Return to K'Gari

Not long after the early 1980s’ establishment of Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) in Hawai‘i, the nonprofit expanded its research to include Australia’s South Pacific humpbacks.

The uniqueness of Australia’s extended eastern coastline allowed an enhanced opportunity for the study of humpback whale migration. Hervey Bay—a watery gateway to the Great Barrier Reef protected by the longest sand island in the world (K’gari)—was noted as one of the most ideal locations situated along this coastline for humpback observation and photo ID research. It is here, within this recently protected heritage site, where whales stop to rest during their long migration from the Great Barrier Reef back to the Antarctic.

Although commercial whale watching was still in its infancy among the quaint string of seaside towns of Hervey Bay, PWF joined forces with a local fisherman, often credited with initiating whale watching in Australia. The migration of Humpback Whales through Platypus Bay made it a renowned site for whale viewing and close encounters. What was once PWF’s vision of an exportable model had become a fully realised Australia-owned and operated social enterprise!
Alongside any development of eco-tourism and wildlife viewing, there is a primary responsibility to promote and uphold integrity and environmental stewardship. There is a fine line between human observation of wildlife and infringement on it. While the whale watching industry was in it’s early development phase, it was of the utmost importance that PWF established ethical boundaries and centered the commercial operation around the protection and education of these magnificent cetaceans.

While it became evident that the industry held the potential for unsustainable practices, it also became evident that there was incredible potential for research, education, conservation, and the inspiration of environmental stewardship. PWF Australia positioned itself with a clear intention and transparent practices; to operate eco-tourism as a tool to inspire environmental stewardship and protection of these widely beloved creatures.

Today, PWF Australia boasts a successful commercial operation (Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures Australia) that supports continued research, education and conservation efforts that advance the nonprofit’s global mission of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship.