Return of the gentle giants for 10th annual Island Whale Festival
The 10th Island Whale Festival has once again drawn thousands of nature lovers to Phillip Island to experience the wild, raw beauty of the Bass Coast during the peak of the whale migration season.
PHILLIP Island has once again been confirmed as Victoria’s premier winter wildlife destination following the visually spectacular opening of the 10th Island Whale Festival.
The landmark event draws thousands of nature enthusiasts, families, and researchers to the Island to experience the wild, raw beauty of the Bass Coast during the absolute peak of the whale migration season.
Transformed into a bustling hub of environmental education and coastal adventure the Island's dramatic seas provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
The beating heart of this the festivities is the Berninneit Cultural Centre in Cowes.
Berninneit opened its doors from Friday as the festival experience hub and quickly became a favourite destination for young families. The dedicated Little Whales Explorer Zone bustled with energy, offering interactive arts, crafts, and educational marine life displays.
State Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, opened proceedings with a celebration of community, creativity, conservation, and connection. “We gather as witnesses to one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys,” said Ms Crugnale. “The annual migration of humpback and southern right whales travelling west to east across the vast Southern Ocean, passing by Millowl before continuing onwards.”
Ms Crugnale said this year marked a significant milestone with the festival’s 10th anniversary. “From its beginnings as a local initiative, it has become a treasured feature of our winter calendar, drawing locals and visitors alike into the wonder of the migration season.”
Congratulating the organising committee, partners, sponsors, supporters, local businesses, volunteers, and everyone who helped bring the festival to life, Ms Crugnale said the state government was proud to support winter events that backed local businesses and showcased the best of the Bass Coast and Victoria.
Bass Coast Shire Councillor Tim O’Brien said the festival highlighted the region's deep connection to the marine environment. He noted that the arrival of these gentle giants brought a sense of awe and responsibility to the community.
Reflecting on his involvement with Project Jonah in the 1970s, Cr O’Brien said it was an organisation dedicated to stop the hunting and killing of whales at a time when there was still a whaling station at Albany in Western Australia.
“Back then you rarely saw a whale,” said Cr O’Brien. “The southern right whale had been hunted to almost extinction and humpbacks and other whales were vulnerable and in danger of never recovering.”
Sighting a pod when hiking at Wilson’s Promontory Cr O’Brien described it as a transcending experience. “Creatures so rare and beautiful passing within sight.”
Children and adults alike engaged with hands-on exhibits at Berninneit that brought the mysteries of the deep sea to life, and while the festival provided the indoor excitement the real magic was unfolding in wild weather along the coast.
The dramatic cliffs of Cape Woolamai offered sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean.
Beyond wildlife viewing the festival fostered deep community engagement with marine conservation. Leading marine scientists hosted panels at Berninneit, discussing the impacts of climate change, vessel traffic, and pollution on migratory paths.
As night fell, the focus shifted to Newhaven College, which hosted special screenings of the Ocean Film Festival. The cinematic showcase featured a curated selection of films highlighting ocean conservation, marine research, and raw maritime adventure.
As the 10th annual Island Whale Festival wrapped up after a busy weekend and record crowds, organisers hailed the event as a massive success for local tourism and environmental advocacy. The weekend successfully bridged the gap between scientific research and public awareness, ensuring that the magnificent gentle giants of the deep will continue to be celebrated and protected for generations to come.
Phillip Island now looks forward to welcoming the whales back again next winter.
