Eden Whale Festival 2022

Overview

After a two-year COVID-related hiatus, the Eden Whale Festival is back with three huge days of animal conservation talks, educational workshops, delicious eats and live music.

Festivities will kick off on Friday, October 7, with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, before guests hear from two speakers. First off is Lyn Hughes, author of the novel Mr Carver's Whale. Then wildlife scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta will discuss her work — she's a whale enthusiast well-known for her research using drones to collect whale snot (because, yes that's apparently a thing). Complimentary afternoon tea is provided before some abalone tasting begins.

Locally harvested blacklip abalone will be served in eight different ways during the appropriately named 'A Taste of Abalone', prepared by renowned local chef David Ahren. Grand Matriarch Distilling, a local Sapphire Coast micro-distillery will be operating the bar for the evening, while live music is provided by local crooner Lochie Marson. This abalone tasting event is ticketed, costing $99 per person.

Day two is a little different. They'll have a seafood paella demonstration by celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, as well as plenty of market stalls where you will find a great mix of food vendors, local artisans and local produce.

Entertainment comes in the form of a chainsaw wood carver, fire throwers and sky-high kite displays. Wildlife stalls will be scattered about the space for those wanting to learn a little bit, too. And a series of musicians will be playing live music throughout the day.

The final day of the festival, on Sunday, October 9, will be offering a whole lot of educational fun: you can attend an ORRCA Whale Rescue Training Workshop, the Wolf Peak Community Sand Sculpture Workshop, SKIFF boat trials and a Cultural Whale Experience. And don't miss the art exhibition, held in the new creative space connected to the Eden Library. You can check out photography, woodwork and mixed media from artists around the community. If you can't make it in during the festival, no worries — the works will remain on display during library opening hours until 5pm on Thursday, October 13.