From May to October, you can spot whales along the coastline of Phillip Island and Bass Coast on the Whale Discovery Trail. Take a walk, ride or drive along the discovery trail to spot whales and learn about the natural environment.
1pm - 4pm
Set sail on a 3-hour winter dolphin & whale adventure venturing past the sheer cliffs of Cape Woolamai and along Phillip Island’s attractive southern coastline.
Book Tickets
Departs San Remo Jetty
8:30am - 12:30pm
A 4-hour cruise that circumnavigates Phillip Island in search of the Humpback and Southern Right whales, visiting Seal Rocks, with regular dolphin and albatross sightings. Includes morning tea and lunch.
Book Tickets
Departs Rhyll Jetty
Open Daily 12-8.30pm
Dine at Pino’s Trattoria around Island Whale Festival and admire a pop-up art installation in their dining spaces featuring limited edition ocean inspired pieces.
Tues 30 June ; Tues 7 July
11am - 1pm
Join in the fun at the Phillip Island Winery for a hands-on cooking class where little foodies will stretch, top and make their own pizza before heading into the garden for a planting activity. Once the pizzas are ready, they’ll sit down together and enjoy their creation for lunch.
Where: Phillip Island Winery
Wed 1 - Sun 5 July
Sip on four taster sized beers [150ml], each paired with the story behind the brew.
Wed 1st July
7pm
Celebrate the Island Whale Festival with a Trivia Night at Grenache Wine Bar!
Thurs 2 July - 1pm - 5pm
The Cowes Corner Market is a curated makers market showcasing local and visiting small businesses, with a strong focus on handmade, unique, and locally created products. It’s all about supporting small business and giving vendors a platform to connect directly with the community and visitors to Phillip Island.
7:00pm-9:40pm
Dive deep into the world beneath the waves, where up-close encounters with curious marine creatures come to life on the big screen
Screening Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Sunday 5th July 2026
Cost: Adult 16+ $28, Concession $23
9.30am - 11.30am; 2pm - 4pm
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers followed by a guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $17 per adult, $12 per child (under 15)
10am - 10.45am
Learn what our little penguins get up to when we’re not looking.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - Drop in
10am - 4pm
Fun hands-on ceramic, plaster and paper clay painting at the Clay & Co Studio
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way, Cowes
Cost: From $10 - drop in
10am - 4pm
There is so much fun for the whole family at the Festival Experience Hub this year at the Berninneit cultural centre in Cowes PLUS our new Little Whales Explorer Tent packed with kids activities! Grab your Festival Experience Hub Pass & enjoy the fun!
Daily Pass: $25 (Family – 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $10 (single entry 16+)
Weekend Pass: $45 (Family - 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $25 (16+)
10am - 4pm
Your little ones will love our super cute face painting - choose from whale designs and Phillip Island animals.
Where: Little Whale Explorers, Festival Hub
Cost: $10 - $15 each
10am - 4pm
Paint plaster sea creatures, create whale sculptures & make paper crafts.
Where: Little Whale Explorers, Festival Hub
Cost: from $10 - drop in
Friday 10.45-11am - 12.45-1.45pm - 3.30 - 4pm
Saturday 10.45-11am - 11.45am-12.45pm - 3.45 - 4pm
Sunday 11.30am-12pm - 1.45-2pm - 2.45-3pm
Be swept away by the sights and sounds of Millowl’s marine life.
Cost: Included in your Festival Experience Pass
Location: Festival Hub - Theatre - drop in
11am - 2pm
Come and share the love of Whales this Whale Festival, join the community in decorating a giant community whale with a variety of craft materials.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
Cost: Free - bookings required (opening soon!)
Where: Phillip Island Library, Berninneit
Friday 11am - 11.45am - 2pm - 2.45pm
Saturday 2pm - 2.45pm
Sunday 10am - 10.45am
Learn from palaeontologists in a fun, hands-on drawing workshop to bring back to life Victoria’s ancient whales and sharks. Ages: 7+
Where: Berninneit - Co working space (upstairs)
Cost: $15 (+ booking fee)
11am - 3pm
Come and see some of the most beautiful, innovative and affordable art and craft works by the local people of the Bass Coast. Show a printed or digital copy of the Phillip Island Gallery whale logo and choose a FREE unique handmade keyring. All keyrings have been handmade by members of the Phillip Island Gallery.
Cost: FREE - drop in
Location: Phillip Island Gallery, 119 Settlement Road, Cowes
11am - 11.45am
Exploring how innovative technologies such as drones, thermal imaging, health assessments & behaviour tracking are improving the detection, rescue & conservation of Australian fur seals affected by entanglement in marine debris & fishing gear.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - Drop in
Friday 12pm-12.45pm
Saturday 10am-10.45am
Sunday 3pm-3.45pm
Drop in and see some of your favourite ABC Kids programs on the big screen!
