2023 Hervey Bay Whale festival
Each year, to pay tribute to the return of the humpback whales, the Fraser Coast community comes together to celebrate the beginning of the whale season at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival.
Thursday, 3 August 6-8pm, the education drawcard ‘Creating Waves’ is a night of academics hosted by UniSC in the Main Lecture Hall. Learn how citizen scientists are contributing to the “Happy Whale” fluke identification system which is extending throughout oceans of the world. Tickets $2.00 with proceeds going to the ‘Turtles in Trouble’ program.
Friday, 4 August 4-8pm at Urangan’s Pier Park, a ‘Twilight Swing’ with the ‘Rock ‘n Roll Boys is a new addition to the festival this year. An evening of dance and song. Guests are encouraged to come on down and enjoy the live music under the stars.
Saturday 5 August 2-5.30pm, the main festival day will kick off with an interactive ‘Discovery Pod’ in City Park, Pialba, featuring educational touch tanks filled with a range of ocean creatures. The day includes community competitions, rides, kite displays and creative workshops. Afternoon activities in City Park include a lantern-making workshop in preparation for the Parade of Lights.
Saturday, 5 August 5.30-6pm – Ready for something magical? ‘The Parade of Lights’ is a stunning showcase of lanterns parading through local streets, leaving at 6pm from City Park and travelling down Main street to Seafront Oval. The parade will be led by the local Butchulla community.
Saturday, 5 August 6-8.30pm, the ‘Funtime Amusement Seafront Spectacular’ will be held at Seafront Oval in Pialba. The community event showcases live music, family entertainment and amusement rides ending with a spectacular fireworks display.
Sunday, 6 August 10-1pm, The iconic Paddle Out for Whales event will be held in calm waters in front of Ernie Organ Park and Torquay Pier on Sunday. An ocean gathering of paddleboards, kayaks and surfboards followed by music and entertainment. This event recognises the importance of the ocean and its marine life.
To register for our events visit: herveybaywhalefestival.com.au
