The Freedom Whale Watch vessel is a spacious & versatile catamaran used for various activities including whale watching, cruises, private charters and dive trips. Freedom III has a proud history, being previously owned by renowned documentary film producer Ben Cropp. The vessel was then purchased in April 2009 by Keith & Sue Reid, who then embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, sailing Freedom III from its home in Port Douglas to begin another chapter in Freedom III’s life as a whale watch vessel to operate out of Hervey Bay, QLD. After a arduous 3 month renovation, Freedom III was ready to take on its first season as Hervey Bay’s luxury three quarter day whale watching vessel. Some interesting facts about Freedom III include:

  • The vessel is 58ft (17.7m) in length

  • Built in 1990 in Innisfail, Queensland, Australia

  • Powered by 2 x 280hp Fiat Iveco motors (installed 2010)

  • 3 toilets (2 marine & 1 household) & shower facilities

  • Large saloon area with comfortable couches & dining table

  • Numerous fridges and freezers

  • Licensed for up to 49 people in the Bay area

  • Hydraulic lift platform

  • Cruising speed of 14-18 knots

  • 3 x 360 degree viewing levels

  • Sleeping quarters for up to 8 people

  • Full galley including microwave, gas cooktop & oven

  • Flat screen TV with DVD player

  • Fully licensed bar

  • Currently in 2B (8 people 200 miles offshore) & 2C (20 people 50 miles offshore) survey

Meet Our Team

Team Keith
Keith

Keith is one half of the hard-working couple that own and operate Freedom III. He alternates between driving Freedom III and being head chef, cooking and preparing all the delicious food that is included on the Freedom tours. Keith has a varied history from owning and operating restaurants and fish and chip shops in Hervey…

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Team Sue
Sue

Owner Operator

Sue is the other half of the heart of Freedom III. Sue manages the other aspects of the business, from managing bookings to organising advertising and making sure everyone gets paid on time! Sue also helps out Keith by preparing other aspects of the beautiful food for onboard trips. Before getting involved in whale watching…

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Team Jacko
Jacko

Jacko has become a little famous of late through an interesting scene on Sunrise with the weather-girl, Edwina Bartholomew… be we won’t spoil the surprise. You can ask him all about it onboard when he plays crew member during the whale watching season. Jacko is an avid fisherman so occumpanies a lot of the fishing…

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Team Will
Will

Will is an occasional crew member for Freedom III and he’s always available when they need him. Will has been working as a crew member on and off for Freedom III since its inception in 2010 and is a natural on the water after growing up around boats and the water. On casual fun days…

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Ivan crew freedom whale watch charters
Ivan

Crew Member

Ivan has been part of the Freedom crew for 3 years and 2019 will be his 4th year. He is an experienced seaman having skippered a Kingfisher Bay Resort barge. When he is not working for Freedom III he enjoys travel and holidays with his family to many different parts of the world.  

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Team Jen
Jen

Jen manages the Freedom website and also designs all their brochures, signage and advertising. She also occasionally works onboard when she gets a chance, so make sure you say hi if you see her! Jen owns and runs her own freelance graphic and web design company called Jen Mulligan Design and juggles a full time…

Photos of Freedom

Scroll right to see more photos.

SunsetSide
ToiletandBunks
Seating
SaloonView
SaloonTV
SaloonSleeping
Freedom On Slips
Whales Ahead
Interior
MeatPlatter
RelaxingonDeck
SaloonSeating
Inside Seating on Freedom
FreedomsHome
FrontDeck
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Food1