Opportunities to see these Ghibli-esque balloons will be possible from various locations from Townsville to Albany.
In an exciting announcement for art enthusiasts–and anyone searching for a bit of magic–leading Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s whimsical skywhales will take to the skies again in 2024 and 2025. Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are part of Piccini’s Skywhales Across Australia project, which sees two giant, helium-filled inflatable sculptures of Ghibli-esque creatures majestically float through the skies.
These whimsical creatures will grace the skies across Australia. (Image: Supplied)
Dr. Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery, highlighted the impact these art installations had during their first tour across Australia in 2021: ‘The Skywhales have become a part of our country’s contemporary culture.’
Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work, blending the realms of science fiction, nature, and biotechnology. She encourages communities to engage with these works creatively and with a sense of wonder. “Skywhales Across Australia is a project that explores nature, family, evolution, care, and wonder. The skywhales float into our lives to make us smile and think," she said.
Piccini invites us into a world of fantasy and magic. (Image: Supplied)
Flights depend on weather conditions which Piccini highlights as a unique aspect of the project. “One of the best – and worst – things about this project is that we can only fly if nature allows us. We have to have the perfect conditions, it’s one of the few situations in life when human beings can’t force the world into giving us what we want. But when nature does allow it, it is all the more wonderful."
Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work. (Image: Supplied)
Hoping to catch a glimpse of these sci-fi whales in the sky? Here is the Skywhales Across Australia 2024-25 program:
Goulburn Regional Art Gallery NSW, Gundungurra Country: 22 February 2025
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery VIC, Bunurong Country: 12 April 2025
Horizon/Caloundra Regional Gallery Sunshine Coast Qld, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country: 4 May 2025
City of Albany WA, Menang Noongar Country: 17 May 2025
Shire of Northam, WA, Ballardong Nyoongar Country: 31 May 2025
North Australian Festival of Arts Townsville Qld, Gurambilbara Wulgurukaba Country: September/October 2025
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.
Walk the Great Ocean Road
Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.
The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.
Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads
Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.
Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.
Get your ghost on in the Grampians
For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.
Paddle along the mighty Murray
Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.
Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle. This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife.
From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.
Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley
Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.
Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.
Dig for gold in Bendigo
Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.
Cruise around Wilsons Promontory
Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)
It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.
Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges
Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.
If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.
Go underground in the Grampians
Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)
Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’. The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.
Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula
Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.
Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours. Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach.
Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.
The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)
