The Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival celebrates this annual visit of the large and increasing numbers of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). It highlights the community’s relationship with these ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean.
Now recognised nationally and internationally as a ‘premier marine environment’, the Ningaloo Reef delights a growing number of visitors from all over the world.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Exmouth held a small annual festival in September for years – catering mainly for the local community as well as any holidaymakers. ‘Aquafest’, a one-day event, held on the waterfront at the Exmouth Marina, celebrated Exmouth’s close relationship with the beautiful, pristine waters of the Ningaloo Reef and the Exmouth Gulf.
In 2002, when the marina site was no longer available, the Whale Shark Festival was born as a one-day event held in May each year on the town oval.
In 2006, due to popular demand, the event was extended to three days and now the Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival is the most successful annual event on the region’s calendar. A local committee, of interested residents, including business and family people, has created the program.
Thank you to these amazing sponsors for supporting our festival.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch
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FESTIVAL OPENING GALA NIGHT
The 2019 Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival Gala Opening kicks off our annual festival in style! Dress up and indulge in canapes and drink poolside at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort while enjoying entertainment from Tom Fisher, Roving Entertainment and DJ Swami & L.C Percussion… This is an 18+, plastic free, non-smoking, ticketed event. Strictly cocktail dress only. Tickets are $110/person (plus credit card booking fee) and include five free drinks and access to all gourmet food stalls.
SATURDAY NIGHT - 18+ CONCERT
The 2019 Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival Concert Under the Stars brings the noise to the Ningaloo! Join us at Talanjee Oval from 7 pm for a night of great beats and good times from DJ Starma, Sunbird, Band of Frequencies, Randa & The Soul Kingdom and The Coconut Carnys. Saturday, May 25th, 2019. Gates open from 7:00 pm. This is a plastic free, non-smoking, all ages event. Tickets $55 Adults, $20 Kids 13-17yrs or $110 Family (plus credit card booking fee). Kids under 12 free.