 12. Individual and group bookings are welcome. Ally Jay is also available for private charter and barbecue cruise for backpackers and group bookings. All lunches, morning tea, soft drinks, rods with overhead reels, bait, tackle and ice are supplied. All fish will be cleaned and put on ice.

Ally J Charters are a great idea for individuals, groups, corporate and business groups, team building, holidays, birthdays and general get together for a day's fish. Ally-J is a high speed cougar cat and very stable platform for up to 12 people.

Being an owner operator ensures they'll give 100 per cent and take pride in making your day out a memorable and adventurous one.

That's Awesome whale watching operates in the calm waters inside Fraser Island in Hervey Bay where the whales choose to rest and play. It offers the adventure tourist a unique experience with the founders of vessel based whale watching in Australia, Brian, Jill and Sarah Perry of Hervey Bay Whale Watch, Australia's most experienced company. That's Awesome delivers you the freedom to select from multiple trips that get you to and from the whales faster than ever before. You'll appreciate the low passenger numbers, giving up close and personal with the whales a whole new meaning, full walk around deck, on board toilet, super stability - four 300 horse power Suzuki engines creating 1200 horse power. No frills, just thrills!!!... that's Awesome. Whale watch season is mid July till early November.

Exclusive Full Day Whale Watching, Dolphin Tours and Champagne Sunset Sails, they offer tours all year round. Be one of the few, not the many, for an up close and personal experience that you will never forget, see the magnificent humpback whale from the uncrowded deck of Blue Dolphin. As the smallest vessel and one of only two sailing vessels, you will experience the trip of a lifetime. See the whales eye to eye and listen as your skipper shares his 24 years experience of marine mammals. Imagine seeing a whale that is 35 foot long, the same length as the vessel and then 30 to 35 tonnes in
weight, it is six or seven times that of the Blue Dolphin.

Carrying only a maximum of 24 people, your day on Blue Dolphin will be an intimate and personal tour. Take your time, slow down and take an enjoyable day to see the whales. The Blue Dolphin II is a modern luxury 35 foot sailing catamaran, offering wide flat decks and room for all to see. The full day tour
includes morning tea, lunch (with a drink included) and afternoon tea. Our quality and experience sets us apart from the rest.

Footprints on Fraser offer guided, fully supported walking tours of World Heritage Fraser Island. The Great Walk, a new concept in tourism developed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is a unique walking experience covering almost 90 kilometres of walking trails. Footprints on Fraser offer four day and five day walking tours which, in total, traverse 80 per cent of the Great Walk.

Their walks visit some of the most beautiful and admired sites on the island such as Central Station and Lake McKenzie as well as some of the most remote and fascinating such as the Valley of the Giants. Footprints on Fraser pride themselves in inviting you to join them to walk where the four wheel drive vehicles don't go.

Commencing 2009 they are offering accommodated tours as well as their popular camping tours. Guests will return each night to their accommodation on the east coast beach via their support vehicle. Walking distances on the five-day accommodated tours are a little shorter than those on the camping tours.

Fraser Experience Tours are small with a maximum of 14 guests per tour. Their guides are professional, courteous and have been guiding tours on Fraser Island for years.

Real food is offered for all of guests including a barbecue dinner, morning and afternoon tea with tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits. A healthy breakfast of cereals, toast and fruit along with tea, coffee and juice is included. Vegetarians and other special dietary requirements are catered for; just let them know your preferences when you book!

The itinerary given is flexible, for example: the tour group can stay longer at one particular venue if you wish.

Accommodation during the tours is at Dilli Village and is twin share cabin accommodation. Accommodation upgrades are available but must be booked in advance.

Fraser Explorer Tours offer a fun and relaxing experience for all types of travellers - singles, couples, families and small groups, with a choice of accommodation styles to suit. Tours depart daily from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, with one or two day adventures on offer.

Stay on Fraser Island's famous 75-Mile Beach at Eurong Beach Resort. Guided four wheel drive day tours start in one location and end in the other if you are travelling along the coast. The two day tour includes all major Fraser Island sites such as Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, Indian Head, with accommodation and meals at Eurong Beach Resort.

Don't just imagine - join a Fraser Explorer Tour and discover the best of this World Heritage wonder!

Lonely Planet describes it as 'the cool dingo tour' and 'wholeheartedly recommends' this tour of Fraser Island. Touring with a local expert guide is the easy and safe way to see Fraser Island, no tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving, no hidden charges - no worries!

Two and three day tours are available and include return catamaran transfers from Hervey Bay, accommodation, guided tours, buffet breakfasts and dinners and picnic lunches.

Spend action packed days exploring Fraser with other 18 to 35’s and fun nights enjoying buffet meals, playing pool and partying in the Dingo Bar and nightclub.

Fraser Island Day Tours offer a variety of ranger-guided four-wheel drive tours of Fraser Island departing daily from Hervey Bay.

Discover this World-Heritage wilderness and marvel at its ancient rainforests, shifting dunes and remote beaches, rainbow-washed sand cliffs and clear lakes, bright as jewels and ringed with white sandy beaches.

Join a highly-trained ranger on a tour of Fraser Island. He will tell you of the epic migrations of whales and wading birds, of thousand year old trees and flowers that bloom for just a day, and of the fragile complexity of this ever changing living museum.

Each tour has Advanced Eco-Tourism Accreditation and includes morning tea, buffet lunch and National Park fees.

Experience Fraser Island plus humpback whales from Kingfisher Bay Resort with Fraser Island Whale Watch Cruise. Seeing a whale in the wild is the experience of a lifetime and one of the easiest and safest places to watch whales is in the Hervey Bay marine park. This area is regarded as the whale watch capital of the world because of the number of whales and the calm, clear waters, sheltered by Fraser Island, which provide excellent viewing.

From August to October, about 1,500 humpback whales take time out from their migration to spend anywhere from a day to two weeks relaxing and nurturing their calves. During this time, Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island has daily whale watching cruises to get you out amongst the whales very quickly. Marine rangers on board the Kingfisher whale watch catamaran provide commentary on the whale's behaviour. The whales are curious about the whale watch boats and often come in close to dive under the boats and swim around. They often provide spectacular action. To see an animal the size of 11 elephants rise out of the water or wave its' tail flukes is a thrill of a lifetime.

Come aboard Freedom III to wonder at the magnificence of humpback whales, cruise alongside unique Fraser Island spotting dolphins, turtles, seabirds and possibly dingos to Platypus Bay – where whales come to play. Three levels of uninterrupted viewing plus a water level platform gets you as close to the whales as possible. Six hours to relax, unwind, be awestruck and pampered while enjoying delicious catering for morning, afternoon teas and tropical buffet lunch. Make your whale encounter memorable as well as an educational experience.

Giddee Up Horse Trail Rides are located at Mungar, Queensland, situated on a lush 145 acres of tropical gardens with copious grass trees (Black Boy's), rainforest and natural Australian bush, all of which is at their front door. Giddee Up Horse Trail Rides offer three and a half hour, full day, and two day horse and camping trail rides and special event's where all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Lady Elliot is a true coral cay island, located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving locations in Australia and is famous for its unspoilt coral reef and amazing array of spectacular marine life! The Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Lady Elliot Island provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore the reef from the air, the glass bottom boat and the water... all in one day!

The combined glass bottom boat/guided snorkel tour is the best way to explore this wonderful underwater world of brilliantly coloured species of marine life including coral, fish, clams, sea stars, turtles, dolphins and manta rays. The Day Trip includes return scenic air flights, free use of snorkel equipment, use of day guest facilities, combined glass bottom boat/guided snorkel tour, a delicious buffet lunch in the restaurant and a guided afternoon activity.

The Great Barrier Reef Day Trip departs daily from the Fraser Coast / Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. The Great Barrier Reef Day Tour also departs from the Gold Coast (Coolangatta), Brisbane (Redcliffe) and the Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) making the Great Barrier Reef easily accessible to all.

Enjoy great day fishing and cruising the calm waters of Hervey Bay, where spotting dolphins at play or the occasional large sea turtle or dugong is a possible added bonus. DayTripper offers a comfortable, unique way to experience Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Straits, providing a dress-circle view of Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island.

Fishing trips on DayTripper, conducted daily, include rods, bait and tackle as well as continuous tea and coffee and morning tea. An enjoyable, substantial buffet lunch is served on charter cruises returning after 1.00 p.m. An on-board licensed bar allows you to kick back and relax as you ply the crystal shallows around Fraser Island, enjoy the white sands of Moon Point Bank or fish the popular fishing spots the area provides.

Charters are available for parties, weddings, night fishing trips and fund raising events and "Lights of The Bay" evening cruises provide a perfect end to a relaxed day at Hervey Bay.

They can't guarantee you'll catch the "big one" but they do guarantee an enjoyable day on the water and great value for money.

This vessel is also available for charters with prices starting at AUD1200.00. Enquiries welcome.

Hervey Bay Scenic Tours, half and full day tours, consist of present attractions and infrastructure along with informative commentary on the past, from first settlement, why they came, farming, their fishing industry and tourism and what it has brought to their region. Information on early exploration, flying foxes and the aboriginal way of life there before European settlement and all the way through to planned future development.

With their magnificent scenery and island views, many photo opportunities along with informative commentary on things like the Urangan Pier, Daymon Point and other natural attractions in their air-conditioned bus all make for an enjoyable informative day.

Quick Cat II is operated by Brian and Jill Perry who founded the industry in 1987. They offer half-day whale watching cruises morning and afternoon during the whale season, which runs from mid July to early November. Quick Cat II was launched in 2003 and upgraded in 2007 and has not only set the standards for whale watching vessels to follow, but has been accredited with Advanced Ecotourism ECO Certification. Quick Cat II guarantees whale sightings.

Quick Cat II is a state of the art whale watching vessel boasting the latest in marine technology and electronics allowing you to see and hear the whales that visit the pristine waters of Hervey Bay live. It is a non-smoking vessel.

Quick Cat II provides a courtesy pick-up and drop-off from accommodation around Hervey Bay. Complimentary morning and afternoon tea, with Jill's famous homemade muffins and danishes with free activity booklets for all children. Sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls and hot dogs are for sale on board. Quick Cat II is also fully licensed. Cruises depart the Great Sandy Straits Marina at the Urangan Boat Harbour in Hervey Bay.

Take a guided tour of historic Maryborough with an experienced guide dressed in period costume on the Maryborough Heritage Guided Walk Tour. Trained and full of local knowledge, their costumed guides will take you on an historic tour of their historic city starting at their City Hall and green and ending in their historic precinct at Wharf Street.

Join Maryborough Riverboat Cruises on board 'The Mary' for a relaxing smooth water cruise along the Mary River and the Port of Maryborough. Enjoy a cup of tea whilst they sail past stately heritage homes and historic buildings. Observe the sea eagles, pelicans, spoonbills and other wildlife along the river. During the cruise an informed commentary will entertain you with stories from the past. A barbecue lunch is available for which bookings are essential.

The city’s unique character is best discovered through Maryborough Tours, which takes in more than 100 historical buildings and homes, historical sites and points of interest. Absorb the atmosphere of Maryborough, step back into history, and enjoy a day on your own air-conditioned verandah! The personal driver guides are chosen for their ability to make your day enjoyable and the aim is for you to leave Maryborough with a memorable experience you will treasure for years.

Situated on the Mary River, Maryborough was first settled in 1847 and is one of Queensland’s oldest cities. Many of Australia’s free settlers entered the colony through the Port of Maryborough between 1859 and 1901. Maryborough captures history in its beautifully restored buildings and houses and has arguably the state’s best display of homes from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its historic homes and high standard of preserved memorabilia and museums have earned Maryborough the title of Queensland’s Heritage City. Maryborough has the state’s largest number of original Queenslanders, many lovingly restored to their former glory.

When visiting beautiful Hervey Bay and World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, make it an “Unforgettable Experience” with MI Helicopters. Tours, transfers, scenic flights, lunch packages, and charters (tourism and commercial) are available.

The award-winning MI Helicopters is a family owned and operated Australian business, starting from humble beginnings in the Queensland outback to become a modern, efficient tour and transport operator in one of the fastest growing regions, Queensland’s Fraser Coast. Take in some of the most spectacular views of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island with one of MI Helicopters breathtaking scenic flights (ranging from 10 minutes to one hour). Departing from their base at Hervey Bay, take in views of Hervey Bay (10 and 15 minutes) or Fraser Island (25 minutes to one hour). See icons of Fraser Island such as Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, 75 mile beach, Eli-Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, Knifeblade Sandblow, Indian Head, Moon Point and much more.

Experience their range of special occasion packages; from romantic Exotic Picnic Getaways on a remote sandy cay – where they total 40 proposals (over the past 12 months) – to sumptuous lunch packages at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Happy Valley on Fraser Island. Fly direct from Sydney to Hervey Bay on either Virgin or Jetstar and transfer to Fraser Island in just eight minutes. Enjoy more of your holiday “Get there Faster, Stay Longer”

MI Helicopters is the first aviation company in Queensland to be awarded Eco-Certification for its Heli Transfers and 35 minutes Fraser Experience. All flights are subject to weather and tidal conditions.

The MV Mikat is a 20 metre ocean going catamaran that will handle the generally calm waters of Hervey Bay with ease, comfort, stability and safety. The experienced crew have been operating whale watching cruises in Hervey Bay since 1987. MV Mikat offers two superb viewing decks – great for photographs and videos.

Sail dine and sleep with the whales with SeaEagle Sailing Charters!

SeaEagle 5 is a 15 metre sailing catamaran taking a maximum of six passengers on one to six night whale watching cruises in the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay.

They sail each day enjoying the company of the humpback whales of Hervey Bay. You might also see dolphins, turtles or dugong, and always a variety of seabirds that have made Hervey Bay their home.

Nights are spent at anchor and you are welcome to enjoy a soak in the hot tub under the stars, or relax in the saloon with a DVD, a good book or the company of your shipmates. A sound night's sleep is guaranteed in your private cabin (for two) with comfortable full size beds.

All meals, snacks and soft drinks are included in the cost, and you may bring your own wine or beer if you wish. Kayaks are also available for passengers to use around the quiet lagoons and beaches of Fraser Island.

Allow SeaEagle Sailing Charters to introduce you to the whales of Hervey Bay - you will not want to leave!

Come feel the excitement, tranquillity and awe-inspiring experiences available with Shayla Sailing Cruises. Join Shayla, a 30 passenger, purpose-built sailing catamaran, between August and October and get 'As close as you can get' on Shayla's Whale Watching Experience, when majestic humpback whales
make Hervey Bay their aquatic playground.

From November to July enjoy Shayla's 'Sail Fraser Island' cruises departing from the award winning Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, situated on world heritage listed Fraser Island. Enjoy boom netting, dolphins and turtles. Visit surrounding islands for your own piece of paradise. Fraser Island Lake
Mackenzie tour packages are also available.

Special Charter Cruises can cater for corporate functions, engagements and weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations, reunions, groups, memorials and wakes. Shayla Cruises is based on the Fraser Coast (Queensland, Australia), gateway to World Heritage listed, Fraser Island - the world's largest sand island, Whale Watch capital of the world and one of the most untouched, protected and serene aquatic playgrounds.

Experience the beautiful South Burnett region in air conditioned comfort. South Burnett Country Tours offers you a day to remember on a Local Winery Tour in Queensland's fastest growing wine region or take a visit to the spectacular Bunya Mountains. Night Tours to the Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory allow you to enjoy stargazing with a professional astronomer and you can view the sun, moon and stars through powerful telescopes. Group bookings, airport transfers and charters are available by arrangement and accommodation/tour packages are also available.

