Island Whale Festival, Phillip Island Victoria 

The annual Phillip Island Whale Festival is back for 2023. There is a range of activities on offer for the local community and visitors alike that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region.

Whale Watching Phillip Island

As the weather starts to cool down and winter approaches, the excitement builds for the arrival of the whales at Phillip Island and the Bass Coast on their annual migration.

Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Phillip Island in the cooler months and is a great time to visit and view these amazing mammals.

From May to October, you can discover these beautiful majestic creatures along the coastline of Phillip Island and Bass Coast on the Whale Discovery Trail.

Take a walk, ride or drive along the discovery trail to spot whales and learn about the natural environment, from Eagles Nest in the East to Cowes on Phillip Island.

The trail will lead you to a range of coastal viewing points where interpretive signage provides insights into the majestic life of whales and their behaviours.

Read more about the trail here>>>

Phillip Island Whale Festival

The Island Whale Festival 2023 is in it’s 7^th year and celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events across the festival weekend from 30^th June – 2^nd July.

The Festival Hub will be located at the St. Phillips Church in Cowes where there will be talks and presentations held in the hall, the marquee will be filled with lots of activities and information stalls, and this year we will have the Wildlife Coast Cruises entertainment stage with music and entertainment.

Phillip Island Whale Festival Activities

• Woolamai Beach Life Saving Club at Cape Woolamai- will be the home of the Dolphin Research Institute and Two Bays Whale Project hosting Spot A Whale, talks and activities
• Masonic Hall, Cowes – will feature VR experiences where you can ‘snorkel’ on the Great Southern Ocean Reef and a fun Plastics Recycling workshop
• The Nobbies Centre – a Pop-Up Art show featuring local artists – enjoy some beautiful art while you look for whales
• The Ocean Film Festival showings – Newhaven College Black Box theatre – Sat 1^st July -1pm and 7pm
• Silent Disco – Sat 1^st July – main hall Cowes

One of the best spots on the island to look for whales is the Woolamai Beach Life Saving Club with its high vantage points.

This year, the club is the home of Festival founder and partner, the Dolphin Research Institute. 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.

The festival allows the local community and visitors alike to have the opportunity to engage with 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.

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 along the way.

If you want 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.

Don’t forget to get in early and book your Winter Whale Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises (commencing 6th June) to head out and see the whales up close – a truly unforgettable experience!

With lots of excited visitors please remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and by keeping to the designated tracks. 

Details

Dates:
Friday 30^th June, Saturday 1^st & Sunday 2^nd
Location:
St Philip’s church grounds, Cowes

Program information here>>>
Book your winter whale escape and explore more things to see and do at visitphillipisland.com.au

More Things to do Phillip Island

Looking for more things to do in Phillip Island? Check out these posts

• Phillip Island with Kids
• Penguin Parade
• Phillip Island Go Karts

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