This year’s Island Whale Festival is packed with activities and events across the weekend (June 30 - July 2) with the Festival Hub located at St Philip’s Church Hall and grounds in Cowes.

There will be talks and presentations held in the hall, and the marquee will be filled with activities and information stalls.

This year a fantastic array of local musicians will perform on the Wildlife Coast Cruises entertainment stage.

Inside St Philip’s Church Hall, the range of talks and presentations will include when whales walked and the Megalodon with a palaeontologist, caring for Victoria’s wildlife, conservation projects, citizen science projects including Common Dolphins, Australian fur seals and Southern Right Whales, nature photography, marine career sessions and more.

Inside the marquee there’s 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.

A Silent Disco will take place on Friday afternoon, with sessions starting at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. A fun, immersive dance session for all ages!

New this year is the Wildlife Coast Cruises stage in the church grounds with performances from talented local artists including Maddy May, Nic Huigsloot, Dave Prideaux, Esta Christensen, Matthew Bentley, Garry & John, Dan Lunn and Paul ‘Fonz’ Patten. There will also be old fashioned games on the lawn.

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 throughout the weekend presented by the Southern Ocean Reef Environmental Link.

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 will be the home of the Dolphin Research Institute and Two Bays Whale Project who will host Spot A Whale, talks and activities. This is one of the best spots on the island to look for whales with its high vantage points.

A Pop-Up Art show will take place at The Nobbies Centre featuring local artists, including Christine Farrell, Jacquie Chambers, Heather Fahnle, Trish Hart, Carly Meade, Pauline Grotto, Annette Marshall, and Karen Allen.

Enjoy some beautiful art while you look for whales over the festival weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Don’t miss the only opportunity to see The Ocean Film Festival in Victoria this winter. The unique collection of seven short films from around the globe documents the beauty and power of the ocean. There will be three screenings at Newhaven College Black Box theatre - Saturday 2pm and 7pm and Sunday 2pm.

The festival gives everyone 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.

Take the time to explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail, featuring some of the finest land-based whale lookouts in the region.

Grab your warm clothing and a pair of binoculars, head out to one of the fantastic vantage points along the coast and marvel at the area's stunning landscapes along the way.

Those wanting 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. Book your cruise in early and head out to see the whales up close – a truly unforgettable experience!

Please remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and by keeping to the designated tracks.

Full program information is available at islandwhales.com.au and bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.