Ocean Lovers Festival

What to Expect

Come prepared for a lively, family-friendly weekend at Bondi where ocean education meets hands-on fun. This festival is packed with kid-friendly workshops, inspiring talks on marine conservation, seaside music and markets all designed to get children curious about the ocean and nature.

- Sunrise yoga and ice baths

- Citizen science activities and coastal adventures

- Films, talks, workshops and beachfront live music

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for school-aged children to learn about marine life through play, from crayweed discovery dives to interactive citizen science projects. The vibe is relaxed and inclusive, ideal for parents looking for meaningful family outings that combine fun with environmental learning.

Expect to leave with practical tips on protecting the ocean, a handful of new beach activities to try with your kids, and memories of a creative, coastal weekend shared with family and community.

Activity Details

This two-day festival runs across Bondi Park, the beach and Bondi Pavilion venues and features a varied program of events tailored to families. Many activities are free, though some workshops and experiences may require booking in advance to manage numbers and safety for children.

- Dates: 2026-03-21 to 2026-03-22

- Times: 08:00 to 16:00 daily

- Age suitability: most family activities are aimed at school-aged children and parents

Workshops cover arts, crafts, film screenings, talks by marine scientists, coastal adventures and wellbeing sessions like sunrise yoga. Parents can plan their day around talks and kid-friendly hands-on sessions, making it an educational and restorative weekend by the sea.

Bring hats, sunscreen and a sense of adventure — many activities take place outdoors and around the beachfront, so comfort and safety for children is key.

Location and Access

The festival takes place across Bondi Park, on the beach and within Bondi Pavilion venues, providing a mix of sheltered indoor workshops and open-air activities. It’s an accessible site with level access entrances and accessible toilets noted on the program.

- Main hubs: Bondi Park and Bondi Pavilion

- Beachfront activities on Bondi Beach

- Accessibility: accessible change facilities, toilets and lift access

Getting there is easy by public transport, or by car if you plan ahead for parking. For parents, arriving early avoids crowds and gives kids time to settle into the beach atmosphere before activities begin.

Check venue maps and program details on the event pages on the Bondi Pavilion site to plan your route between talks, workshops and markets across the weekend.

Important Information

The festival focuses on ocean conservation, marine education and safe beachfront activities, so safety briefings and supervision details will be provided for water-based events. Some coastal adventures may have age or swimming confidence requirements.

- Wear sun protection and bring water

- Supervise children at all times during beachfront activities

- Book specific experiences in advance if required

If you are attending diving or water activities with children, confirm safety requirements and equipment rules before your booking. The festival organisers encourage family participation while prioritising respectful care for the local environment and cultural ceremonies held at sunrise.

Keep an eye on weather updates and any specific event notices; some activities may move between beach and Pavilion venues depending on conditions.

Booking and Prices

Most of the Ocean Lovers Festival program is free to attend, including talks, markets and many family activities, making it an affordable weekend outing for local families. A small number of workshops and coastal adventures may have fees or require pre-booking due to limited spaces.

- Cost: Free for the majority of events

- Bookings: some workshops and water experiences require prior booking

To secure spots for popular family workshops or limited-capacity coastal activities, book early through the festival booking links. Parents should review booking confirmations for age limits, equipment needs and meeting points to avoid last-minute surprises.

Budget for parking or public transport and small purchases at markets; overall the festival is a budget-friendly, high-value experience for parents wanting educational, active and fun seaside days with their children.