Frequently asked questions

  • The Island Whale Festival 2024 will take place on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July. Festival Hub Experience will be at the new Berninneit cultural centre in Cowes.

  • Winter on Phillip Island can be cold, wet and windy especially along the coast while whale watching so be sure to bring along a rain/waterproof jacket, umbrella and warm clothing so you can make the most of your time if you are outside. Most activities for the festival will take place indoors. We hope for lots of winter sunshine, blue skies and calm seas!

  • In Cowes, there is unmetered parking behind the Festival Hub at the Cowes Transit Centre. Enter from Church or Chapel Streets. There is also 2 hour parking available along Thompson Avenue and further along behind Priceline.

  • Warm clothes – beanies, scarves, gloves, Water/wind proof jacket, your own water bottle (the tap water on Phillip Island is safe to drink – say no to plastic!), binoculars (makes looking for whales a little easier), camera

  • The Festival Experience Hub Daily Pass is $10 (for a family of 2A and up to 4 children 15 and under) or $5 single entry (16+). The pass gives you access to the exhibition area that has lots of fun stalls, a festival passport activity, art and craft activities, an interactive art wall, virtual reality experience, immersive sound room with sounds and sights of marina mammals and a full program of talks and presentations in the theater.

    There will be free Live Music at the Hub, lawn games and activities in the Cowes Library. The Pop Up Art Show at the Nobbies (Sat 6 & Sun 7) is free to attend.

    Other ticketed activities include:

    -Whale Cruises (book early – they book out fast!)

    -Dolphin Research Institute & Two Bays Whale Project - sessions with local researchers to learn about the whales of Victoria and guided whale-spotting experiences

    -Ocean Film Festival - Thursday 4 July

    -Whales, Wine & Wisdom evening - Saturday 6th July

    -Art & Craft Workshops with local artists

    -Ranger tours at Cowes beach

    -Sip & Paint - Clay & Co Studio

    .

  • Please be aware that while attending the event you may be photographed or videoed for marketing purposes. If you do not wish for this to occur, please make yourself known to any festival staff.

  • We welcome everyone to the Island Whale Festival and pride ourselves on ensuring all those who attend can have a fun, safe and enjoyable time. The Festival Hub will have a dedicated Access Liaison available at all times to assist you with any questions or queries. If you are coming along to the festival this year and require anything from us to do with accessibility and/or inclusivity, please let us know so we can ensure that you will have the best time possible. Send us an email at info@visitphillipisland.com.au. We’d love to hear from you!

    Companion Card – we accept companion cards for all ticketed events. Wildlife Coast Cruises offer discounts for Companion Cards.

    • Quiet Space – There will be a quiet space available at the festival hub (other venues TBC). Please see one of our friendly staff so they can direct you to this area.

    • Wheelchair access – All venues are fully accessible for wheelchairs. If you have any concerns please get in touch so we can answer any questions.

  • Phillip Island is located approximately 90 minutes south of Melbourne and is connected to the main land via a bridge at San Remo. The township of Cowes is located 15kms from the entrance to the island. Phillip Island is easily and best accessed by a car. Take a road trip from Melbourne or Gippsland, and stop by many scenic spots, attractions, wineries and eateries along the way.

  • From Melbourne by car:

    Take the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Cranbourne exit, where you will turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420), through Grantville and Bass, then onto the Phillip Island Road (B420) to San Remo, over the bridge onto Phillip Island.

    Public Transport Options to the Island

    BUS

    V/Line coach to & from Melbourne to Cowes daily

    https://www.vline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets

    T: 1800 800 007

    FERRY (passenger only)

    Western Port Ferries – Passenger ferry service runs between Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula, Tankerton on French Island and Cowes on Phillip Island.

    Connect to the ferry via the V-Line train running from Frankston to Stony Point and catch the passenger ferry to Cowes, Phillip Island. Please check with the operator's website.

    Call to confirm services – Ph: 03 5257 4565

    www.westernportferries.com.au

  • Taxis

    South Coast Taxis – Ph: 1300 687 222

    Local Bus Service

    Runs from Cowes - Anderson - Wonthaggi with several stops along the way.

    Ph: 03 5952 2500

    https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/13661/cowes-anderson-wonthaggi/

    Private drivers & chauffeur services

    Visit our website for contact details

    https://www.visitphillipisland.com.au/planning-your-trip/getting-here-around

  • Charing stations are available at:

    • Cowes Transit Centre, 83 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

    • Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, 995 Ventnor Road, Summerlands

    • Ramada Resort by Wyndham, 2128 Phillip Island Road, Cowes

    • Newhaven Visitor Information Centre, 895 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven (wall outlet – requires permission)