SWIMMING with whales will become a permanent part of the Queensland tourism industry after an incident-free three-year trial.

Whale watch operators in Hervey Bay will be given the green light to offer the popular attraction today when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk kicks off a week-long governing in the regions visit.

Of the 11 boats currently operating in the Fraser Coast whale watching fleet, six are licenced to offer the “swimming with whales” experience.

Swimmers will have whale of a time Swimmers will have whale of a time

Strict rules mean neither boats nor swimmers can approach inside 100m of the giant mammals but curious whales may approach swimmers and often do.

“The Fraser Coast is now recognised as the whale watch capital of the world, where from July till October, whales and their calves come in from the open ocean to rest and play,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The go-ahead will maintain and further boost the industry’s growth in offering tourists some wonderful personal experiences when they interact with these fascinating creatures.”

About 30,000 humpback are migrating along the Queensland coast this year with thousands expected to stop off in Hervey Bay with their calves.

National Parks Minister, Steven Miles said his department had monitored how the trial had gone for both whales and humans and was happy with it continuing on.

“While it’s an activity with some risks, no incidents occurred during the trial,” Mr Miles said.

“Swimming with whales is proving a very popular product, in the range of Hervey Bay’s many attractions, and I’m delighted to know it can continue on.”

In the year ending March 2017, an estimated 123,000 domestic visitors to Queensland went whale or dolphin watching.

“Don’t attempt swimming with these giants of the deep on your own — you risk injury, and a $630.75 on-the-spot fine or maximum $15,138 penalty for approaching whales too closely,” Mr Miles said.