From May to October every year, humpback whales, southern right whales, and occasionally killer whales, are spotted along the Victorian coastline. Celebrate these majestic creatures, and the annual whale migration, at the Island Whale Festival. Head to Phillip Island from Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3 for some special events.
Island Whale Festival
This festival will take place at various venues around the island, and will help you appreciate the wildlife and habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region. There’s plenty of fun activities and workshops for the kids, such as whale face painting, making a whale tail necklace out of clay, and drawing cartoon whales. For the grown-ups, there’s a Sip N Paint session, educational talks and more.
Of course, while you’re on the island, you’ll want to spot some whales! Wildlife Coast Cruises is running a 4-hour Winter Whale Cruise. Circumnavigate the island and keep your eyes peeled for any humpback or southern right whales. On the journey, dolphins can usually be spotted frolicking alongside the boat. You’ll also see seals at Seal Rocks, and enjoy lunch and morning tea.
There’s also a Dolphin and Whale Cruise, which lasts for 3 hours, and doesn’t include a trip to Seal Rocks. This cruise includes tea and coffee, as well as an afternoon tea composed of cake and biscuits. Bookings are required for Wildlife Coast Cruises.
If you’d rather spot whales from the safety of land, wander along the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail. This trail features view points all around Phillip Island, and stretches out across the coast towards Eagle’s Nest near Inverloch. Check out the trail map and some cool whale facts here.
There’s also the free Wildlife Whales App, which provides live whale sighting alerts and further information about whales around Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory.
The festival itself will run from July 1 to 3, but the whale sightings and cruises will last over the winter months. See all the festival activities here.