THE Island Whale Festival 2023 is just a few days away and celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events across Phillip Island for the festival weekend.
This Festival is taking place on Friday, June 30, Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2, and the program is packed with activities and events across the weekend.
The Festival Hub is located at St Philip’s Church Hall and grounds in Cowes.
Inside the marquee will be a range of interactive information stalls and lots of kids activities including painting your own whale cookie, face painting, whale head bands, and colouring in.
There will be an Eco Arts Collaboration with For Our Future presenting local community artists Camille Monet and Helen Matthews, who are creating an interactive whale art piece and a whale crown creations.
A Silent Disco will take place on Friday afternoon - a fun, immersive dance session for all ages!
Inside the hall, will be a range of talks and presentations covering topics, including; when whales walked and the Megalodon with a paelentologist , caring for Victoria’s wildlife, conservation projects, citizen science projects,nature photography, marine career sessions and more.
The Wildlife Coast Cruises stage will feature some of our local performers and a ‘whale idol’ competion.
Next door in the Masonic Hall will be a Virtual Reality experience where you can ‘snorkel’ on the Southern Ocean Reef and a fun Recycled Plastics workshop.
Traditional custodian and local artist Uncle Steve Parker will also be holding a beautiful Whale Blessing Ceremony on Saturday on the Cowes Foreshore.
Woolamai Beach Life Saving Club at Cape Woolamai (one of the best spots on the island to look for whales!) will be the home of the Dolphin Research Institute and Two Bays Whale Project who will host Spot A Whale, talks and activities.
There is also a Pop-Up Art show at The Nobbies Centre (Saturday and Sunday) featuring some of our talented local artists. Enjoy some beautiful art while you search for whales!
Don’t miss the only opportunity to see The Ocean Film Festival in Victoria this winter. The unique collection of 7 short films from around the globe documenting the beauty and power of the ocean. There will be 3 screenings at Newhaven College Black Box theatre - Saturday 2pm and 7pm and Sunday 2pm.
Program information is available at islandwhales.com.au
