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)

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

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

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: 11.30am - 12.15pm

Where: Festival Hub - Theatre

Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass

Join us at Phillip Island Library this Whale Festival for some folding fun making your own pod of whales.

When: 11am - 1pm

Where: Phillip Island Library

Free - Drop in

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

Bookings Required

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: 10.30am - 11.15am

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

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)

Bookings Required

🌱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

With powerful vocals, mixed with storytelling this will be a memorable evening not to be missed.

When: 5pm - 7pm

Where: Dimples Lounge Bar, 5 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Free

Join local Community Artists to create your own whale crown incorporating natural materials & recycled cardboard. The crown will celebrate whales & recognises the importance of caring for the living world.

When: 3-4pm

Where: Festival Hub

SOLD OUT (check for cancellations on the day)

Trek up along the high Cape Track that provides one of the best lookout spots for local wildlife, migrating whales & learn fundamental principles of wildlife photography.

When: 2pm - 5pm

Where: Woolamai Beach SLSC

Bookings Required

Where do whales come from & where do they go? Have you seen whales today? Join this discussion & presentation on the whales we see in our water each year. Learn about how you spot & report sightings.

When: 2pm - 2:45pm

Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Bookings Recommended

Don’t miss the only opportunity to see The Ocean Film Festival in Victoria this winter. Each of the festival’s 7 films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.

When: 2-5pm & 7-10pm

Where: Newhaven College, Black Box Theatre

Bookings Required

Uncle Steve will facilitate a Deep Listening Circle in which he will share stories, songs and dances of the Whale Dreaming, the Great Whale Migration and the importance of being in right relationship with the Living World.

When: 1-1.45pm

Where: Festival Hub

SOLD OUT

Join Brooke from the Island Cookie Box to create your own whale cookie masterpiece! Yum!

When: 1pm & 1.30pm

Where: Festival Hub

Bookings Recommended

A celebration through movement of the ocean waters and all the creatures that live in them. Suitable for all ages and limited numbers. 

When: 11:30am-12:30pm

Where: San Remo Library

Booking Required

Learn about the spectacular reefs around Australia’s southern coastline, while you explore Victoria’s biodiverse Marine National Parks, ‘snorkelling’ with dolphins, seals & rock lobsters.

When: 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm - drop in sessions

Where: Masonic Hall