Winter Whale Fest 2026 program now live!
Explore more than 30 events across June, including cultural experiences, exhibitions, creative workshops, live music, markets, film screenings, marine science, guided tours and outdoor adventures.
Prefer to browse online? Explore individual events below.
Water People Exhibition
Water People is a group exhibition that brings together artists connected to Australia’s ocean and coastal environments, exploring surf, reef systems, migration routes, and saltwater culture. The exhibition reflects on our relationship with the sea and the seasonal presence of Southern Right Whales.
Curated by Maria Ellers, this show aligns with Victor Harbor’s Whale Festival and explores humanity’s deep connection to water.
Cultural Storytelling and Sound Circle with Angelina
Hosted by First Nations storyteller Angelina Harradine, this gentle gathering offers a space to connect through culture, storytelling, sound and community. Together, participants will explore their connection to the ocean, to place, and to one another through shared stories, reflection and sound.
Whales & Wine
Whales & Wine is a relaxed sip-and-paint evening celebrating the beauty of migrating whales. Designed for adults, this session invites you to unwind, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and lose yourself in the creative flow of painting. With a glass of wine (or your favourite non-alcoholic drink) by your side, you'll be guided step by step to create your own ocean-inspired artwork – no experience necessary.
Ocean Film Festival World Tour
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. This unique collection of short films from around the globe document the beauty and power of the ocean.
Bluff Community Planting Festival
Join us for a community planting event at the Bluff Reserve, Encounter Bay on the 21st of June, a funded project by the Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare Program. We will be planting 2,500 native plants to enhance our local environment. This event is a great opportunity to get your hands dirty, connect with the community and contribute to a greener future.
Drumming Circle – Welcoming the Whales
Welcome the whales through rhythm in this community drumming circle led by Jo Foley. Learn a harmonious beat written for the whales as they return to our shores, fostering connection, unity, and a shared sense of community.
Southern Shanty Singalong
Come and belt out some sea shanties at the Southern Shanty Singalong, a rousing evening of maritime music hosted in the cosy warmth of The Whale Lounge. Local songwriters will kick off the show with a few favourites, then lead the room in a full-throated, foot-stomping singalong that would make any sailor proud.
No experience necessary. All voices are welcome.
Kondoli Lantern Parade
A highlight of the Winter Whale Fest, the Kondoli Lantern Parade is a breathtaking celebration of land, sea, and sky through light, story, and movement. Join the community as we light the night with hand-crafted lanterns, guided by the story of Kondoli the whale — a significant Ngarrindjeri creation story.
This is a free, family-friendly event — no bookings required.
Oceans Calling – A Musical Ode to the Giants of the Sea
Oceans Calling is a unique performance where live art meets soundscape - a musical ode to the giants of the sea. Oneaea transforms through costume and movement, telling stories with voice and instruments, while Mark blends traditional and electronic sounds with field recordings of the ocean itself. Together, they create an immersive audio-visual journey that carries you from the shoreline to the deep blue and back again.
Shell Rattle Making Workshop
Before the music begins, you must find your voice. In this hands-on workshop, you'll create your own shell rattle using natural coastal materials – shells, driftwood, and other treasures from the shoreline.
As you assemble your instrument, you'll explore the ancient connection between rhythm, sound, and the ocean, learning how coastal cultures have long used rattles to mimic the whisper of waves, the clatter of pebbles, and the deep pulse of the sea.
Documentary: The Whale in the Tree - Carving Buttons & Bobby
This 40-minute amateur documentary tells the remarkable local story behind 'Buttons and Bobby', the iconic Southern Right Whale mother and calf sculptures overlooking the coast. From a fallen red gum tree near Naracoorte to a community's shared vision, follow sculptor Silvio Apponyi's journey and the community's efforts to create a lasting tribute to the whales that return each winter.
Rhythms of the Sea – Dance & Meditation
Dive deeper into yourself through movement and guided meditation. Flow freely with ocean-themed music and imagine yourself weightless, floating through a calming inner journey hosted by Julie Sexton.
Luminous Depths Workshops
Book the kids in to participate in our hands-on creative workshops where they'll paint UV-reactive fish and sea creatures that become part of the growing installation in centre and on display throughout the Winter Whale Fest Victor Harbor!
Winter Whale Wall - Community Mural Project
Help paint a large-scale whale mural at Victor Central and become part of a collaborative community artwork celebrating whale season along the Fleurieu Coast!
Water Colour Whales
Celebrate whale season through art and connect creatively with the magic of the migration. Guided by an experienced facilitator, you'll learn simple watercolour techniques to bring these gentle giants to life: soft washes for the ocean's depths, delicate brushstrokes for the curve of a tail, and splashes of light to catch the moment a whale breaks the surface.
No prior painting experience is needed.
Luminous Depths
Created by Art of You in collaboration with Victor Central Shopping Centre as part of the Winter Whale Festival 2026, Luminous Depths is an underwater-inspired immersive experience located within Victor Central.
Ocean Resonance
Inspired by the ocean and the presence of whales along the Fleurieu Coast, this one-hour journey invites participants to relax deeply into layered soundscapes that evoke the movement and mystery of the sea. Using a tapestry of ambient tones, resonant instruments, and field recordings drawn from the marine world, the session is designed to slow the mind, open the senses, and create a quiet space for reflection and wonder.
Homecoming
Homecoming is a cinematic collaboration between Adelaide-born composer Matt Laing and videographer Denis Smith, featuring the iconic Bluff at Encounter Bay. The culmination of two years of filming and recording, this original work will have its premiere presentation at Victa Cinema.
The film pairs stunning footage of the Bluff with a live performance of Laing's composition From Home, performed by three of Adelaide's finest string players: Alison Rayner (violin), Justin Julian (viola), and David Moran (cello).
Shell Rattle Making Workshop
Before the music begins, you must find your voice. In this hands-on workshop, you'll create your own shell rattle using natural coastal materials – shells, driftwood, and other treasures from the shoreline.
As you assemble your instrument, you'll explore the ancient connection between rhythm, sound, and the ocean, learning how coastal cultures have long used rattles to mimic the whisper of waves, the clatter of pebbles, and the deep pulse of the sea.
Kondoli Whale Story in the Sky – “Starlore & Sea Giants”
A guided night-sky experience weaving together astronomy, cultural storytelling and the spirit of whale season on the Fleurieu Coast.
Led by cultural storyteller Mark Koolmatrie and astronomer Fraser Farrell (Fleurieu Stars), this immersive evening explores star constellations, the story of Kondoli the Whale, and First Nations connections between sky, sea and Country.
Winter Solstice Sound Bath
A relaxing, meditative sound experience with Jo Foley. Participants are immersed in soothing vibrations using gongs, crystal singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks, and medicine drum to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Special Screening: Big Ocean – Tim Bonython
Renowned surf filmmaker Tim Bonython captures the raw beauty, force and spirituality of the sea through breathtaking imagery and intimate storytelling, making Big Ocean a compelling companion to the themes explored in Water People Exhibition at Coral Street Art Space.
Walking Tour: Stories of whaling and their shipwrecks around Encounter Bay
On this tour, you will hear about the local early and successful whaling industry around the Bluff and Granite Island. Also hear some stories of the whalers in the Bay!
Weaving Made Simple – Whale Tail Workshop
Join 3rd generation Boandik descendant Berni for a hands-on weaving workshop celebrating culture, storytelling and connection to Country.
In this beginner-friendly session, participants will learn simple weaving techniques while creating their own whale tail artwork using natural and contemporary materials.
Walking Tour: Whale Walk and Talk
Join Fleurieu Marine Education for an immersive stroll along Victor Harbor's stunning foreshore, where the echoes of its whaling history come alive. As you wander, guided by an expert, tales of the bustling whaling industry unfold, painting vivid pictures of days gone by. You'll spot remnants of the old whaling station, now weathered but still resonant with stories. Includes admission to the South Australian Whale Centre.
Victor Harbor Valhalla Festival
Celebrate Viking culture on the Victor Harbor shore at the Valhalla Festival, a two-day immersion into the world of Norse legend, craftsmanship, and community.
Step into a living history Viking village where artisans demonstrate ancient trades, warriors clash in combat demonstrations, and the air fills with the spirit of the sagas. Browse the artisan market for handcrafted treasures, warm yourself in the mead hall (tavern), and witness an exclusive performance by premiere fire dancers - Inferno. Then, as night falls on Saturday, gather for the main event: the spectacular burning of a Viking ship, a breathtaking tribute to Norse tradition and the power of the sea.
Dolphins, Snapper & Shifting Shores – Flinders University
Celebrate the remarkable marine life of the Fleurieu and Adelaide Coast and explore the inspiring work of Flinders University marine researchers. Discover how science is helping protect dolphins and other marine wildlife, support the recovery of snapper stocks, and improve our understanding of wave climate and beach erosion in the Victor Harbor region.
Winter Whale Fest Expo
On 6 June, Warland Reserve comes alive for the Winter Whale Fest Expo- a free, family-friendly celebration of everything that makes this coast worth showing up for.
Speak to local conservation groups, wander the SA Whale Centre, play lawn games and have a great family fun day.
Victor Harbor Artisan Market
Free event: The Victor Harbor Artisan Market is a great place to gather with friends and family – in support of 50 plus local and South Australian artisans, creative small businesses, food & beverage vendors and musicians.
Welcoming of the Whales and Smoking Ceremony
Free event: Celebrate the start of Winter Whale Fest with a short, meaningful ceremony as we welcome the whales back to their winter sanctuary.
Kids N’ Youth Entrepreneurs ‘Winter’ Market
Featuring stallholders aged 5–20, this vibrant ocean-themed market invites young people to share their creativity while gaining real-world experience in selling, connecting with customers and bringing their ideas to life.

