Whales For Everyone

VR Whale Watching
Whale Watching At Home
Crew For A Day

Sharing The Humpback Whale Watch Experience With Everyone

No matter what your ability, you can enjoy a Humpback Whale experience with Whalesong Cruises.

As an extension to being a wheelchair accessible vessel, Bec and Doug wanted to go that step further and encourage inclusivity in different ways from 2021 onwards. What started as a small idea, has evolved and positively impacted the local community is so many ways. We began with the VR Whale watching - Whalesong took the whales to people who couldn't visit them. Whalesong is now providing opportunities for NDIS participants whose life goals are to get out into the community and feel liked a valued member of the community. Accompanied by a carer/support worker, the participant comes on the boat and is 'crew for a day'.

More details below...

From little things, big things grow and grow...

Whalesong Cruises Hervey Bay Whales for Everyone inclusive practices

VR Whale Watching

Bec, Doug, and the entire Whalesong team, believe tourism should be accessible to everyone, no matter what their (dis)ability is. We also understand that not everyone can get out on a boat. It’s unfortunate that many won’t get to enjoy what an incredible experience whale watching in Hervey Bay - it's a life changing experience for many on board Whalesong. Hence, the idea of taking the whales to those who cannot come to see them; Bec's brain clicking into overdrive and creating a virtual whale watching experience.

We have some incredible 360 degree video footage of our whale watching cruise. You can see what it's like to be on the boat and enjoy some close encounters with the majestic humpback whales that Hervey Bay is known for. Simply insert into the VR headset and it’s like you’re on the boat…watching whales…without having to leave your wheelchair – and less chance of seasickness. It is perfect for taking the whales to people, who can’t visit them.

We've visited multiple aged care facilities and respite centres in Hervey Bay. The visits have all been so successful and well received, we have had demand from all across Queensland! The program has grown and is available for everyone to enjoy any time and any where they like.

Bec says "It’s such a beautiful project. Seeing the reactions to the whales and the experience, in general, has been extremely heart warming. I didn't realise it would have the profoundly positive impact it has. We're so glad we can share this to the world now."

We have the headsets available in our Marina office for a try-before-you-buy experience. This is great for those who aren’t sure about whale watching and also for those who simply don’t want to (or can’t go out) on the boat.

Whale Watching At Home

New for 2023 - You can now access the experience from the comfort of your own home. Check out the 360 degree video playlist on our YouTube Channel. There are twenty three (23) great videos on here and will give you a taste of humpback whale watching in Hervey Bay and what it's like to cruise on the beautiful MV Whalesong 2.

There are only two* things you need to get going:
- VR headset - range from $15 to $30 each. Search Google for 'VR goggles for smartphone'. The goggles in our video were $19 from JB HiFi. You can also buy other types online.
- Smartphone with gyroscope sensor (most smartphones less than 5 years old, will have this built into the phone - so you probably have it already). It is important the phone has the gyroscope sensor, otherwise you'll only see the video in 2D. We bought phones especially for the VR goggles. Just some OPPO branded cheapies from the Good Guys...less than $150 each.

* NB: If you don't want to purchase a VR headset/goggles, you can simply look at the videos on your phone or tablet. As long as it has a gyroscope sensor, you'll be able to move your device around and watch the 360 degree footage (as shown in the video below at 34 secs).

HOT TIP: You will need to access the 360 degree videos through the YouTube App for the full 360 degree experience.

Please follow this step-by-step guide to enjoy your own humpback whale watch experience in the comfort of your own home.

Step 1: Go to our YouTube channel @WhalesongAu in the YouTube App
Step 2: Insert phone into headset casing and replace back into headset
Step 3: Sit down, carefully place headset over eyes and head. Enjoy the experience unfolding in front of you.

Once you've had a go, please let us know how you got on. We're continually looking for ways to better everything we do in and around Whalesong Cruises. We'd love all feedback sent to: whalesforeveryone@whalesong.com.au.

Crew For A Day

Whalesong won the 2021 Community Spirit Award at the Fraser Coast Ability Awards in early September 2021. At the Awards ceremony and presentation, Bec met some inspirational people who are doing selfless things in the community and making positive change. The Awards were filled with genuine joy and excitement...it was an incredibly moving and memorable experience for our fearless leader. Also, at her table, there were a few NDIS participants and their support workers. This is when Bec met Jimmy.

Jimmy is an avid photographer, loves working with people and wants to give anything and everything a go. He's as keen and positive as they come. Unfortunately, due to his disabilities (like many others out there), his opportunities are limited and it can be difficult to find meaningful work in the community. One of Jimmy's goals he set out when he joined as an NDIS participant, was to be more active in the community. Cue, Bec's brain clicking into overdrive again and the creation of 'Crew for a day'.

Accompanied by a support worker, an NDIS participant is given the opportunity to work on the boat with the crew for a cruise. They do not replace the existing crew, they are supplementary and learn from our crew. From tying ropes, securing the gate and serving/interacting with our guests, they're learning how to be a crew member on Whalesong. Our crew are loving it too. Here's what Rosie had to say...

He was and absolute joy to have on the boat. He helped out so much and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Would have him again.

It's a WIN-WIN for everyone. Whalesong guests enjoy having an extra level of customer service on board, the crew get to practice their training and leadership skills and the NDIS participant gets to fulfil their goal and contribute positively to the community, all the while learning something new and contributing to their work experience. With more and more participants interested in this experience, we know this part of the Whales for Everyone program with grow and grow also. Please contact us on info@whalesong.com.au to find out how Whalesong can help NDIS participants achieve their goals of community involvement.

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