CURIOUS about whales, perhaps you’re keen to learn more or get up close to the spectacular, yet mysterious whisperers of the deep.
Have a flipper-slapping good time these school holidays as the Island Whale Festival returns to Phillip Island from July 11 to 13.
Bigger, and better, each year and set along the island’s breathtaking coastline, this three-day celebration offers up-close encounters with migrating whales, creative and cultural experiences, and plenty of fun for families, nature lovers and curious minds of all ages.
It’s the ultimate winter escape!
Famed for the humpback and southern right whales, you don’t have to don a drysuit and head under the waves to experience the majestic creatures.
Start your adventures at Berninneit Cultural Centre in Cowes – there is plenty happening throughout the day from 10am to 4pm including live music on the Wildlife Coast Cruises music stage and face painting.
Head indoors into the Immersive Room and be swept away by the sights and sounds of Milawul’s marine life. Down the hall experience virtual reality as you snorkel the Great Southern Reef, without getting wet!
Meet the Dolphin Research Institute team of researchers and volunteers, and don’t be afraid to ask them all the challenging questions.
Got a little one? Baby Rhyme Time is marine-focused at 10.30am.
Over the other side of the library, Book Chat has an ocean theme and kicks off at 11am.
Between 12pm – 12.45pm head into the Festival Hub Theatre for the Sound and Fur(r)y: Assessing the impacts of disturbance and entanglement on Australian fur seals to manage an uncertain future presentation. Discover the impact of vessel noise and ocean pollution on seal wellbeing, stress levels, and natural behaviour.
Back to the creative space dive into Phillip Island Library at 2.30pm for the Whale Origami Workshop – and create your own beautiful whales. While the session is free it does require pre-booking.
After you’ve exhausted the Festival Hub jump in the car and onto the trail of spotting a whale with your very own eyes. Drop into the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and hear from the Dolphin Research Institute and Two Bays Whale Project as they discuss all the tips and tricks to spotting dolphins and how to become a citizen scientist. And whilst you’re at it they’ll guide you on a whale-spotting experience from the decks.
Friday evening The Ocean Film Festival takes centre stage in Berninneit’s theatre. See separate article for more details. However, if painting is more your style then head to Clay & Co Studio for a very special paint and sip session.
And that’s just a few of the adventures on offer on Friday!
On Saturday kick off with the whale blessing ceremony with Uncle Steve Ulula Parker at 10am the Cowes Foreshore Beach.
The hub will again be buzzing with activities and speakers.
Downstairs at 10am join palaeontologist Ben Francischelli on a journey 30 million years in the making. Dive into Victoria’s prehistoric oceans to discover the deepest diving whales of all time, the river dolphins that once swam along our ancient coastlines, and the biggest animals that ever existed, twice the size of any dinosaur.
Upstairs marine scientists, project officers, educators and wildlife managers will answer all the questions you might have about a career in marine science.
At 11am splash into a short history (50 million years) of whale evolution with paleontologist Ruairidh Duncan in the theatre.
Head to the Stringbark Room and let your secondary students Dive into Dolphin Science. For the younger crowd head to the library for a special storytime with children’s author Julie Murphy.
At 1pm catch Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group in the theatre.
From 2pm let the creative sides roam, join palaeontologist Ben Francischelli for a hands-on session incorporating science and art or listen to published author and wildlife photographer Chris Farrell and his journey through the natural world behind the lens.
Local eco-photographer and citizen scientist Peter Fogarty shares his experiences in Photographing Whales is no Fluke at 3pm (see more in separate story).
Dive into an unforgettable evening with renowned humpback whale expert Dr Wally Franklin, alongside Indigenous whale researchers Dr Chels Marshall and Dr Jodi Edwards, as they share insights at the intersection of science, culture and connection to sea country. Hosted by ABC’s Belinda Smith, this thought-provoking event celebrates marine conservation and the enduring relationships between whales, people and place.
If conversation is not your style then sit back and relax at Churchill Island as you bask in whiskey, wine and whales, or take to clay and sipping at Clay & Co Studios.
There’s no sleep in on Sunday, rise early and join the Sea Slug Census at San Remo Jetty at 7.30am and then indulge in a final day of celebrations.
There are saunas, panels of expert marine scientists, discussions on the toothed baleen whales, art and crafts in the library, secrets of Megalodon and Livyatan, and summaries on humpback whale migration, plus more!
Did we mention that throughout the festival Wildlife Coast Cruises will be running their spectacular wildlife cruises including the ever-popular whale watching? And if you miss out, the season runs for at least another five and a half weeks with plenty of time to head out and possibly spot a humpback, a southern right whale or even an orca or five.
With so much on offer, and a selection of events requiring pre-booking head to islandwhales.com.au to reserve your seats today.