Friday July 7 2017 9:30 am - Sunday July 9 2017 5:00 pm
Celebrating the annual whale migration
Celebrate the annual migration of some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures as our coastal waters play host to Humpback and Southern Right whales making their way north to their winter breeding grounds.
The Island Whale Festival is an immersive three day event held during the school holidays on Phillip Island from 7 – 9 July, and heralds the arrival of these seafaring cetaceans into our marine environment. Local community members and visitors alike have the opportunity to engage with a range of free or low cost 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, as well as educate us all on the importance of environmental awareness.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like inside the belly of a whale? Kids of all ages will enjoy climbing inside a 19 metre inflatable whale for a fun and unique learning experience which uses bones, teeth, amazing research footage and experienced marine educators to tell unforgettable stories about how a diverse range of marine animals lives off our coast.
Marvel at the works of some of our most talented marine and wildlife photographers who have captured the island and its marine inhabitants in all their wild beauty. Aspiring shutterbugs can also learn some great tips, tricks and basics from professional educators and photographers at an enlightening workshop.
Of course, whale-spotting will be a highlight of this weekend, and you’ll have the option to do this from either land or sea. Meet a marine biologist at one of the many whale lookouts right across the island and learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of whales cruising along the coast, or join one of the whale watching cruises to circumnavigate the island and search for both whales and dolphins.
For the landlubbers, there are some great info sessions on marine research and plastic reduction, as well as an exhibition of artworks created by local school children highlighting marine wildlife conservation issues, as seen through the eyes of our future environment protectors and ambassadors.