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Thursday 15 July 2010

Whale Watching Begins in Hervey Bay


The whales have arrived at Hervey Bay, many with their calves in tow, to frolic, play and make a whale watcher's day.

Tourism Fraser Coast has confirmed the first whales have been spotted on their way south to Antarctica, bringing their babies with them to ensure a breath-taking display of nature's majestic creatures at their most relaxed.

Each year between July and early November, visitors to Hervey Bay have the unforgettable opportunity to marvel at the mighty humpback whales, as they take time out from their annual migration for a bit of R&R in the protected waters of the region.

And now they've arrived they're the talk of the town.

Some say there's no better place to experience the graceful antics and the awesome size of these wonderful creatures, which is why Hervey Bay has become synonymous with the glorious past-time of whale-watching.

A whale watching cruise is the best way to make the most of this amazing sight, so three of Hervey Bay's most popular properties, Mantra Hervey Bay, BreakFree Great Sandy Straits and Peppers Pier Resort, have struck up a new partnership with Hervey Bay Whale Watch and put together some enticing package deals for the 2010 whale-watching season.

The new packages include accommodation and tickets for a half-day Whale Watching Cruise aboard the Quick Cat II with Hervey Bay Whale Watch, which has won multiple tourism awards, offers daily cruises from 7am to 12.30pm, or 1pm to 5pm, and is hydrophone equipped to listen to whale songs, with guaranteed sightings on all cruises.

Choose from the Two Adults Package of accommodation and two adult tour tickets, or the Family Package of accommodation and family tour tickets comprising two adult tickets and tickets for two children aged between 4 and 14 years.

Mantra Hervey Bay, the region's only absolute marina-front property, is within walking distance from the Urangan Boat Harbour and features an on-site restaurant and shopping. This sophisticated resort offers magical marina views, capturing the natural charm and ambience of its beautiful location, along with a resort pool, sauna and exercise room and on-site restaurants and shops. Mantra Hervey Bay's Two Adults Whale Watching Package offers accommodation in a Hotel Room from $224* per night, one bedroom from $240* per night and a one bedroom Spa Room from $254* per night. The Family Package is priced from $356* per night for two bedrooms. Call 07 4197 8200 or visit www.mantraherveybay.com.au

Another great Hervey Bay accommodation option is BreakFree Great Sandy Straits. Offering exclusive direct beach access, this resort features uninterrupted views of the bay and marina, a 25-metre lap pool and tropical style pool, tennis courts, bicycle hire, kids’ playground, games room, sauna and more. The Family Package is priced from $294* per night for two bedroom room, or the Two Adults Package is priced from $202* per night for a Studio room, and $214* per night for one bedroom. Call 07 4128 9999 or visit www.breakfreegreatsandystraits.com.au

Or consider Peppers Pier Resort, located on the esplanade opposite Urangan Beach and boasting rooms and suites with views of the pool, Great Sandy Strait or Fraser Island, plus a stunning lagoon swimming pool, fully-equipped gymnasium, on-site restaurants and the indulgent Spa Botanica. Not to mention its win of two honours in the 2009 Fraser Coast and South Burnett Tourism Awards. Peppers Pier Resort's Family Package is priced from $374* per night for a two bedroom suite, and from $412* per night for a two bedroom superior suite. The Two Adults Package is from $260* per night for one bedroom. Call 07 4194 9700 or visit www.peppers.com.au/pier-resort

Of course, Hervey Bay is also the perfect base for exploring the region, from the tranquil bay waters to the unique natural wonder of Fraser Island, while other attractions including excellent fishing, recreational boating and calm seas that invite sailing, kayaking and swimming.

A two night minimum stay applies to all Whale Watching Package rates. Sale is until October 2010, for travel dates from August 1 to October 31, 2010. For more information on whale-watching cruises visit www.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au

*Conditions apply, minimum stays and blockout periods apply. Subject to change and availability.

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