Celebrate the Annual Arrival of these Majestic Creatures at Phillip Island Whale Festival 2024
Have a Whale of a Time on Phillip Island
As the weather starts to cool down, the excitement builds as the whales begin their annual migration.
The Island Whale Festival 2024 is in its eighth year and celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events across the festival weekend.
This year’s festival runs from Friday 5th July to Sunday 7th July and occurs across several locations.
Visit the Festival Experience Hub at Berninneit in Cowes for loads of fun activities - workshops, interesting talks and presentations, virtual reality, the immersive room, face painting, arts and crafts activities, stalls, music and lots more! Daily passes will provide access to the Experience Hub and Theatre program.
The Woolamai Beach Life Saving Club is a great whale spotting site and will be the base of Festival founder and partner, the Dolphin Research Institute and the Two Bays Whale Project teams.
You can book a presentation where you will hear from the experts on how to Spot a Whale, learn all about the whales of Victoria and join in some fun activities. You can book online for these activities at the Island Whale Festival website islandwhales.com.au.
Not only is the Nobbies one of the island’s best whale spotting stops but on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July, The Nobbies Centre will host the Festival Pop Up Art Show. You can view and purchase works from talented local artists while you look for whales, wander the boardwalks and enjoy our breathtaking coastline!
Other Festival activities this year include; The Ocean Film Festival being screened on Thursday 4 July, The Whales, Wine and Wisdom Science and Film event on the evening of Saturday 6 July and many other events happening across the island.
During your stay, you can take the time to explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail, featuring some of the finest whale lookouts in the region. Grab your warm clothing and a pair of binoculars, head out to one of the fantastic vantage points from Phillip Island, Bass Coast to Inverloch, and marvel at the area’s stunning landscapes.
Those wanting to get closer to the marine giants can join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours that circumnavigate the island in search of whales. Get in early and book your Winter Whale Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises (commencing 4th June until 4th August) to head out and see the whales up close - a truly unforgettable experience!
The festival will feature fascinating science talks from experts and marine biologists, art and craft workshops, whale spotting, discussions and more! Hear from a range of experts in their field including; Palaeontologist, Ben Francischelli; researcher Dave Donnelley from the Two Bays Whale Project; Peter Gill blue whale expert researcher Dr Sue Mason; and Southern Wright whale researcher, Dr Kasey Stamation.
The festival allows the local community and visitors alike to have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region.
With lots of excited visitors please remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and keeping to the designated tracks. Program information and booking links are available at islandwhales.com.au.
Book your winter whale escape and explore more things to see and do at visitphillipisland.com.au.
Details
Open: Thursday 4th of July 2024 to Sunday 7th of July
Location: Woolamai Beach Life Saving Club, the Nobbies and other Various locations throughout Phillip Island
Tickets: Weekend passes to the festival are on sale online here. Ocean Film Festival Screening online here.
Price: Weekend passes from $5 single entry - $10 Family pass
Entry to Ocean Film Festival Screening $20 - $17 concession
