Experience the majestic humpback whales...
Freedom can offer you a fantastic day out on the waters of Hervey Bay to see the amazing humpback whales in their natural environment. We provide transfers from your accommodation, morning & afternoon tea and a delicious tropical buffet lunch all included so you don't have to worry about a thing! We will also provide an information session on our way out to see the whales so you can fully appreciate these amazing creatures.
The Freedom III vessel is a stable and comfortable 58 foot catamaran (previously owned by world renouned documentary producer Ben Cropp) with 360 degree viewing on all 3 levels plus water level viewing area to get you as close to the whales as possible. For more information on the whale watching cruise we provide, please see below.
Itinerary - Whale Watch Cruise 2009
8.30am
Complimentary transfers from your accomodation to the Sandy Straits Marina.
9.30am
Depart Sandy Straits Marina onboard the Freedom III
10am
Whale information presentation delivered by your ships captain & local whale guru. Presentation includes 30min informative DVD on wide screen plasma TV to help you enjoy & learn about the whales.
10.30am
Morning tea is served en-route to Platypus Bay where we will see the whales play.
** Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate & home baked treats.
12.30pm-1.30pm
Scrumptious tropical buffet is served for you to enjoy in our comfortable eating area or on deck where you can enjoy the sunshine and beautiful waters of the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park.
** Lunch includes chicken, deli meats, salads, bread rolls, dessert & drinks.
2.30pm
Afternoon tea on our way back to the Marina.
** Complimentary Australian cheese and fruit platter .
3.30pm
Arrive back to the Sandy Straits Marina with complimentary transfers back to your accommodation.
More Information...
Come aboard Freedom III to wonder at the magnificence of humpback whales. Cruise alongside unique Fraser Island spotting dolphins, turtles, seabirds and possibly dingoes 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 a memorable as well as an educational one.
Pricing - Whale Watch Cruise
ADULTS: AUD$120
CHILDREN: AUD$80
(4-14yrs - children under 4 free)
SENIORS, STUDENTS: AUD$105
FAMILY: AUD$320
(2 adults & 2 children)
Relax, enjoy the sunshine & learn about Pearls...
Outside of the Whale Watching season (from December to June) Freedom is offering a fantastic 3/4 day on the bay cruising the calm waters of the Great Sandy Straits.
The day commences with a fantastic morning tea served enroute to Pelican Bank, where you can explore the tropical white sands and swim in the crystal blue water spotting fish and other marine life.
While you are drying off and relaxing in the sun on the bow of Freedom III, you can spot the passing sights of Moon Point, Bogimbah Creek, Kingfisher Resort, McKenzies Jetty, Big and Little Woody islands, as well as spotting marine life such as dolphins, dugongs and turtles.
We will then make our way to Fraser Island Pearls where you can see a seeding demonstration and learn about how Pearls and Fraser Island Pearls began. You will also have the opportunity to open your own oyster shell to reveal a pearl (up to $300 in value) and watch as it is made into a beautiful pendant. (Not included in tour price - extra charge of $75 payable on the day)
While visiting Fraser Island Pearls a tropical buffet lunch will be served, including cold meats, a number of delicious salads, hot chicken pieces and hot bread rolls. Soft drinks and local wines (Clovely Estate Winery, South Burnett) are available for purchase.
After enjoying a relaxing lunch, we will make our way back to the Hervey Bay Marina allowing for an excellent opportunity to spot more dolphins and turtles. After disembarking Freedom III, we will provide private transfers back to your accommodation for your convenience.
Fraser Island Pearls
The Australian Akoya Cultured Pearls known as Fraser Island Pearls, are farmed in the pristine waters off Fraser Island. Dave and Denise are aiming to produce some of the largest Akoya Pearls in the world. A live demonstration will be conducted during the Day on the Bay Cruise as well as an informative DVD on the history of both Fraser Island Pearls and the Akoya Pearl itself. You can also find out more information on the Fraser Island Pearls website - http://www.fraserislandpearls.com.au.
Steven Haigh is an established jeweller on the Fraser Coast and he specialises in creating stunning jewellery from the Akoya Pearls that are farmed at Fraser Island Pearls. You can see some of his creations onboard Freedom III or at his website - http://www.haighsjewellers.com.au.
Important Information...
The Day on the Bay Cruise runs only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between December and June. Courtesy transfers from your accomodation are available on request. Licensed bar now operating - drinks other than water are not included in the tour price. Itinerary order is subject to weather and tides. Cruise departs 9.30am and returns at 2.30pm. Minimum number of 10 passengers are required for the cruise to run. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pricing - A Day on the Bay Cruise
ADULTS: AUD$110
CHILDREN: AUD$70
(4-14yrs - children under 4 free)
SENIORS, STUDENTS: AUD$95
FAMILY: AUD$300
(2 adults & 2 children)
Extra child - $40
