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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 - 3pm
Be wowed by performers from Phillip Islands local circus school. In this interactive workshop you can watch the performance or join in and learn some circus skills yourself!
Where: Festival Hub - Little Whale Explorers kids activities marquee
Cost: Free
11am - 2pm
Come and create a fun Whale hat to Celebrate whales and wear during the Festival!
Presented by: Myli Libraries
Cost: Free - drop in
Where: Phillip Island Library, Berninneit
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
10am - 10.45am
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.
Location: Cowes Foreshore Beach (left of the jetty)
Cost: Free - Drop in
10am - 3pm
Local artist studio with handcrafted whales available for viewing and purchase or book a mosaics workshop.
Sat 4 & Sun 5 July
Location: 8 Mountainview Avenue, Ventnor
Saturday 10am - 10.45am
Sunday 11am - 11.45am
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: $10 (+ booking fee) - donated to Southern Right Whale research
10am - 1pm
Join in with some fun making origami whales, colouring in, story time (Jonah and the Whale), whale cookies and more!
Location: St Philip’s Church Hall (Emmaus Room behind hall), 102 Thompson Ave, Cowes
Free - drop in
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)
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 lunchB
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)
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
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 with any purchase. All keyrings have been handmade by members of the Phillip Island Gallery.
Cost: FREE - drop in
Location: Phillip Island Gallery, 119 Settlement Road, Cowes
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)
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
10am - 4pm
Your little ones will love our super cute face painting - choose from whale designs and Phillip Island animals.
Where: Festival Hub, Berninneit
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
10am - 4pm
Soak up the festival vibes and enjoy a weekend of live local music!
Proudly supported by Wildlife Coast Cruises
Where: Festival Hub - Free 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
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
From 8.00am
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.
Thurs 2, Fri 3, Sat 4 & Sun 5 July
Where: Cowes Jetty
Cost: $45 per person. Adults only
Wed 1 - Sun 5 July
Sip on four taster sized beers [150ml], each paired with the story behind the brew.
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.
