Ocean Lovers Festival

ALL

Ocean Lovers Festival is Australia’s premier cultural and science event dedicated to the ocean. Originally founded in Bondi, the festival is expanding this year into a city-wide celebration across Sydney.

Ocean Lovers Festival Sydney brings together Ideas, Art + Music, and Action to honour the ocean. Throughout Sydney, the festival will feature entertainment, cultural programs, interactive experiences, and activities ranging from sports to citizen science—all aimed at supporting a thriving harbour and ocean.

Throughout March, a month-long program will invite the public to dive into marine exploration, discovery, innovation, and restoration.

Some of the events on the north side of Sydney include:

Manly Microplastic Hunt

WHEN: 9am – 11.30am Sunday, March 2

WHERE: Manly Cove Beach, NSW

Join AUSMAP for an incredible hands-on experience where you can sample your local beach for microplastics using the AUSMAP microplastic citizen science method. By participating, you’ll contribute valuable data to the largest microplastic database in Australia—and possibly the world! Did you know that Manly Cove holds the record for our longest-running microplastic dataset?

​This family-friendly event welcomes all ages. Bring your loved ones along to learn about the impact of microplastics and become a scientist for the day! Together, we can make a difference and HELP put microplastics on the map.

Ocean Film Festival

WHEN: March 2025

WHERE: At select venues across NSW

Ocean Lovers Festival is excited to welcome The Ocean Film Festival World Tour, set to captivate Australian audiences with over two hours of inspiring, educational, and entertaining films celebrating the ocean. Featuring a unique mix of ocean adventure, exploration, marine wildlife, and coastal cultures, the festival showcases the best work from independent filmmakers worldwide.

​Dedicated to ocean conservation, the tour partners with local Australian charities to support vital efforts in protecting our marine environments. Join us to celebrate the beauty of the ocean and be inspired to explore, enjoy, and protect it.

​NSW

– AVALON BEACH: March 14, United Cinemas

– AVOCA BEACH: March 13, Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

– BRUNSWICK HEADS: March 6, 7, Brunswick Picture House

– COFFS HARBOUR: March 1, Jetty Memorial Theatre

– FORSTER/TUNCURRY: March 14, Great Lakes Cinema 3

– NEWCASTLE: March 5, Event Cinemas Kotara

– SYDNEY CITY: March 19, Event Cinemas George St

– SYDNEY EAST: March 12, Randwick Ritz

– SYDNEY NORTH: March 6, 7, Hayden Orpheum

– WOLLONGONG: March 20, Uni Movies, UOW​

​Head to the Ocean Film Festival website to explore many more locations Australia-wide!