From late July to early November the mighty humpback whale reaches the sanctuary of Hervey Bay for some well earned rest, relaxation and fun interaction with whale watchers. The brand new fast Cat "Spirit of Hervey Bay" takes you cruising to view these friendly giants up close and personal in their aquatic playground.

Five levels of viewing decks offer you the freedom of walking around the Spirit and discovering the many vantage points to capture the whales antics from every angle. No crowding, so much room to move. Eyeball a humpback through underwater viewing windows, venture beneath the waterline aboard
the Spirit to enjoy a spiritual experience in the whales underwater world. Waterline viewing platform for the extra close up encounters, maybe even get your feet wet. Two 360 degree walk around decks, plus tiered seating up front, open air top deck 10 metres above the water for panoramic views of the bay, Fraser Island and the whales. Comfort and stability assured.

Experience the trip of a life time aboard the new, fast and luxurious whale watching vessel, The Tasman Venture. The three level boat has five clear viewing decks that allow for 360 degree views of the ocean - for your ultimate viewing pleasure.

The brand new, specifically designed, viewing platform allows you to be as close to the water's surface as possible for an up close and personal encounter with these gentle giants. The Tasman Venture is the only vessel in the fleet to have this new feature.

View the whales live in the comfort of the air-conditioned underwater viewing rooms. The vessel is also equipped with a state of the art Hydrophone which allows you to experience the unique song of the Humpback Whale.

The Tasman Venture is noted for its personalised service, stability and superior comfort due to less crowding which makes them particularly favoured by some of Australia’s best photographers and artists.

The fast cruising speed of the Tasman Venture means that viewing time is not encroached on by hours of traveling time to the Whale-Watch playground, thus providing more actual viewing time with the whales.

The Fraser Island Company conduct a variety of advanced eco-accredited touring safaris to magnificent World Heritage Listed Fraser Island with expert commentary on the flora, fauna and history of the island from their experienced and knowledgeable tour guides.

Travelling in air conditioned, seat belt equipped, purpose built four wheel drive buses; marvel at the island's many highlights including pristine freshwater lakes and creeks, tranquil rainforests, majestic coloured sands and unique flora and fauna.

The Fraser Island Company specialise in small group tours providing passengers the opportunity to explore areas not frequented by other tour companies. Featuring an Exclusive One Day Tour with a German Speaking Tour Guide, Two Day Camping Safaris and an upmarket Three Day Exclusive Camping Adventure, The Fraser Island Company's tours are suited to visitors seeking a greater appreciation of Fraser Island in a personalised and comfortable manner.

Packages with Lady Elliot Island and Whale Watching are also available. All tours depart Hervey Bay, a lovely seaside city located on the South East Coast of Queensland, 300 kilometres north of Brisbane.

In the calm, sheltered water which lie between World Heritage listed Fraser Island and Hervey Bay you will experience the 'Closest Encounters with Humpback Whales', that is available nowhere else in Australia. M.V. Whalesong was purposely built for whale and dolphin watching, with her decks putting you right where the action is. Let Whalesong treat you like a guest, not just a passenger, with guaranteed whale sightings and low passenger numbers (maximum of 60 passengers) for a greater level of comfort. You will never feel over crowded.

There are two levels of enclosed and open air viewing, they have Eco Tourism Australia Advanced Eco Tourism Accreditation, full wheelchair facilities, extra wide decks, Local and National award winners, expert commentary and interpretation, passionate experienced crew and skipper who love what they do and so they are great at it (over 20 years experience).

There is quality catering and service on all cruises and they happily cater for special dietary needs. Fraser Island and Whale Packages also available. Whalesong is also available for Group Bookings for Dolphin Watch or Sunset Cruises as well as being able to provide the perfect venue for a wide variety of functions.