SPOTTED: A limited-time deal swimming your way! 🐋
Book your stay with code WHALES20 and enjoy 20% off.
Must book by 1 July | Travel anytime until 30 Sept!
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.
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.
8:30am to 12:30pm – Book Tickets
Rhyll Jetty
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.
1pm to 4pm – Book Tickets
San Remo Jetty
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
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
Step into the heart of the Island Whale Festival! It’s your go-to spot for immersive hands-on activities, live entertainment, creative workshops, and family-friendly fun all weekend long!
Grab your Festival Experience Hub Pass and dive into the action. There’s something magical waiting for every age and stag!
When: 10am - 4pm
Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
Weekend Pass 11-13 July: $30 (Family – 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $12 (single weekend pass)
Day Pass: $15 (Family – 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $5 (single entry)
Where: Festival Hub
Be swept away by the sights and sounds of Millowl’s marine life in this breathtaking immersive experience.
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: Included in your Festival Experience Pass
Location: Festival Hub
Snorkel the Great Southern Reef without getting wet in this unforgettable virtual reality adventure!
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: Included in your Festival Experience Pass
Location: Festival Hub
Meet the team of DRI researchers and volunteers and ask questions about their work, getting involved and careers in marine science.
When: 10am-4pm
Where: Festival Hub
Included in your Festival Experience Pass
Discover coastal-inspired creations, featuring the work of talented local artists.
When: 10am - 4pm - Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July
Cost: FREE - drop in
Where: Clay & Co, 4 Shoreland Way, Cowes
Your little ones will love our super cute face painting - choose from a whale, dolphin, seal or penguin.
When: 10am - 4pm
Where: Festival Hub
Cost: $10 each
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers in our 50-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
When: 10am - 12pm; 2pm - 4pm
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 15)
Tap into your creativity by designing your own unique whale on wooden cutouts. Every child will receive a whale and have access to a variety of paint pens to bring their creation to life in the vibrant atmosphere of the Whale Festival.
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
Cost: Included in your Festival Experience Pass
When: Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
Location: Festival Hub
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
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
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
Open Daily: 11am - 3pm
When: Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
Location: Phillip Island Gallery, 119 Settlement Road, 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
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
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers in our 50-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
When: 9.30am - 11.30am; 12.30pm - 2.30pm; 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 15)
Dive into Victoria's prehistoric oceans to discover the deepest diving whales of all time.
When: 10.00am-10.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
From small-hoofed creatures to today’s ocean giants—join palaeontologist 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.
When: 11.00am - 11.45am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
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
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
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.
When: 3.00pm - 3.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Dive deep into the world beneath the waves, where up-close encounters with curious marine creatures come to life on the big screen
When: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
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 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!
When: Sunday 13 July 2025, 9.30 - 10.30am
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: Free - Bookings Recommended
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.
When: 10.00am - 10.45am
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
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
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers in our 50-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
When: 11.30am-1:30pm; 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 15)
Discover the incredible whale and dolphin species that can be seen around Milowl | Phillip Island—whether from clifftops or onboard a local ecotourism cruise.
When: 2.00pm - 2.45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
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
Join in the fun and learn some acrylic painting techniques. Laugh, drink and leave with your own whale masterpiece!
When: 6pm - 9pm
Where: Mello San Remo, Shop 6, 157-159 Marine Parade, San Remo
Cost: $70 pp (inc glass of bubbles & appertisers)
Dr Barry McGovern from the Pacific Whale Foundation talks about insights into the research conducted in Hervey Bay over the last 40 years and where future research might take us
When: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Where: Festival Hub
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Killer Sperm Whales were some of the biggest prehistoric predators that ever existed. Come along and hear how Ben is on the hunt to find their 5 million-year-old remains underwater.
When: 11.30am-12.15pm
Where: Festival Hub
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers in our 50-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
When: 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 15)
Let the roaming constellation whale and captivating critters transport you from the vibrant rock pools at our doorstep to the vast expanse of the universe.
When: Sunday 7th July
11.00am - 11.30am and 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Where: Festival Hub - grounds
Cost: Free
Join Ruairidh to hear about the evolution of the Baleen whales & the weird shapes and sizes they came in.
When: 10.30am - 11.15am
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Come along and join Ranger Sue for some fun, learning, and conservation at the winter whale festival! Let's make a difference together and show our support for the majestic whales that call our oceans home
When: 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1.30pm and 2pm
Where: Cowes Foreshore Beach
Cost: $15 A - $10 C
Join local artist Karen Morton for crafty hands-on fun! Create your very own snow globe.
