The Hervey Bay Whale Festival is back on 29–30 August 2026, bringing a weekend of whales, lights, live entertainment and family fun to one of Queensland’s favourite coastal destinations. And this year, Tasman Holiday Parks is joining the celebrations as the proud sponsor of the Parade of Lights.
There's plenty more to Hervey Bay than one big weekend. It's one of Australia's most celebrated whale-watching destinations, with migrating humpbacks visiting the sheltered waters of the bay between July and October. Jump aboard a whale-watching cruise, explore the Esplanade, discover the Fraser Coast or venture across to K'gari.
Or don't plan a thing. Find the beach, grab a coffee and see where the day takes you.
That's a pretty good weekend in our books.
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Planning to make a weekend of it? Stay with Tasman in Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast or Torquay Palms and save 15% on your accommodation using promo code WHALEFEST15.
Every winter, Hervey Bay welcomes thousands of migrating humpback whales and the Hervey Bay Whale Festival celebrates everything that makes this incredible part of the world so special. Across Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, the city will come alive with family entertainment, marine experiences, live music and community celebrations.
Start your festival weekend with an afternoon of family fun across City Park and Seafront Oval. Expect entertainment, activities, market stalls, food, live music and plenty to keep the little ones busy.
When the sun goes down, it's time to light up Hervey Bay. Tasman Holiday Parks is proud to sponsor the 2026 Parade of Lights, where glowing marine-inspired lanterns will take over the heart of Hervey Bay as part of this year's Magical Migration celebration.
Finish your weekend by the water at Hervey Bay's iconic Paddle Out for Whales. Head to Torquay Jetty and Ernie Organ Park for a morning celebrating the whales, the ocean and the community that calls Hervey Bay home.
