Hervey Bay Whale Watch was founded by the pioneers of the whale watching industry in not only Hervey Bay, but all of Australia, Brian and Jill Perry. The couple founded the first commercial whale watching company in Australia back in 1987 which has brought us to where we are today. The tale begins in an unexpected way, as Brian, out on a fishing trip, came across what he initially believed to be a log, but soon turned out to be a breathing Humpback whale. Everyone on board his boat was amazed at their sighting and couldn’t believe they had come across such a huge, yet placid animal just relaxing in the water and they soon swapped their fishing rods for cameras!
Jill advertised in the local paper that afternoon, and soon the phones rang hot, booking out the boat for the remainder of that month and creating the business “Hervey Bay Whale Watch”! The Perry’s went on to own five vessels and put Hervey Bay on the map for travellers from near and far, with the coastal town soon labelled as the “Whale Watching capital of the world”!
After 33 years of operation, the reins of “Hervey Bay Whale Watch” were handed over to the Peaker family, who had been involved in the business since the very beginning either flying the spotter planes or driving the boats. The Peaker’s history in Hervey Bay spans over 90 years, so these true locals were a perfect fit to continue the work that Brian and Jill had started. Brian sadly passed away in 2020 and is remembered as a local legend, a dear friend and the pioneer of the whale watching industry.
Quick Cat II
Not too Big, Not too small, JUST RIGHT!
Quick Cat II is a purpose-built vessel, designed to maximise your whale watching experience. The vessel was designed and built right here in Hervey Bay and features 5 viewing decks on 3 different levels to ensure uncrowded and unobstructed views. The vessel has various vantage points from right on the water line, to the third story rooftop viewing platform where you feel on top of the world.
Quick Cat II has amphitheatre style seating on the foredecks and a wide variety of seating options throughout the vessel. It also has easy wheelchair access and pram access on the main deck with no obstructions, allowing you to sit at the very front of the boat for an extremely close view of our friendly Humpback whales. Quick Cat II is also the only vessel in the Hervey Bay fleet to be fully wheelchair friendly!
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Hervey Bay Whale Watch is a small family run business with the main team composed of John and his kids, Josh, Sam & Kate. We pride ourselves on using local crew that have been in the area and are just as passionate about Hervey Bay and the whales as we are.
With over 30 years of local knowledge and experience within the Tourism and Whale Watch industry we would love to help make your Whale Watch experience aboard Quick Cat II a fun and enjoyable memory of a lifetime.
