Nala The Big Whale, Fraser Island Travel Guide

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A towering tribute to Hervey Bay's beloved humpback whales, Nala is a must-see landmark that celebrates the region's marine heritage.

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Nala The Big Whale

Nala, the Big Whale, is a large sculpture of a humpback whale located in Pialba, Queensland. Standing at 8.3 meters tall and 14.8 meters wide, the sculpture is a prominent landmark and a tribute to Hervey Bay's reputation as a whale-watching destination.

A brief summary to Nala The Big Whale

Pialba, Queensland, 4655, AU

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nala The Big Whale.

Visit during whale season (July-November) to experience the region's connection to the migrating humpback whales.
Pair your visit to Nala with a trip to the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere to learn more about whales and the region's ecology.
Nala is beautifully lit at night, making it a great photo opportunity.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lake McKenzie

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Fraser Island national park

Lake Allom

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Explore Nala The Big Whale on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nala The Big Whale, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Nala is located at the corner of Main Street and Old Maryborough Road in Pialba. From the Pialba town center, it's a short walk east along Main Street. The sculpture is situated outside the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere.
Public Transport

The Translink bus service operates in Pialba. Check the Translink website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Alight at a stop near the intersection of Main Street and Old Maryborough Road. From there, it is a short walk to Nala. A flat rate of $0.50 per journey is charged.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Pialba. A taxi from the Pialba town center to Nala will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Nala The Big Whale

Nala, the Big Whale, is a captivating public artwork in Pialba, Hervey Bay, dedicated to the region's famed humpback whales. Unveiled in 2012, the sculpture depicts a breaching humpback whale and stands as a symbol of Hervey Bay's rich marine biodiversity.The sculpture is named after a real humpback whale, Nala, who was first identified in 1992 with her calf. Nala has returned to Hervey Bay many times and is easily recognizable due to the unique patterns on her fluke. Students participating in the Oceanic Project's 'Kids on the Ocean' initiative named her after the character from The Lion King.Crafted by artists Chris Calcutt and Ross Bradbury, with timber carving by Glen Waterman, Nala is made from stainless steel and ironbark timber. The sculpture is positioned outside the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere, a museum and visitor center focusing on ecology, culture, and marine life. At night, Nala is floodlit, creating a dramatic display.