AND they’re off. It’s all happening in the annual Phillip Island Whale Festival, from Friday July 5 to Sunday, July 7 after the official opening at the whale festival hub in Cowes, Berninneit, on Friday morning.
Pitched as the perfect school holiday activity on an already busy Phillip Island, at exactly the time when whales are migrating north from the Southern Ocean around Antarctica, there’s a lot to see and do.
And even if you’re not buying into the fine array of interesting and educational activities at the Festival Experience Hub, at Berninneit ($10 a family), there’s plenty of free stuff to do, like simply going whale spotting.
You’ll find great vantage points for seeing whales from the shore on the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail map [CLICK HERE], both on the Island and elsewhere along the Bass Coast including at Punchbowl Road, Cape Paterson and Eagles Nest near Inverloch
Included in your Festival Experience Hub Pass at Berninneit:
* Entry to the immersive underwater themed space with sights & sounds of our marine mammals
* ‘Snorkelling’ on the Great Southern Ocean Reef in a virtual reality experience
* Ocean themed art & craft activities including an interactive art wall for you to add your own whale tail
* A packed program of fascinating talks & presentations in the theatre including a performance from the Ngargee Dance Group
* Complete your Festival Experience Passport by visiting our fun learning exhibits to receive a stamp & claim your prize!
Learn all about the Humpback Whale migration, the giants of the sea the Blue Whale & the endangered Southern Right Whales from our whale scientists. Hear from palaeontologists about fossil whales found in Australia & the story of the Megalodon. Have you ever thought about a career in Marine Science & what it's like to work in the field or what you can do to contribute to Citizen Science projects? Have you spotted a common dolphin or fur seal lately?
Around the hub you can enjoy live music (sponsored by Wildlife Coast Cruises) from talented local artists & play some lawn games in the garden. Join in one of the fun free activities or story time at the library & see the displays from the Historical Society.
There are lots of other workshops and events you can book - see our Events & Activities page to read all about them & get the most up-to-date information. Our activities room a the Hub will have workshops with local artists to learn how to draw a cartoon whale, create your own calico bag, snow globe or wooden whale tail art piece, paint your own delicious whale cookie or have your face painted.
Daily Pass: $10 (Family – 2 adults + up to 4 children 15 & under) - $5 (single entry 16+). Open Daily: 10am - 4pm.
Location: Berninneit cultural centre. When: Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July.
What’s on? Go to the Phillip Island Whale Festival website at: https://islandwhales.com.au/
