Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2026

A Family-Friendly Celebration of Ocean, Art, and Community. Families are invited to be part of the beloved Hervey Bay Whale Festival, a three-day celebration marking the start of the whale season. With events across multiple locations, this free community festival offers an exciting mix of live entertainment, marine education, fireworks, carnival rides, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

FRIDAY, 10th JULY
Blessing of the Fleet | Urangan Harbour Boat Ramp Carpark | 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Kicking off the festival, this cherished seaside tradition brings the community together for an afternoon of live music from Rave the Bay, market stalls, delicious food, and marine education, ahead of the official Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at 5:00pm, including a Welcome to Country. The TS Krait Navy Cadets will perform a ceremonial display, and the Boat Float By begins at 5:15pm before the event wraps up at 7:00pm.

SATURDAY, 29th AUGUST
City and Sea – A Day to Explore, Create, and Celebrate

City Park Festivities | City Park | 2:00pm – 5:30pm
Families can enjoy an afternoon of fun in the heart of Hervey Bay with lantern-making workshops in preparation for the evening parade, a mermaid meet and greet, a petting zoo, marine education with the Reef Rangers and Ocean Life Education touch tanks, face painting, a jumping castle, live music, free mini golf, food and market stalls, and a visit from Harvey the Whale.

Tasman Holiday Parks Parade of Lights | Main Street | Marshalling from 5:30pm | Parade at 6:00pm
As twilight falls, lanterns light up Main Street in a magical procession celebrating the ocean and community spirit under this year’s theme of Magical Migration. Participants are encouraged to dress in glowing ocean-themed costumes, think sparkling jellyfish, radiant whales, dazzling sea turtles, and creatures from the deep. Families can craft lanterns at the earlier City Park workshop or bring their own creations from home.

Seafront Celebrations | Seafront Oval | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Running alongside the day’s events, Seafront Celebrations offers carnival rides, a Whale Festival Passport Challenge, inflatable rides, face painting, food trucks, and unique market stalls by the sea. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up the Hervey Bay foreshore.

SUNDAY, 30th AUGUST
Paddle Out for Whales | Torquay Jetty and Ernie Organ Park | From 8:00am

The festival closes with a heartfelt tribute to the whales. Begin the morning with a free one-hour yoga session by the sea hosted by Health Hunter from 8:30am, before joining the symbolic Paddle Out Ceremony at 10:00am. Whether on a paddleboard, kayak, or surfboard, participants unite in the bay for a peaceful ceremony including a minute of silence and a flower release in honour of whales past and in hope for their future. Live music, local stallholders, a sausage sizzle hosted by Turtles in Trouble, and free mini golf round out a relaxed morning of community and connection by the sea. Commemorative Paddle Out for Whales t-shirts are also available to pre-order.

With three days of excitement, creativity, and connection, the 2026 Hervey Bay Whale Festival invites families to come together to celebrate whales, community, and the beauty of the bay. Entry to all events is free.