Cost: Included in your Festival Experience Pass
Location: Festival Hub - Theatre - drop in
Friday 1pm - 1.45pm
Sunday 2pm - 2.45pm
Meet people working in marine science, research and conservation, and discover the real-world pathways that can lead to a career caring for our oceans.
Cost: Free - booking required
Location: Festival Hub - Co working space (upstairs)
2pm - 3.25pm
This is David Attenborough’s greatest message of hope - revealing 100 years of incredible ocean discovery and why there’s nowhere more important for a life on Earth than the ocean.
Run time: 1 hour 25 mins - Rating: PG
Included in Festival Hub Pass - first come first seated
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
Friday 3pm - 3.45pm
Saturday 11am - 11.45am
Ever wondered how scientists track wild dolphins? In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how we identify individual dolphins by their fins and estimate populations using real research techniques! Perfect for curious secondary students and an insight intro to the Cetacean Sisters program held on Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.
Where: Berninneit - Co working space (upstairs)
Cost: $15 (+ booking fee)
6pm - 8pm
Be guided by Clay & Co Studio in house artists to create your very own ocean inspired canvas while sipping on bubbles!
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes
Cost: $65pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles - booking required
7:00pm-9:40pm
Dive deep into the world beneath the waves, where up-close encounters with curious marine creatures come to life on the big screen
Screening Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Sunday 5th July 2026
Cost: Adult 16+ $28, Concession $23
9.30am - 12.30pm
Want to get your hands dirty and give back to our beautiful island? Join the dedicated team at Phillip Island Landcare for a tree planting session!
Where: Phillip Island Rec Reserve, corner of Ventnor and Phillip Island Roads
Cost: Free to attend - includes complimentary lunch
Email bookings recommended
9.30am - 11.30am; 12.30pm - 2.30pm; 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers followed by a guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $17 per adult, $12 per child (under 15)
11am - 11.45am
The Megalodon & the prehistoric Killer Sperm whale were the biggest predators that ever existed – & they’re found right here, in Victoria.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - Drop in
11am - 2pm
Come and create a fun Whale hat to Celebrate whales and wear during the Festival!
Presented by: Myli Libraries
Cost: Free - bookings required (opening soon!)
Where: Phillip Island Library, Berninneit
1pm - 1.45pm
Join marine ecologist Cara Hull for a fun (and slightly gross!) dive into the world of whale digestion.
Where: Berninneit - Co working space (upstairs)
Cost: $15 (+ booking fee)
1pm - 1.30pm
Ngargee' means 'Ceremony' in the language of the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group is a collective of First Nations young women living on Boonwurrung Country.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - drop in
2pm - 2.45pm
Dive beneath the surface to discover the hidden wonders of our blue backyard, from hidden reefs and living fossils to fairytale-like fish and extraordinary marine life few people ever see.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - Drop in
3pm - 3.45pm
Hear about the dolphins and whales that visit Millowl | Phillip Island — where to spot them, how scientists study them, and how you can watch them safely and respectfully.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre - drop in
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
3.00pm - 3.45pm
Local Eco-photographer & citizen scientist Peter will share his experiences in locating and capturing imagery that inspires and reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment.
Where: Festival Hub - Co working space
Cost: $15 (*booking free) - bookings required
5pm - 7pm
Settle into the warm, rustic charm of the Churchill Island Shearing Shed and experience an enchanting candlelit performance by The Cedar Collective.
When: 5pm - 7pm
Cost: $75 per person (18+ event) - tickets required
Where: Churchill Island
6pm - 8pm
Be guided by the in house artists at Clay & Co Studio to create your very own ocean inspired creation while sipping on bubbles!
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes
Cost: $85pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles - bookings required
6.30pm - 10.30pm
An unforgettable black tie dinner to mark the Winter Solstice with a menu built around the season will showcase local produce, with truffles featured throughout and wines paired to match. Live music carries through the evening, with telescopes set across the lawn for stargazing between courses.
Where: Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berrys Beach Road, Ventnor
7pm - 9.30pm
Experience a special screening of Wolves of the Sea - a breath-taking documentary revealing the hidden world of marine apex predators. Hear from a live panel with acclaimed filmmaker David Parer and researcher David Donnelly, hosted by ABC’s Belinda Smith, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, field insights and audience Q&A.
Where: Berninneit - Theatre
Cost: Adults $20 (16+), Concession $15
Bookings required (opening soon!)
9.30am - 10.30am
Join our panel of experts with decades of experience both within Australia and overseas for a discussion on how, when and where opportunities exist for a career in marine science. Not academically minded? No problem, we have solutions for you too!
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: Free - Bookings Recommended
10am - 11.30am
This is David Attenborough’s greatest message of hope - revealing 100 years of incredible ocean discovery and why there’s nowhere more important for a life on Earth than the ocean.
Run time: 1 hour 25 mins - Rating: PG
Included in Festival Hub Pass - first come first seated
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
11.00am - 11.30am ; 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Let the roaming constellation whale & beautiful music composed by Timothy Coghill transport you from the vibrant rock pools at our doorstep to the vast expanse of the universe.
Where: Festival Hub - grounds
Cost: Free
11am - 11.45pm
Join a wildlife photographer & author to discover how your photos can help researchers track endangered Southern Right Whales, while enjoying spectacular imagery of these remarkable whales
Where: Berninneit - Co working space (upstairs)
Cost: $5 (+ booking fee)
11am - 2pm
Come and join us for range of whale crafts to celebrate the Whale Festival.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
Cost: Free - bookings required (opening soon!)
Where: Phillip Island Library, Berninneit
11.30am - 1.30pm; 2.30pm -4.30pm
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers followed by a guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $17 per adult, $12 per child (under 15)
Bookings Required (opening soon)
12pm - 12.45pm
Orca populations across the Indo-Pacific have highly variable characteristics but remain largely unknown, collaboration can help us shed light on these apex predators.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre - drop in
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
1pm - 1.45pm
The sea cliffs of the surf coast of Victoria tell the story of the oldest whales in all of Australia; among them, the tiny ancestors of the largest animals of all time.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre - drop in
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
2pm - 2.45pm
A short film & panel conversation exploring kelp ecosystems & sustainable seaweed farming within the UNESCO-listed Western Port Biosphere Reserve.
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass - Drop in
6pm - 8pm
Be guided by the in house artists at Clay & Co Studio to create your very own ocean inspired creation while sipping on bubbles!
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes
Cost: $85pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles - bookings required
7:00pm-9:40pm
Dive deep into the world beneath the waves, where up-close encounters with curious marine creatures come to life on the big screen
Screening Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Sunday 5th July 2026
Cost: Adult 16+ $28, Concession $23
Dr Wally Franklin has studied eastern Australian humpback whales in Hervey Bay for thirty-years. He summarises what has been learnt about the incredible annual humpback whale migration
When: 3:00pm - 3.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Dive into the world of Australia’s orcas - our most powerful and mysterious ocean mammals. Discover what we know, what we don’t, and how science, fisheries, and citizen sightings are helping uncover the secrets of these apex predators.
When: 1.30pm - 1.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Samuel McLennan has hand built a sailing vessel entirely out of debris found in the marine environment in southern Tasmania.
He has put his life on the line and is currently on the journey from Hobart to Sydney (via Melbourne) to clean-up, raise awareness and inspire people to change.
When: 1:30pm-2:15 & 2:30pm-3:15
Cost: Free - booking required
Location: Festival Hub - Stringybark Room (upstairs)
Sip on four taster sized beers [150ml], each paired with the story behind the brew.
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Ave, Cowes
When: Friday 9 July - Sunday 13 July
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Ever wondered how scientists track wild dolphins? In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how we identify individual dolphins by their fins and estimate populations using real research techniques! Perfect for curious secondary students and an insight intro to the Cetacean Sisters program held on Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.
When: 11am - 11.45am
Where: Berninneit - Stringybark Room (upstairs)
Cost: $15 (+ booking fee)
Discover the fossil secrets of Megalodon and Livyatan—Victoria’s ancient ocean giants. Join palaeontologist Ben Francischelli as he reveals epic prehistoric predators and the citizen science discoveries rewriting our state’s ancient marine story. Suitable for all ages.
When: 11.00am - 11.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Join the team in the Phillip Island library to celebrate the Whale Festival with art and craft activities for all the family.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
When: Sunday 13 July - 11am - 12pm
Cost: Free - Bookings open 23 June
Where: Phillip Island Library
Explore Australia’s strangest ancient whales with palaeontologist Ruairidh Duncan. Discover the bizarre, toothed ancestors of today’s baleen whales and why they vanished—leaving behind clues in the fossil record as to how modern whales evolved and just how weird things got in Australia. Suitable for all ages.
When: 10.00am - 10.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Join us for a fun crafty hands on session making your very own Whale Inspired Hat or headband. The scissors, paints, glue and gems are all on hand for this fun activity.
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $20pp
Drop-in
Enjoy an immersive and unique experience as you step into a cozy wood-fired sauna. Relax with soothing heat and aromatic cedar scent and be transported by beautiful Whale Music.
When: Sunday 13th July - 8am, 9:30am, 11am & 12:30pm
Where: Cleeland Bight Beach, Cape Woolamai
Cost: $45 per person. Adults only
Join ReefWatch to search for slugs under the bridge at San Remo! This event takes rockpooling to the next level. You’ll also see other amazing animals, like hermit crabs, brittle stars and sea spiders.
Where: San Remo - (meet at carpark near bridge)
When: 7.30-8.30
Cost: Free - bookings required
Join Humpback Whale expert Dr Wally Franklin and indigenous whale researchers Dr Chels Marshall and Dr Jodi Edwards for an inspiring evening of science, culture and conversation exploring whales, conservation and the deep connections between sea country and community. Hosted by ABC’s Belinda Smith.
When: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
Follow a published author and wildlife photographers’ journey to help the natural world through the camera. Join Chris to learn why it is important to photograph animals and birds that may be injured or be rare in existence.
When: 2:00pm - 2.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Join palaeontologist Ben Francischelli in a fun, hands-on drawing session where kids bring ancient whales and sharks to life! Using real fossil evidence from Victoria, participants will add muscles and skin to prehistoric skulls—learning science through art and exploring our state’s ancient marine giants.
When: 2pm - 2.45pm
Cost: $15 (+ booking fee)
Where: Berninneit - Stringybark Room (upstairs)
Sip on four taster sized beers [150ml], each paired with the story behind the brew.
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Ave, Cowes
When: Friday 9 July - Sunday 13 July
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Join us at Phillip Island Library for a special Whale Festival, ocean-themed story time with children's author, Julie Murphy.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
When: Saturday 12 July - 11am - 12.00pm
Cost: Free - Bookings open 23 June
Where: Phillip Island Library
From small-hoofed creatures to today’s ocean giants—join paleontologist Ruairidh Duncan to uncover the incredible 50-million-year journey of whale evolution. Discover the strange and surprising ancestors that paved the way for the planet’s biggest and intelligent marine mammals. Suitable for all ages.
When: 11.00am - 11.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Join us for a fun crafty hands on session of timber whale and tail painting! Each participant will have fun time painting their very own timber whale Tail, each tail will have a hanger on it, ready for hanging once you get home and is a great fun activity for the whole family to mark your special time at the Festival.
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $25pp
Drop-in
Dive into Victoria's prehistoric oceans to discover the deepest diving whales of all time. Suitable for all ages.
When: 10.00am-10.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Traditional Custodian, Ceremony Maker and Artist Uncle Steve Ulula Parker will facilitate a Ceremony to bless the whales and wish them safe passage on their migration past Millowl (Philip Island) to the warmer northern waters.
When: 10-10.45am
Location: Cowes Foreshore Beach (left of the jetty)
Cost: Free - Drop in
Dive deep into the world beneath the waves, where up-close encounters with curious marine creatures come to life on the big screen
Screening Thursday 10th, Friday 11th & Sunday 13th July
When: 7:00pm-9:40pm.
Cost: Adult 16+ $25, Concession $20
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
Come along and view arty whales, all different made by local artists. Engage with the creators of the mosaic and ceramic creatures.
Cost: FREE - drop in
When: Friday 11 July 5pm - 7pm, Saturday 12 July 10am - 4pm, Sunday 13 July 10am - 4pm
Location: Creative Arts Station, 119-133 Settlement Road, Cowes
Sip on four taster sized beers [150ml], each paired with the story behind the brew.
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Ave, Cowes
When: Friday 9 July - Sunday 13 July
Where: Ocean Reach Brewing, 47 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Immerse yourself in an origami session creating beautiful whales for the Whale Festival.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
When: Friday 11 July - 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Cost: Free - Bookings open June 23
Where: Phillip Island Library
Exploring ocean kinship, cultural knowledge, and Indigenous science in caring for Country and sea. Presented by Dr. Jodi Marshall and Dr. Chels Marshall
When: 2.00pm-3.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Explore how vessel noise and marine debris affect seal health, stress and behaviour. Using drones, behavioural monitoring and health indicators, this research aims to reduce disturbance and entanglements in a population facing an uncertain future.
When: 12.00pm-12.45pm
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Location: Festival Hub - Theatre
Come and learn how the Conservation Regulator are using education and enforcement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our beautiful marine mammals.
When: 11.00am-11.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Love reading? To celebrate the Whale Festival come along and share your favourite ocean themed books with like-minded bibliophiles.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
When: Friday 11 July - 11.00am - 12.00pm
Cost: Free - Bookings open 23 June
Where: Phillip Island Library
Connect with other parents in a baby-focussed session of gentle marine themed songs, stories and rhymes designed to support early language and literacy. Perfect for babies under 12 months.
Presented by: Myli Libraries
When: Friday 11 July - 10.30am - 11.30am
Cost: Free - Bookings open 23 June
Where: Phillip Island Library
Join us for a fun crafty hands on session making your very own Whale Inspired jewellery. Brooches, Necklaces, key chains or bracelets to treasure. There is the option to make your very own paper beads too!
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $25pp
Drop-in
