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Sandgate Guide Launches Whale Watching Pass Giveaway

Each winter, thousands of humpback whales pass through Moreton Bay, and now, the Sandgate Guide is helping locals get front-row seats to the action, with a chance to win a double pass aboard Brisbane Whale Watching’s popular tours. The cruises, led by one of Australia’s most experienced whale captains, offer a close-up look at these giant visitors just off the coast of Redcliffe.

Read: SANDBAG’s Candlelight Walk Draws Strong Community Support

Whale Season Returns to Moreton Bay

The whale-watching season runs from early June to late October, with daily tours from Redcliffe aboard the Eye Spy catamaran. Operated by Brisbane Whale Watching, the cruises are led by Captain Kerry Lopez, the only female whale-watching captain and owner in the South Pacific Rim. 

Photo Credit: Sandgate Guide/Facebook

With nearly 30 years at the helm, Lopez offers locals a front-row seat to the humpback migration through Moreton Bay. Guests often spot not just whales breaching and tail-slapping, but also dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Sandgate Guide is giving readers a chance to join a tour for free through a June competition.

An Up-Close Encounter for Locals

Lopez said no two trips are the same, with whales often approaching the boat and showing off their playful, social nature. Crew members can identify many whales by their unique tail markings and sometimes name new calves. 

Photo Credit: Sandgate Guide/Facebook

Each tour includes a picnic-style lunch, a licensed bar, and wheelchair access for comfort and inclusivity. Brisbane Whale Watching is also eco-accredited, supporting sustainable marine tourism.

Community Ties Run Deep

What started as a passion for the ocean has grown into a family-run business. Lopez’s daughter is currently studying at Maritime College and plans to join her mother on deck in the future. Several current crew members also began their connection to Brisbane Whale Watching as passengers before joining the team permanently.

The tours are a hit with all ages, from school groups to retirees. Many guests return every season, drawn back by the thrill of watching whales up close and the warm, welcoming environment created by Lopez and her crew.

June Competition Open Now

From 1 June to 30 June, the Sandgate Guide is giving readers a chance to win a double pass for the experience. The prize includes a full-day whale-watching cruise, lunch, and the chance to spot some of Australia’s most iconic marine life.

enter here

The competition is free to enter and aims to connect the community with the unique wildlife right on their doorstep. To take part or learn more, readers can head to the Sandgate Guide website and visit the competitions section.

Published 2-June-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Sandgate Guide/Facebook

SANDBAG’s Candlelight Walk Draws Strong Community Support

Sandgate locals filled the foreshore with footsteps and quiet determination this week, walking together in a united stand against domestic and family violence as part of a community-led event that drew support from police and residents alike.

One Walk, One Message of Unity

The Peaceful Walk and Candle-lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, 20 May was organised by SANDBAG as part of Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Starting at Cliff Street and ending at Twelfth Avenue, the walk followed the Sandgate foreshore and included locals, community groups, and Queensland Police officers. 

Photo Credit: SANDBAG/Facebook

No RSVP was needed, people simply arrived, candles in hand or walking quietly with family and friends. The event offered a space to honour lives lost and stand with survivors. It also served as a powerful reminder of the need for respectful, safe relationships in every home.

Community and Police Walk Side by Side

Queensland Police officers from the North Brisbane district joined the walk to show their commitment to preventing domestic and family violence. Their presence allowed them to engage with locals, share information, and highlight support services. 

Photo Credit: SANDBAG/Facebook

By walking alongside the community, they aimed to build trust with those who may feel unsafe or isolated. Police also stressed the value of early intervention and public awareness in stopping violence before it escalates.

Lighting Candles, Sharing Purpose

Candles were lit at the end of the walk to quietly remember those lost to domestic and family violence. The ceremony offered a solemn moment for grief and a renewed call for change. 

Photo Credit: SANDBAG/Facebook

SANDBAG organisers said the event was about breaking the silence and sending a clear message that violence has no place in Sandgate or beyond. They also stressed the need for ongoing community action, not just during awareness month.

A Collective Stand That Will Continue

The Sandgate walk lasted just an hour, but its message will stay with the community. It brought people together to show that preventing domestic violence is a shared responsibility. 

SANDBAG and QPS said they remain committed to supporting vulnerable people, raising awareness, and working toward a safer community. The walk may be over, but the effort to create change goes on.

Published 30-May-2025

Featured Photo Credit: SANDBAG/Facebook