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: Berninneit cultural centre
Drop in
Your little ones will love our super cute face painting - choose from a whale, dolphin, seal or penguin.
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $10 each
There is so much fun for the whole family at the Festival Experience Hub this year at the brand new cultural centre in Cowes - Berninneit. Grab your Festival Experience Hub Pass & enjoy the fun!
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)
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
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
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)
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
Bookings Required
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
Learn more about the whale and dolphin species that can be observed, from both land and ecotourism vessels around the Island.
When: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
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
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
View ocean inspired works from some of Millowl’s (Phillip Islands) talented local artists.
When: 10am-3pm
Where: The Nobbies Centre
Drop in
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
Your little ones will love our super cute face painting - choose from a whale, dolphin, seal or penguin.
When: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $10 each
Come along & join in a fun hands-on workshop on ocean-themed ceramic painting. We also have a variety of plaster sea creatures for you to paint too!
When: 10am - 4pm
Where: Clay & Co Studio, 4 Shorland Way, Cowes
Cost: Plaster - from $5; Ceramic - from $15 (depending on chosen size)
Drop in
There is so much fun for the whole family at the Festival Experience Hub this year at the brand new cultural centre in Cowes - Berninneit. Grab your Festival Experience Hub Pass & enjoy the fun!
When: 10am - 4pm
Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July
Daily Pass: $10 (Family – 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $5 (single entry 16+)
Learn how DEECA studies endangered Southern Right Whales using the unique patterns on their head & find out how you can join the WhaleFace community & contribute to this important research.
When: 1-1:45pm
Where: Festival Hub
Bookings Recommended
Join Brooke from the Island Cookie Box to create your own whale cookie masterpiece! Yum!
When: 1pm & 1.30pm
Where: Festival Hub
Bookings Recommended
Free Winter Whale Fun for Kids! A fun activity for the whole family making origami whales at the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre.
When: 11am-1pm
Where: Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
Drop In
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
Where: Masonic Hall
Drop In
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: 11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm
Where: Festival Hub
SOLD OUT (check on the day for cancellations)
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: 10.30am - 11.15am
Where: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Bookings Recommended
How many flukes and fins can you identify? Learn how scientists identify whales by their patterns or marks on their fins or flukes (tails), which are similar to fingerprints for humans.
When: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free - Drop In
The Western Port Biosphere Foundation is leading an exciting partnership that will reveal just how much the Western Port UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve region can and could help fight climate change thanks to its wealth of carbon-absorbing marine habitats.
When: 10am-10.45am
Where: Festival Hub
Bookings Recommended
Local Community Artists will facilitate decoration of a large whale puppet with messages about the importance of caring for whales, oceans & the Living World.
When: 10am-11am & 1 - 2pm
Where: Festival Hub
Drop in
Recycle & transform plastics using new, innovative technology into a unique item for you to keep! Learn about the impact of plastic on our marine environment & about solutions to tackle plastic waste.
When: 10am, 12pm & 2.30pm
Where: Masonic Hall
Bookings Recommended
Find a range of stalls, activities, talks, presentations, live music, VR experience, Whale Festival information and more at the Festival Hub in Cowes.
When: 10.00am-4pm
Where: Festival Hub
St Philip’s Church Hall, 102 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Come along and listen to some talented local artists at the Festival Hub performing on the Wildlife Coast Cruises stage! Performances from: Garry & John, Dave Prideaux, Maddy May, Esta Christensen, Matthew Bentley, Nic Huigsloot, & Paul Patten
When: 10am - 4pm
Where: Festival Hub, St Philip’s Church grounds
Drop in
