Oceania Project Whale Watching Hervey Bay

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The Oceania Project is a non-profit organisation established in 1988 to raise awareness about Cetacea (Whales and Dolphins) and the Oceans through research, expeditions and educational activities.


In 1992 The Oceania Project implemented a long-term study of the Humpback Whales visiting Hervey Bay Working in conjunction and collaboration with the Queensland Environment Protection Agency (QEPA), information obtained about the humpbacks is being used in the management and monitoring program for the Hervey Bay Marine Park.

Over the last decade, participants joining the Expeditions have supported The Oceania Project’s vision of a long term research & education platform in Hervey Bay.

Your support has enabled us to gather a wealth of new information about the Humpbacks. As we gradually get to know individual whales returning to the bay each year, we are also delighted to observe many returning participants.

Entering the new millennium, with a strong foundation of information and your continuing support of the Expeditions, will further strengthen our combined experience, knowledge and links with Cetacea.

Trish & Wally Franklin Expedition leaders & founders of The Oceania Project We invite you to join us on a never-ending journey.

Life aboard the Expedition

Stepping aboard, the most immediate sensation you will encounter is constant movement. However like the whales, you will deftly adapt to the rhythms of the ocean. With growing confidence you look around and find you are not alone. You have become part of a small group of whale enthusiasts participate in a unique team experience, looking out for the whales, monitoring their numbers and behaviour, and getting to know individual whales through their distinct markings.

By the end your journey into the world of Cetacea, you may find that you have become that which you observed. You have become part of a pod, with a strong sense of the ocean environment and a growing awareness that you indeed are not alone.

Stepping ashore with the taste of the sea on your lips, a spring to your walk and a sense of interconnectedness with all, you may have a sneaking suspicion that the journey was not only about getting to know the whales and dolphins but also a return to your beginnings. 

Expedition Timing
The 2009 Whale Research Expedition commences on Sunday July 26th 2009 and operates for thirteen weeks to Friday 23rd October 2009.

Participation is for 5 nights/ 6 days (Sunday to Friday) each week for one or multiple weeks.

Fieldwork aboard 'Moon Dancer' is within Hervey Bay is planned for Sunday to Friday each week. The schedule is:

Depart Urangan Boat Harbour at 8.00am each Sunday morning (Boarding time is 0730).
Return to Urangan Harbour 2.30pm each Friday afternoon

NOTE: Actual operating days within Hervey Bay are subject to weather and operational conditions.

Joining Dates
The joining dates for 2009 are:
July 26.
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
September 6, 13, 20, 27.
October 4, 11, 18.

Boarding time is 0730 Sunday morning.