Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2025
City and Sea (City Park Festivities at City Park and Seafront Celebrations at Seafront Oval)
Tasman Holiday Parks Parade of Lights (Main Street)
Paddle Out for Whales (Ernie Organ Park & Torquay Pier)
Here’s what’s changing:
City and Sea will now take place on Saturday, 30 August The entire event will be relocated to Seafront Oval — there will be no activities at City Park Event time remains 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, now featuring all the City Park and Seafront activities combined into one bigger celebration! The Tasman Holiday Parks Parade of Lights will also move to Seafront Oval (instead of Main Street) Paddle Out for Whales will now take place on Sunday, 31 August – updated time to be confirmed soonA 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, art, marine education, fireworks, carnival rides, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
FRIDAY, 11th JULY
Blessing of the Fleet | Urangan Harbour | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Kicking off the festival, this cherished seaside tradition brings the community together for an afternoon of live music, market stalls, delicious food, and family entertainment hosted by local personality Bronco Jensen. Local musicians Emma Newman and Joel Spence take the stage ahead of the official blessing of the Whale Fleet at 5:15pm, ensuring a safe and successful whale watching season. The evening ends with a breathtaking fireworks display over the bay at 7:00pm — a perfect start to a weekend of celebration.
SATURDAY, 30th AUGUST
City and Sea – A Day to Explore, Create, and Celebrate
🐋 City Park Festivities | Seafront Oval | 2:00pm – 5:30pm
Families can enjoy an afternoon of fun in the heart of Hervey Bay with market stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment, marine discovery displays by Ocean Life Education, and a Make Your Own Lantern workshop in preparation for the evening’s parade.
✨ Parade of Lights | Seafront Oval | 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. Families can craft lanterns at the earlier workshop or bring their own glowing creations from home.
🎆 Seafront Celebrations | Seafront Oval | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Running alongside the day’s events, Seafront Celebrations offer carnival rides, food stalls, unique market finds, and live entertainment by the sea. It’s the perfect spot to continue the fun into the evening – capped off by a spectacular fireworks finale that lights up the night sky over the foreshore.
SUNDAY, 31st AUGUST
Paddle Out for Whales | Torquay Jetty & Ernie Organ Park | New time TBC
The festival closes with a heartfelt and moving tribute to the whales. Begin the morning with a free yoga session at 8am before joining the symbolic Paddle Out for Whales. Whether on a paddleboard, kayak, or surfboard, participants unite in the bay at 9:15am for a peaceful ocean ceremony, casting flowers into the water in honour of whales past and in hope for their future. This event is open to all ages and levels of experience and serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect marine life.
With three days of excitement, creativity, and connection, the 2025 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.
Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2025 event details
When: 11th July and 7th, 9th & 10th August, 30th & 31st August 2025
Where: Various Locations in Hervey Bay, Qld 4655
Cost: Free
More information: Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2025
