Gold Coast Whale & Ocean Festival 2026

The Gold Coast's Whale & Ocean Festival is a celebration of the precious ocean that is at the heart of the Gold Coast. It will be held at Justins Park, Burleigh Heads. Organised by Humpbacks and Highrises (HHR), a local NGO, the festival aims to increase awareness in the local community for our oceans and the magnificent whales that visit the Gold Coast every year. Since 2011 Humpbacks and High Rises have been running Queensland's largest marine mammal monitoring program dedicated to the protection and research of marine mammals. Our mission is to ensure present and future generations of the community have access to enjoy, appreciate and care for whales and dolphins through research, rescue and education. Join them for this free event, where you can delve into the fascinating world of local marine life through insights from leading researchers on sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins, and dugongs. Explore a variety of stalls and exhibits from organizations at the forefront of environmental conservation, offering you the chance to engage in impactful actions and activities. Discover innovative products from other exhibitors that aim to reduce our environmental footprint and help us move towards a waste-free future Live musicians from local artists will showcase their talent throughout the day and there will be activities for the whole family!