Making a splash: Enjoy Victor Harbor’s Winter Whale Fest this month

The arrival of Southern Right whales on the Fleurieu Peninsula provides an opportunity to visit one of the most scenic andexpansive coastlines in the state and learn about the protection and preservation of these precious coastal landscapes and the marine environments that surround them.

Running until June 30, Winter Whale Fest – which is a City of Victor Harbor initiative – has 25 carefully curated events that complement the whale watching, including guided walking tours and talks from marine conservation experts, as well as Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri basket weaving, art exhibitions, a science fair, and even a one-day film festival.

Southern Right whales are a significant part of Victor Harbor’s environmental history as they migrate from their Antarctic waters to breed and raise their young, with Encounter Bay long recognised as an integral marine environment for the protection of this endangered species.

With only 3,500 of these gentle giants left in the world, and South Australia one of the few places where you can spot them regularly, a winter getaway to the region is a must for people of all ages.

Several whale sightings have already been logged this season, so be sure to rug up and bring your binoculars as you head to Victor Harbor to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right whales in their playground and soak up the atmosphere at one of South Australia’s most enthralling winter festivals.

Festival Dates: 1 – 30 June 2024

Highlights of the festival include:

• Walking Tour: Whale Walk and Talk: every Saturday at 11am. Bookings essential
  Stroll Victor Harbor’s town centre foreshore, immersed in its whaling history.

• Water people art exhibition: 7 June – 31 July
  Curator Lauren Weir brings works together by Australian multi-disciplinary artists who will explore our relationship with the future of water

• Talk: Why do Whales Strand by Dr Mike Bossley AM: 19 June at 2.30pm. Bookings essential
  Join Dr Mike Bossley AM as he delves into the mysteries of whale strandings, offering insights and actionable solutions.

• Ngarrindjeri/Ramindjeri basket weaving and culture: 22 June at 10am. Bookings essential
  A day of learning traditional weaving with local Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri contemporary artist Cedric Varcoe.

• Ocean Film Festival: 22 June at 7pm
  The Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a 3-hour celebration of our oceans comprised of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface.

• Victor Harbor Science Fair: 30 June at 10am and 2pm. Bookings essential
  Victor Harbor Science Fair features captivating science shows, robotics, astronomy, native wildlife, marine science, and engaging hands-on activities for primary school children.

For a full list of activities across the month, and how to book, be sure to download the Winter Whale Fest program here to plan your visit.