Great Sandy Straits: Seven Island Ultimate Wildlife Cruise STARTS 2 January
Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait are a dream come true for anyone who loves wild places—especially those captivated by island landscapes, birdlife, and the chance to spot dolphins and turtles along the way.
Join us for a relaxed 2.5 hour cruise, a scenic journey through the sheltered, shimmering waters between the Fraser Coast and K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. This remarkable stretch of protected coastline is dotted with seven unique islands, each with its own natural beauty, cultural stories, and rich history.
As we cruise the calm, clear waters, keep your eyes peeled for pods of bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, and for turtles surfacing quietly for a breath of air. Along the way, you may also encounter an assortment of sea birds, rays, fish, and other marine life that call this region home from December to June.
Our certified naturalists will share fascinating insights into the lives of these remarkable animals, the importance of their habitats, and the conservation and research efforts led by Pacific Whale Foundation Australia—actively working in Hervey Bay since 1984.
This cruise is the perfect blend of serenity and excitement—where every moment brings the possibility of a magical marine encounter.
We acknowledge the Butchulla people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands and waters of our beautiful region. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present, and emerging.
Together we can enjoy the cruise while protecting the environment!
Where will you cruise?
Our voyage traces a stunning, sheltered path through the strait:
- Urangan Marina → Round Island
- Round Island → Pelican Bank
- Pelican Bank: survey the shallows
- Pelican Bank → Little Woody Island via Moon Point
- Little Woody Island: slow coastline cruise
- Little Woody Island → Duck Island
- Duck Island: slow coastline cruise
- Duck Island → Picnic Island
- Picnic Island: slow coastline cruise
- Picnic Island → Big Woody Island
- Big Woody Island: scenic run along the coast at 15 knots, with stops at the lighthouse and for wildlife sightings
- Big Woody Island → Urangan Marina
What can you see?
Documented sightings of wildlife include:
- Indo Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
- Australian Humpback Dolphins
- Ospreys
- White-bellied Sea Eagles
- Australasian Gannets
- Brahminy Kite
- Shore birds
- Sting Rays
- Dugongs
- Green Turtles
- Fish
- Sea birds – snipes, sandpipers, curlews, oystercatchers and stilts
- Terns
What to Bring
- No glass containers – they can break and cause injuries.
- Avoid plastic wrappers and single-use plastics – bring reusable containers instead.
- Pack eco-friendly items -reusable bottles, biodegradable packaging, and cloth bags are encouraged
- Secure your belongings – ensure nothing can blow overboard