Every year from mid August to mid October, Humpback whales pass close to Bundaberg's coastline en route to the blue waters of Platypus Bay at the northern end of Fraser Island. Whale watching cruises operate from Port Bundaberg during the season and they can also be seen from Lady Elliot Island.
Humpbacks are curious animals and sometimes approach close to boats.
They frequently give awesome displays of breaching, spyhopping and tail and fin slapping. Bundaberg's affair with these migratory mammals finds its focus in a spectacular six story environmental wall mural located in the CBD in Bourbong Street. Wyland, the U.S. artist famous internationally for his whaling wails painted the wall as his gift to the city. The Whaling Wall was co-ordinated by the Bundaberg District Tourism and Development Board and made possible by the sponsorship of the Bundaberg News Mail, John Santalucia, National Australia Bank, Solver Paints, Continental Airlines, Sunstate Airlines and many Bundaberg businesses and individuals. At nearby Mon Repos beach some special marine visitors have established Australia's largest and most accessible turtle rookery.