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
When: 10am - 12:15pm
Cost: $25pp
Drop-in
Letina Russell will guide participants in quantum meditation with sound activation and healing.
When: Sunday 7 July - 10.01am - 11.30am
Where: Presented by - Phillip Island Library, 91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes
Cost: Free - bookings required
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!
When: 9.30am - 10.30am
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: Free - Bookings Recommended
Hear from our panel of whale scientist as they share their stories and ideas for a live recording of ABC Radio Big Ideas with Natasha Mitchell followed by the docu-film The Big Blue with introduction and Q&A with Dr Pete Gill who features in the film.
When: 6.30 - 9.45pm
Where: Berninneit Cultural Centre - Theatre
Cost: Adults $45, Concession $40 (includes light supper and single entry Festival Hub Pass)
Be guided by the amazing artist Jenny Cook from Clay & Co Studio to create your very own ocean inspired canvas while sipping on bubbles!
When: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes
Cost: $75pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles
Dr Pete Gill will talk about his and others’ research into the ecology of pygmy blue whales in the Great Southern Australian Upwelling System since 1998, and will look at the history of human impacts to these whales, up to the present.
When: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Have you ever wanted a career in marine science? Ever wondered what it's like to work in the field? Come along to hear from & ask questions of local marine scientists, project officers, educators & wildlife managers.
When: 2.30pm - 3.15pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Ngargee Dance Group is a collective of First Nations young women living on Boonwurrung Country.
When: 1.30pm - 2.15pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Hear about how Nature Parks scientists use drones & citizen science to understand the fur seals in the Bass Strait ecosystem.
When: 12.30pm-1.15pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Come along and join Ranger Sue for some fun, learning, and conservation at the winter whale festival! Let's make a difference together and show our support for the majestic whales that call our oceans home
When: 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1.30pm and 2pm
Where: Cowes Foreshore Beach
Cost: $15 A - $10 C
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: 5 sessions - Saturday and Sunday
Where: 493 Berry’s Beach Road, Ventnor
Cost: $35 per person (adults only)
Bookings essential
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
Children from 7-14 will engage in Whale tales to connect with the gentle energy of these majestic, loving beings guided by Letina Russell
When: 10am - 11am
Where: Phillip Island Library
Cost: Free - Bookings required
Join local artist Karen Morton for crafty hands-on fun with timber whales & tails painting. Paint your very own timber whale tail!
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
When: 10am - 12:15pm
Cost: $20pp
Drop-in
Hear about the whales of Victoria and how to spot them from local researchers in our 50-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute guided whale-spotting experience, kids' activities featuring real whale bones, sounds, and games, and an opportunity to talk all things marine with our team.
When: 9.30am - 11.30am; 12.30pm - 2.30pm; 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 15)
🌱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!
When: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 662 Back Beach Road, Ventnor
Free to attend - includes complimentary lunch
Join in a Listening Circle with YAWA - an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander think tank.
When: 6.30pm - 8pm
Where: Phillip Island Boardriders Club, 76 Veterans Drive, Newhaven
Drop in - no bookings required
Be guided by the amazing artist Jenny Cook from Clay & Co Studio to create your very own ocean inspired canvas while sipping on bubbles!
When: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes
Cost: $75pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles
Join us at Phillip Island Library this Whale Festival for some folding fun making your own pod of whales.
When: 2pm - 4pm
Where: Phillip Island Library
Cost: Free - Drop in
Join local illustrator & artist Zev Landes (the creator of our whale mascots) in a fun workshop learning how to draw whales. No drawing experience necessary.
When: 1.00pm - 1:45pm
Where: Festival Hub - Activities Room
Cost: $10 per child (must be accompanied by an adult - no charge for parents attending with child)
Bookings Required
Hear how the Conservation Regulators are working tirelessly to safeguard our beloved Hooded Plovers and the crucial role we all play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our beautiful marine mammals.
When: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Where: Festival Hub - Theatre
Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass
Wildlife Coast Cruises proudly presents our free live music stage with some of our talented local artists!
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 10am - 4pm
Where: Festival Hub
Cost: Free
Join the team at the Phillip Island Library to celebrate the whale festival with a fun whale hat to construct.
When: 11.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Phillip Island Library
Cost: Free - bookings recommended
