Victor Harbor Winter WhaleFest 2023.
The Winter WhaleFest is a month-long festival celebrating the arrival of the Southern Right Whales on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and an opportunity to share the passion the Victor Harbor and Fleurieu community has for the protection and preservation of their coastal landscapes and marine environment.
The Victor Harbor Winter WhaleFest program features more than 25 events in 2023. Thoughtfully curated, the festival is a rare opportunity to hear and learn from marine conservation thought leaders, immerse yourself in the magic of the marine world firsthand, and participate in a range of educational and cultural experiences.
The program officially commences with a traditional Ramindjeri Welcoming the Whales and Smoking Ceremony on Sunday, 28 May 2023. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cultural ceremony, while learning about the Ramindjeri dreamtime story of Kondoli the whale, as well as the cultural significance of the Southern Right Whales to the local community.
From there, the program offers an inspiring and informative lineup of talks showcasing thinkers, advocates, artists and conservation thought leaders who are at the forefront of marine conservation.
2023 Program Highlights for Families:
Free Willy – Friday Flashback
26 May 2023 | 6:30 pm 8:30 pm
To celebrate the Winter Whale Fest, Victa Cinema is bringing the 1993 hit Free Willy to the big screen. Jesse, a street kid, befriends Willy, a killer whale, and goes to great lengths to free it from the exploitative owners who want to kill it.
Welcoming of the Whales and Smoking Ceremony
28 May 2023 | 8:30 am 9:30 am
Free event: Winter Whale Fest Official Opening. The festivities will official start at 8:30am on Sunday 28 May 2023, with a traditional Ramindjeri Welcoming of the Whales and Smoking Ceremony at the amphitheatre situated next to the Solders Memorial Gardens on Flinders Parade. Locals Mark Koolmatrie and Cedric Varcoe will perform the welcoming ceremony.
Following the ceremony, visitors can engage with interactive stalls and visit Kondoli the inflatable whale at Railway Plaza between 10am and 4pm.
VR Experience – Marine Life of the Great Southern Reef
28 May 2023 | 10am 2pm
Join Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries for a totally immersive experience…. Put on a pair of VR goggles and immerse yourself in the marine life of the ‘Great Southern Reef’. Experience the colourful giant Australian cuttlefish, friendly sea lions, seadragons, and what it is like to dive under the Rapid Bay jetty surrounded by other divers and large schools of reef fish.
Winter Whale Fest Expo
28 May 2023 | 10am 3pm
Free event: A family friendly day in Railway Plaza filled with maritime talks, workshops, music, local artists, and kids’ activities.
Speak to local conservation groups, browse ocean themed local artisan stalls. Join in the beachcombing activities, take a Junior whale spotter training session, wander the SA Whale Centre and experience the Sea Shepherd exhibit guided tour. Get inside Kondoli the inflatable whale, play lawn games and have a great family fun filled day!
Victor Harbor Artisan Market
10 June 2023 | 9am 3pm
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. Held in the heart of Victor Harbor at Railway Plaza, under Moreton Bay fig trees and amongst the towns cherished heritage buildings.
In celebration of Winter Whale Fest, Kondoli the Inflatable Whale will make a guest appearance at the June long weekend markets.
Festival Closing Event
24 June 2023 | 6pm – 9pm
Save the date for a social gathering to celebrate the end of the Winter Whale Fest, at the newly renovated Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre, and SA Whale Centre. See Winter WhaleFest website for ticketing and event details.
Whale Watching Season | Victor Harbor | May – October
Winter Whale Fest is an initiative of the City of Victor Harbor.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Winter Whale Fest website or follow the Winter Whale Fest Facebook page.
What: Victor Harbor Winter Whale Fest
When: 28 May – 25 June 2023
Where: Victor Harbor, South Australia
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Victor Harbor Winter Whale Fest
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