Freedom Whale Watch, Fishing and Dive Charters is a business based in the pristine and calm waters of Hervey Bay and is owned and operated by a friendly and experienced couple who have lived in the Fraser Coast region for over 24 years.

Whale Watching aboard Freedom III

From July until November the Freedom III will be conducting ¾ day whale watch tours departing the Hervey Bay Marina daily. Come aboard Freedom III to wonder at the magnificence of humpback whales. Cruise alongside unique Fraser Island spotting dolphins, turtles, seabirds and possibly dingoes to Platypus Bay - where whales come to play. Three levels of uninterrupted viewing plus a water level platform gets you as close to the whales as possible. Six hours to relax, unwind, be awestruck and pampered while enjoying delicious catering The Freedom III vessel is a stable and comfortable 58 foot catamaran (previously owned by world renowned documentary producer Ben Cropp) with 360 degree viewing on all 3 levels. Experience the majestic humpback whales aboard the luxurious catamaran. Freedom can offer you a fantastic day out on the waters of Hervey Bay to see the amazing humpback whales in their natural environment. Included: We provide transfers from your accommodation, morning and afternoon tea and a delicious tropical buffet lunch all included so you don't have to worry about a thing! We will also provide an information session on our way out to see the whales so you can fully appreciate these amazing creatures. Complimentary pickup from your accommodation – Time will be advised on booking. 9.30am - Depart Sandy Straits Marina onboard the Freedom III 10am - Whale information presentation delivered by your ships captain and local whale guru. Presentation includes 30min informative DVD on wide screen plasma television to help you enjoy and learn about the whales. 10.30am - Morning tea is served en-route to Platypus Bay where we will see the whales play. (Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and home baked treats) 12.30pm-1.30pm - Scrumptious tropical buffet is served for you to enjoy in our comfortable eating area or on deck where you can enjoy the sunshine and beautiful waters of the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park. (Lunch includes chicken, deli meats, salads, bread rolls, dessert and drinks) 2.30pm - Afternoon tea on our way back to the Marina. (Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and Australian cheese and fruit platters) 3.30pm - Arrive back to the Sandy Straits Marina with complimentary transfers back to your accommodation. Note: Outside the whale watching months the vessel is available for skippered cruises, special occasions, corporate events, fishing and diving charters.

Skippered Cruises aboard Freedom III
The luxury vessel is available for your every need...

The Freedom III newly refurbished vessel is available for Skippered Cruises (2-8 people) in the Great Sandy Straits between the months November and June (outside the whale season). The climate between these months is absolutely fantastic, lots of sunshine and warm weather for you to enjoy a range of activities such as swimming, sunbaking and fishing.

Freedom III staff are more than happy to cater for all of your requirements when booking a Skippered Cruise, including freshly prepared meals by your personal onboard chef. We can accommodate for many special events as well as private functions for up to 49 people, such as birthday parties, engagement parties, New Years cruises or short holidays (2-8 people only). The large plasma screen television complete with DVD player, onboard sound systems (for an excellent party), decorations and specialised catering (for shorter event cruises), 4.5 metre swift inflatable with 40hp out board - for all those short trips to visit the untouched islands and much more.

Freedom Skippered Cruises offers an excellent opportunity to explore the 350sq miles of amazing scenery and unspoilt waterways and spot some rare marine (and land) wildlife as you cruise out of Hervey Bay and through the Great Sandy Straits

Diving aboard Freedom III
Not available during Whale Season (July-November)
Experience the marvelous marine underwater environment while visiting remote islands and reefs. Extended diving charters can be arranged to the southern section of The Great Barrier Reef. Safe anchorage at Lady Musgrave Island and surrounding reef and atolls enables guests to wonder at the beauty and clarity of diving in this pristine environment.

Charters of between 3 to 7 days, for 6 to 8 passengers gives personalized service in the comfort of 3 double en-suited cabins and two bunks. Diving on Freedom III is easy with a hydraulic platform, onboard compressor, fresh water shower on the rear deck and a rigid hull inflatable tender.

Freedom III’s Owner/skipper is a Dive Instructor and a Chef in a past life so catering and diving is done in a professional manner. All divers must be fully certified otherwise snorkeling only will be permitted. Freedom is fully licensed so enjoying a drink while watching the beautiful sunsets is no problem. Freedom III partners with Gone Diving Hervey Bay to provide a very professional SCUBA Certification Course. All open water dives for the course are conducted from the safety of the Freedom III vessel where skills and safety are of top priority. If you wish to find out more about dive certification or upcoming dive charters please contact Matt from Gone Diving Hervey Bay. Fishing Charters aboard Freedom III Not available during Whale Season (July-November) Catch a feed or catch and release while exploring our sheltered waterways. Great Sandy Straits, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island Waters and Southern Great Barrier Reef can be fished on Freedom III. Day charters for up to 20 people within local waters can be arranged. Overnight and extended charters are also available for up to 10 passengers. 3-7 day charters to the southern islands and reefs of The Great Barrier Reef are bound to result in plentiful catches of a wide variety of reef fish and pelagic species. The comfort and luxury of our vessel makes it suitable for all. Accommodation is in 3 double en-suited cabins and 2 bunks. Low numbers means personalized service and plenty of room aboard the 17 metre catamaran.

Personal fishing gear is welcome but we can supply if needed. Bait is supplied and prepared when freshly caught. Our 4 metre tender is available for excursions to explore the islands when you’ve caught your daily limit!

Private Charters and Events aboard Freedom III
Fraser Waterways where nature shines, the perfect venue for your next get-together!

Celebrate your special occasion aboard Freedom III with friends and relatives on the calm waters of the Great Sandy Straits. We can cater for groups of 40 maximum be it for an intimate wedding, anniversary, special birthday, Christmas Party or work related function.

We have even had a Bucks party working closely with Aquavue who provided the jet skis and entertainment!! Buffets are our specialty but finger food, fruit and cheese platters and canapés can be catered to your requirements. Special dietary requirements are well catered for with adequate notice. We are fully licensed for your convenience. Entertainment via our PA system, Plasma TV and DVD player can help to rock your night away.

Day charters can include swimming and snorkeling at Pelican Bank, Hervey Bay’s pristine white sandy cay and perhaps a parasail care of Fraser Coast Parasail or a discover scuba dive care of Gone Diving Hervey Bay or perhaps the kids might like to wet a line to keep them amused. Dolphins, turtles and dugongs can often be spotted on a cruise across the outer banks of the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Whatever your needs we are happy to help make your outing a memorable and safe one.

Freedom III Vessel Specifications

Built: 1990 in Innisfail, Queensland, Australia Beam: 22ft Model: Crowther Power Catamaran Construction: GRP Fibreglass Engines: 2 x Fiat Iveco 8061 250hp Speed: 15-18 knots Freedom III Location Hervey Bay Marina, Buccaneer Drive, Hervey Bay - Queensland

Freedom III Whale Watching, Fishing and Diving Cruises is operated out of the Great Sandy Straits Marina located in Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay is just 3½ hours drive from Brisbane and a short 1½ hour plane ride from Sydney.

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