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

Book Tickets

Be guided by the in house artists at Clay & Co Studio to create your very own ocean inspired creation while sipping on bubbles!

When: 6pm - 8pm

Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way Cowes

Cost: $85pp inc all materials and glass of bubbles

Settle into the warm, rustic charm of the Churchill Islands Shearing Shed and experience an enchanting candlelit performance by The Cedar Collective. Their captivating repertoire blends classical elegance with contemporary favourites, creating a truly immersive musical escape.

When: 5:30pm & 8pm (Approximate show duration: 60 minutes)

Cost: $60 per person includes a complimentary drink on arrival.

Where: Churchill Island

Book Tickets

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

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)

Bookings required

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.

When: 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Where: Festival Hub - Theatre.

Cost: Included in Festival Experience Pass

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

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)

Bookings required

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

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, and wildlife managers.

When: 10.00am - 10.45am

Cost: Free - booking recommended

Location: Festival Hub - Stringybark Room (upstairs)

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

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: Phillip Island Rec Reserve, corner of Ventnor and Phillip Island Roads

Cost: Free to attend - includes complimentary lunch

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

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

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