THE inaugural Mornington Peninsula Bird Festival at Coolart Homestead and Wetlands in Somers has been hailed a success, drawing more than 250 visitors.
The 22–23 November event included guided walks, presentations, workshops and activities focussed on diverse birdlife of the region, offering visitors of all ages a chance to connect with nature in meaningful and exciting ways.
Hosted by Friends of Coolart in partnership with BirdLife Australia and supported by a Mornington Peninsula Shire community grant, the festival brought bird enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
Among the organisers was Penny Gillespie who said guests travelled from South Australia, Mt Macedon and Bendigo, as well as inner Melbourne and Gippsland.
She said demand was strong for guided tours to French Island and Western Port, having sold out in the first three weeks of going on sale.
“All other limited activities sold out well before the festival,” Gillespie said, adding only presentation tickets remained available on the day.
Visitors wandered through Coolart Homestead to view the Avian art exhibition and BirdLife Photographic Competition awards, before browsing stalls featuring local environmental groups and wildlife advocates.
“Afterwards they were able to start their Christmas shopping and find out about birds, dolphins, hooded plovers, LandCare, koalas and more.”
Sunday’s inaugural Big Bird Bake Off proved a crowd favourite, attracting seven creative entries. Ayla Perry won the primary school section and the “cleverest entry” award for her waterfall-and-birds themed cake, while Millie Beston took out the open section with her Sulphur-crested Cockatoo creation.
Festival feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments including “I’ve found my community,” and “I’m going to join BirdLife and get involved!”
Gillespie said the goal of the event was to build awareness about the challenges facing native birdlife while creating pathways for people to get more involved.
Festivals like this, she said, aim to “increase people’s awareness of the plight of bird and other animals and encourage people to either take up a new hobby and/or become part of the solution”.
The avian art show will remain on display at Coolart until 15 December, with several pieces still available for purchase.
Another festival is planned, though no date has been set.
BirdLife Mornington Peninsula continues to run free guided bird-watching activities twice a month. For more information on getting involved in local bird conservation and upcoming events, visit BirdLife Mornington Peninsula at birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-mornington-peninsula.
First published in the Mornington News – 2 December 2025
