The annual whale census is taking place, and it’s down to whale enthusiasts to help track the count. Are you in?
It’s winter, and that means it’s currently peak hour on the ‘Humpback Highway’. The whale census is an annual event that counts whale populations during migration to track species’ health and movements. Not only does this involve the help of members of the community, but it also actively relies on them to keep the count. So, if you live on the East Coast and want to get involved? It’s as easy as heading to your local headland this Sunday, 26th June (thermos in hand).
With the help of citizen scientists, the whale census tracks whale populations and health. (Image: Jordan Robins)
How to get involved with the whale census
The census is run by a non-profit Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA). While you can register and track the whales from anywhere, you can also join ORRCA members at these locations on Sunday, 26 June:
Point Danger, Coolangatta
Lennox Head Headland
Woolgoolga Headland, Coffs Harbour
Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie
Boat Harbour, Port Stephens
Cape Solander, Kurnell with NPWS
Hill 60, Port Kembla (instead of Bass Point)
Warden Head, Ulladulla with NPWS
Bar Rock Lookout, Narooma
Cape Byron Lighthouse with NPWS
Long Reef Headland with Northern Beaches Council
Cape Banks, La Parouse
King Edward Park, Newcastle
The organisation is calling on one and all from sunrise to sunset, no matter if you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-timer.
Winter marks the annual ‘Humpback Highway’ as they migrate north. (Image: Reef Unlimited)
Can’t make the official count? We’ve rounded up the best places for whale watching around Australia. And if you haven’t seen any whales yet, it’s not too late – make like the humpbacks and head north to Cairns, where these majestic beings are spotted between July and August. Reef Unlimited has launched a new tour dedicated to whale watching experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, too. Departing from Cairns aboard the brand new Aquarius II vessel from July 12 to August 22, guests have a chance to see humpback whales up close while being guided by expert marine biologists and there’s also a stop at the world-renowned Fitzroy Island and Nudey Beach (which was recently named among the world’s top 50 beaches for 2025). Could there be a better location to spot whales in Australia than in one of the seven wonders of the natural world? We think not.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.
1. Festival of Sails
The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)
When: 24–26 January Where: Melbourne and Geelong
This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.
2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)
When: 31 January – 1 February Where: The Bellarine Peninsula
Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.
3. Riverboats Music Festival
The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.
When: 13–15 February Where: Echuca–Moama
Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival. Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.
4. Neerim ArtsFest
Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)
When: 28 February – 15 March Where: Gippsland
This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.
5. ChillOut Festival
Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.
When: 5–9 March Where: Daylesford
Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival. This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.
6. Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)
When: 6–9 March Where: Port Fairy
In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.
7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival
Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.
When: 7–9 March Where: Ballarat
In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.
8. The Bendigo Easter Festival
The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.
When: 3–6 April Where: Bendigo
Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.
9. Grape Escape
Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)
When: 1–3 May Where: The Grampians
Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.
10. Comedy in the Vines
Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)
When: 24–26 October Where: Yarra Valley
The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines, held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.
