Australia’s largest cultural and science celebration for the ocean, the Ocean Lovers Festival, has officially unveiled its 2026 program, running from 1–31 March 2026.
Bondi Markets – Credit: Evangeline Fraught
The month-long festival invites the public to “Dive into Discovery, Action & Fun”, with a diverse calendar of events taking place across Sydney’s coastline and harbour from Manly to Maroubra to Darling Harbour and beyond – landing with a huge signature weekend at iconic Bondi Beach.
A Month of Ocean Discovery, Action and Fun
Across March, audiences of all ages can take part in a rich mix of science and discovery tours, talks, art, film, markets, wellness activities, workshops and hands-on ocean actions. Weekly highlights include the Seabirds to Seascapes Ferry Tours on Sydney Harbour, Paint & Splash ocean art sessions at Bondi, plus tours and seafood classes at the new Sydney Fish Market. Over 100 all ages community and family-friendly free events are on offer.
Many events are free to the public, with registration recommended for most sessions.
Program Highlights and Key Dates
Sun March 1 – Beach Cleans in Manly Cove and Rose Bay
Sun March 1 – The Big Whale Build free hands-on public art project with Susie Rugg at Coal Loader artisan markets (from 9.00am) Displayed throughout March
Wed March 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Paint & Splash ocean art classes at Hotel Ravesis, Bondi (7.00pm)
Fri March 6 – Women Making Waves harbour cruise for International Women’s Day from Darling Harbour (10.00am), Operation Crayweed snorkel and discovery at Freshwater (9.30am)
Sat & Sun March 7 & 8 – Manly Ocean Lovers weekend at Manly with yoga, ocean safety and beach clean and a Crayweed Exploration experience with SIMS
Wed March 11, 18 & 25 – Seabirds to Seascapes Trail, harbour Cruise from Circular Quay (8.30am)
Fri March 13 & 20 – Bondi Salties Swims (6.15am)
Sun March 15 – Discover Living Sea Walls tour – (Fairy Bower Pool, Manly)
Wed March 18 to 22 – Litterarty exhibition at Bondi Pavilion (from 10.00am)
Thu March 19 to 22 – INVESTIGATE – ship in a box science experience from CSIRO at Bondi
Thu March 19 – Silver Surfers (10.00am Bondi)
Fri to Sun March 20, 21 & 22 – Underwater Nature Trail dive at Gordons Bay
Fri March 20 – film premiere’s Return to Ellison Reef with AMCS and Saltwater Detectives at Bondi Pavilion (6.00pm).
Sat March 21 – A Bondi day of wellness and education featuring Sunrise Yoga (7.30am), free Icebath & Breathwork session (8.30am), Ocean Art workshop for kids (from 9.00am), Take3 for the Sea Bondi Beach Clean (9.30am), Blue Minds Workshop (12noon), Ocean Wildlife Watercolour workshop (2.00pm) and free screening Ocean with David Attenborough (5.00pm)
Sat 21 March – Coastal Foraging at Maroubra with Chef Elijah Attard (10.00am)
Sat & Sun March 21 & 22 – The popular Rockpool Discovery Tour and the free Ocean Lovers Talks from 10am at Bondi Pavilion. Sound baths with SIMS to discover the underwater world of penguins, seals and blue gropers in the Pav sound studio, Live Music on the beachfront stage and ocean friendly markets all weekend
Sun March 22 – Nets out Now Volleyball with Sea Shepherd on Bondi Beach (12 noon) and Awakened film premiere (1.00pm), Deep Roots, Blue Future dive workshop (2.00pm)
Thu March 26 & 27 – Saving Seascapes, immersive art experience at Coal Loader, North Sydney (5.00pm)
Fri March 27 – Sea the Weed sunrise ceremony at Bondi (6.00am)
Citywide Experiences
Sydney Fish Market – Behind-the-scenes tours and sustainable seafood cooking classes in the new market building weekly throughout March
North Sydney Coal Loader – Immersive art experience – Saving Seascapes
Darling Harbour – Ocean documentaries at IMAX and the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition and INVESTIGATE ship in a box from March 27
Coastal Locations – Underwater nature trail tour at Gordons Bay, coastal foraging in Maroubra and citizen science programs at Manly and Bondi with the Sydney Hope Spot Marine Bioblitz
Festival Founder Anita Kolni said the continued growth of the event reflects Sydney’s deepening connection to the ocean.
“Dive into Discovery & Wonder is an invitation to experience the ocean in new ways to learn, to marvel, and to be part of hopeful, practical solutions.
By spreading opportunities to learn and take action across our coastline and harbour, we can foster an even stronger wave of community optimism and engagement in a city that is a world leader in ocean restoration,” she said.
Take3 Bondi Beach Clean – Credit: Yong
Live-Streamed Talks in 2026
In a major new offering for 2026, the entire Ocean Lovers Talks program will be live-streamed on an Ocean Lovers Festival site, supported by Inspiring Australia, making the exciting panel talks from scientists, adventurers and ocean experts accessible to audiences nationwide. The Talks are staged live and free, over 2 days at Bondi Pavilion focusing on scientific and innovative solutions for marine conservation. Panel topics range from ocean-driven mental health to the complex migratory patterns of marine wildlife. Attendees can learn about Indigenous knowledge regarding sea country, the reproductive habits of aquatic species, and modern technological advancements in eco-friendly boating. This comprehensive series of discussions serves as a call to action for anyone interested in securing a sustainable future for our blue planet.
Many festival events and workshops are free, but registration is recommended to secure a place. Check the Ocean Lovers Festival website “What’s On” page.
About Ocean Lovers Festival
Founded in Bondi in 2019, the Ocean Lovers Festival has grown into Australia’s premier ocean-themed cultural and science event. Now a month-long, city-wide celebration, the festival brings together science, art, film, music, talks, workshops, markets and hands-on experiences to showcase ocean protection, innovation and solutions.
Organised by the Ocean Lovers Alliance, a registered charity, the festival exists to bridge the gap in community ocean literacy and provide a platform where awareness meets action – ensuring the ocean is given the prominence it deserves for a sustainable future.
For the full program and to register for free events, visit the official Ocean Lovers Festival website.
