Welcome Whales Event 2026

During Reconciliation Week 2025, the traditional owners of the Whitsundays are inviting the local community and tourists to join them in a cultural event to welcome the whales home to the Whitsundays to give birth and breed.

The event will bring traditional whale stories, song and dance to the community.|

The Ngaro people believe that the returning migrating whales are an important part of their people and culture, and the whales return back to the area are linked to special practices.

4.30pm

- Cultural Art Creation

- Kids Activities

5.45pm

- Welcome to Country

- Smoking Ceremony

- Traditional Dancing

- Stories of the Ngaro people’s deep connection to the whales

- Whale information

6.30pm

- Movie on the big screen ‘Free Willy 2'

This event is delivered by Whitsunday Marine Conservation's Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) program

This event was made possible by the generous support of Whitsunday Regional Council and WoW Corporate Sponsors, including Hamilton Island, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures, Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays, Reef Catchments and the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership.