These iconic skywhales are about to set sail across Australia again

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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Opportunities to see these Ghibli-esque balloons will be possible from various locations from Townsville to Albany.

In an exciting announcement for art enthusiasts–and anyone searching for a bit of magic–leading Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s whimsical skywhales will take to the skies again in 2024 and 2025. Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are part of Piccini’s Skywhales Across Australia project, which sees two giant, helium-filled inflatable sculptures of Ghibli-esque creatures majestically float through the skies.

Skywhales Across Australia
These whimsical creatures will grace the skies across Australia. (Image: Supplied)

Dr. Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery, highlighted the impact these art installations had during their first tour across Australia in 2021: ‘The Skywhales have become a part of our country’s contemporary culture.’

Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work, blending the realms of science fiction, nature, and biotechnology. She encourages communities to engage with these works creatively and with a sense of wonder. “Skywhales Across Australia is a project that explores nature, family, evolution, care, and wonder. The skywhales float into our lives to make us smile and think," she said.

Piccini invites us into a world of fantasy and magic. (Image: Supplied)

Flights depend on weather conditions which Piccini highlights as a unique aspect of the project. “One of the best – and worst – things about this project is that we can only fly if nature allows us. We have to have the perfect conditions, it’s one of the few situations in life when human beings can’t force the world into giving us what we want. But when nature does allow it, it is all the more wonderful."

Skywhales
Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work. (Image: Supplied)

Hoping to catch a glimpse of these sci-fi whales in the sky? Here is the Skywhales Across Australia 2024-25 program:

Goulburn Regional Art Gallery NSW, Gundungurra Country: 22 February 2025

 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery VIC, Bunurong Country: 12 April 2025

Horizon/Caloundra Regional Gallery Sunshine Coast Qld, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country: 4 May 2025

City of Albany WA, Menang Noongar Country: 17 May 2025

Shire of Northam, WA, Ballardong Nyoongar Country: 31 May 2025

 North Australian Festival of Arts Townsville Qld, Gurambilbara Wulgurukaba Country: September/October 2025

 

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)