The calm, seagrass-rich waters of the Great Sandy Strait shelter one of the most important dugong populations in the world. These shy marine mammals — relatives of the manatee, and the likely origin of the mermaid legend — graze the strait's vast seagrass meadows year-round, alongside resident dolphins.
When to go
Unlike the seasonal events on the calendar, dugongs and dolphins are here all year. Patience and calm water are the keys to a sighting.
Where to look
The seagrass beds of the Great Sandy Strait are the dugongs' pantry; a quiet boat or kayak gives the best chance of spotting the tell-tale swirl as one surfaces to breathe. Indo-Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins are common throughout the strait and Hervey Bay. At Tin Can Bay, a small pod of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins visits the shore each morning — one of the few places in Australia where you can see these rare dolphins up close under careful supervision.
Both dugongs and dolphins are protected. Keep your distance, slow down in seagrass areas, and let them come to you.