Last night…oh, what a night!!
As we reflect on the past few years, we at Whalesong Cruises Hervey Bay are filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. In 2022, 2023, and now again in 2024, we’ve had the immense honour of being named the winner of the Marine Tourism Award at the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards. Winning this once was an incredible milestone. Winning it three years in a row puts us in the Hall of Fame (and the only whale watch boat to do so!).
This recognition means more to us than we can easily express. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, the support of our community, and the incredible guests who join us on the water each season to witness the magic of Hervey Bay and its marine life.
A Journey Built on Passion and Purpose
When Whalesong Cruises first began its journey, our vision was simple but sincere: to provide meaningful, memorable experiences that connect people with the natural beauty of the Fraser Coast, and to do so with care—for the environment, our guests, and our community.
Over the years, our small, passionate team has worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Every cruise, every whale sighting, and every conversation with a guest has shaped who we are today. We’ve learned, grown, adapted, and remained deeply committed to delivering a standard of marine tourism that we can stand behind with pride.
2022: Honoured for Innovation and Integrity
2022 was a standout year for us. Not only did we receive the Marine Tourism Award, but we were also honoured with the Innovation Award and Best Fraser Coast Business Award. These acknowledgements were especially meaningful, as they celebrated the forward-thinking values that are central to our operations.
We introduced new eco-friendly measures on board, expanded our accessibility offerings, and deepened our focus on sustainability and education. Our team also developed enhanced experiences for families and individuals of all abilities, believing wholeheartedly that everyone deserves the chance to experience the wonder of Hervey Bay’s marine environment.
2023: Staying True to Our Values
When 2023 came around, we didn’t expect to take home the Marine Tourism Award again—but we stayed focused on our core principles: delivering exceptional guest experiences, preserving the marine environment, and strengthening our connection to the Fraser Coast community. We also won the Customer Service award. This Award is available to any business, not just tourism, so we were competing against some of the big businesses in the region….and we won!
Being recognised a second time for Marine Tourism was incredibly affirming. It reminded us that consistency matters—that small efforts, made daily, add up to something meaningful. More than anything, we were proud that our guests continued to feel safe, inspired, and welcomed on every cruise.
2024: A Historic Third Win
We approached the 2024 Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards excited but anxious. We wanted to take away the win and we knew we’d done all we could to make it happen. Bec was nervous. Doug was pragmatic. On the night, he said ‘it’s a forgone conclusion now, the winners are etched in the trophies and there’s nothing else to do about it – just enjoy the evening’. He was correct! When our name was called for the third consecutive Marine Tourism Award, we were elated beyond words.
To be acknowledged in this way—by our peers, our guests, and our wider community—is something we do not take lightly. This third win feels like a celebration not just of our business, but of the entire Fraser Coast region and everyone who contributes to making it one of the most exceptional whale watching and marine tourism destinations in the world.
What Makes This Possible
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that success is never a solo effort. This milestone belongs to many.
Our team—from our skippers and crew to our office staff—brings passion, professionalism, and heart to every interaction. Their knowledge, humour, commitment to an exceptional guest experience and deep respect for the ocean are what make our cruises unforgettable.
Our guests, many of whom return year after year, are the reason we do what we do. Your joy, curiosity, and feedback continue to inspire us.
Our local community has been behind us since day one. We are proud to operate in a region where local businesses lift each other up and where collaboration is second nature.
Our environment, particularly the magnificent humpback whales that migrate through Hervey Bay, continues to leave us in awe. We see ourselves as stewards of this marine playground, and we strive every day to honour and protect it.
What Sets Us Apart—And Keeps Us Grounded
Though awards are wonderful, our true reward lies in the smiles on our guests’ faces, the gasps of awe when a whale breaches, a squeal of delight from a family enjoying a tube ride and their time together, and the quiet moments shared while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Still, we’re proud of the things that set Whalesong Cruises apart:
Smaller group sizes for a more intimate, personalised experience
Eco-conscious practices, including low-emission engines and sustainable catering
Education-first tours that engage and inform, but also entertain
Accessibility for all, including wheelchair-accessible facilities on board
Local partnerships that help support and grow the Fraser Coast economy
Looking to the Horizon
We are as excited for the future as we are thankful for the past. As we plan new offerings and explore new ways to make our cruises even more inclusive, sustainable, and enriching, we carry with us the lessons and relationships that brought us to this point.
Our mission remains unchanged: to deliver authentic, high-quality marine experiences that leave our guests with a deeper appreciation for nature—and hopefully, a bit of wonder in their hearts.
An Invitation
If you haven’t cruised with us before, we invite you to come and see what makes Hervey Bay so special. Whether it’s during whale season or on one of our West Coast K’gari Fraser Island Beach + BBQ or Sunset Cruises, we’d be honoured to welcome you aboard.
And if you’re a returning guest—thank you. You are part of our Whalesong family, and your continued support means the world to us.
In Closing
Winning the Marine Tourism Award three years in a row is an achievement we’re proud of—but more than that, it’s a responsibility we embrace. We will continue to strive for excellence, push boundaries in sustainable tourism, and offer experiences that are not just memorable, but meaningful.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for being part of this journey.
Warmly,
The Whalesong Cruises Team