Celebrate World Ocean Day (8 June) with us and discover why protecting our oceans matters now more than ever. This year’s theme, Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet, focuses on the need to better safeguard ocean habitats. From local shorelines to the high seas, so marine life can recover, thrive and support a healthy planet.

With global efforts growing to protect at least 30% of oceans by 2030, and new international agreements helping to conserve areas beyond national waters, this is a pivotal moment for ocean protection.

Join us for a special film screening and a Long Reef intertidal talk, where you’ll explore the richness of our local marine environment and learn how stronger protections, both locally and globally, can make a real difference.

Events

Sat 7 Nov
2.00 PM - 4.00 PM
Fairlight rock pool aerial

Rockpool Discovery & Microplastics Survey - An Ocean Festival 2026 Event

Explore the incredible marine life of our local rockpools and discover what’s hiding in the sand.
Join us for a guided exploration of Fairlight’s rock platform, where we’ll uncover some of the fascinating creatures that make their homes between the tides and learn more about this unique and fragile environment.
Then head to the beach to take part in a hands-on microplastics sampling session, investigating the tiny pieces of plastic that can be easily overlooked and discovering how they find their way into our marine environment.
Fairlight Beach Rockpool, Fairlight Walk, Fairlight
Council Events, MEC Events, Ocean Festival, Aquatic, Children and Families, Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability
Sun 8 Nov
3.00 PM - 4.00 PM
Palm Beach Rock platform

Palm Beach Rockpool Discovery Walk - An Ocean Festival 2026 Event

Join us for a guided walk exploring the fascinating marine life that thrives between the tides. Explore the rockpools, encounter some of the remarkable creatures that call this ever-changing environment home, and discover how they have adapted to life on the edge of the ocean.
Palm Beach Rock Platform Ocean Road Palm Beach
Council Events, MEC Events, Ocean Festival, Aquatic, Children and Families, Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability
Sun 8 Nov
4.30 PM - 6.00 PM
camera on the sand

Capture the Coast Through a Different Lens - An Ocean Festival 2026 Event

Join photographer Tim Seaton for an inspiring and hands-on photography session exploring the beauty of Avalon’s coastal environment.
Avalon Surf Lifesaving Club, 558A Barrenjoey Road Avalon Beach
Council Events, MEC Events, Ocean Festival, Children and Families, Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability, Underwater photography workshop
Mon 9 Nov
6.00 PM - 9.00 PM
Reef Restoration Research

Science by the Sea @ The Manly Club

From sharks and corals to eDNA, discover the latest science transforming our understanding of Sydney’s marine environment.
2 West Promenade Manly
Council Events, MEC Events, Ocean Festival, World Environment Day, Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability, Special Events
Fri 13 Nov
4.00 PM - 5.00 PM
Living Seawall

Living Seawalls Tour - An Ocean Festival 2026 event

Join a tour of the Living Seawalls installation at Clontarf. Innovative habitat panels, developed based on over 20 years of research, are revitalising marine ecosystems along the hardened shoreline.
Sandy Bay Clontarf
Council Events, MEC Events, Ocean Festival, Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability