Be part of the action this Cuttlefest

⁠⁠⁠Each winter, the world’s largest known aggregation of Giant Australian Cuttlefish gathers along the coastline near Whyalla, transforming our waters into a globally significant natural spectacle.

To celebrate this annual migration, each June and July Whyalla comes alive for Cuttlefest — a vibrant festival dedicated to these extraordinary marine creatures, our unique marine environment, and the dynamic community that calls this coastline home.

As Whyalla’s flagship tourism event, Cuttlefest attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world. We invite visitors to witness this remarkable phenomenon, extend their stay, explore our city and surrounding region, and contribute to the local economy.

Cuttlefest presents a strategic opportunity for local businesses and organisations to:

•  Be part of a unique community celebration
•  Showcase products and services to a high-value visitor market
•  Increase brand visibility and local engagement
•  Activate the winter visitation period
•  Align with a nationally recognised environmental tourism experience
•  Demonstrate community leadership and collaboration

Whyalla City Council is now seeking Expressions of Interest from businesses and organisations wishing to participate in Cuttlefest 2026.

This is your opportunity to position your business at the centre of Whyalla’s premier tourism event and be part of something truly extraordinary.

Some ways you can get involved:

Join the Whyalla-wide Cuttlefest Coupon booklet: Support Cuttlefest while showcasing your business by offering a special deal or discount as part of the Cuttlefest Coupons program. This is a great opportunity to promote your business to visitors and locals with coupon booklets distributed through Whyalla Visitor Centre locations throughout the festival period. Boost your visibility, attract new customers, and be part of one of Whyalla’s most loved events. