Island Whale Festival in line for second straight tourism gold
The 2025 Island Whale Festival is a Victorian Tourism Awards finalist, a year after the festival took gold in the Festivals and Events category
THE Island Whale Festival is chasing a second straight gold at the Victorian Tourism Awards after the 2025 festival was named a finalist in the Festivals and Events category of the awards’ milestone 40th year.
The recognition comes after the 2024 Island Whale Festival took home gold in the same category at last year’s awards.
Winners of the 40th Victorian Tourism Awards will be announced at the annual gala ceremony on Thursday November 26.
Presented every year, the awards recognise outstanding achievement in tourism, innovation, professionalism and collaboration across the state’s tourism industry.
Led by Destination Phillip Island, the festival marks the time of year when humpback and southern right whales visit the waters around Phillip Island, bringing together marine conservation, education, arts and community experiences for visitors to discover the island’s marine environment.
Now an established highlight of the island’s winter events calendar, the festival draws visitors outside the traditional peak season, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s reputation as a leading wildlife destination.
The 2025 festival was delivered through a partnership between Destination Phillip Island, Wildlife Coast Cruises, the Dolphin Research Institute, the Two Bays Whale Project, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, artist Zev Landes and scientist Dr Sue Mason.
Destination Phillip Island said the finalist nod was a proud achievement that reflected the passion, dedication and collaboration of the local businesses, volunteers, marine scientists, conservation organisations and artists who come together each year to stage the festival.
The organisation thanked the festival committee, stallholders, volunteers and presenters, along with the local community and the thousands of visitors who have supported the event over 10 years as it grew into a much-loved winter celebration.
Destination Phillip Island also congratulated fellow finalists and tourism partners Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, Local Way Tours, Moonlit Sanctuary, Searoad Ferries, Wanderer Adventures and Your Exclusive Tours, along with Destination Gippsland and Wattle Bank winery Harman Wines.
The Island Whale Festival will return to Phillip Island from Friday July 2 to Sunday July 4 next year.
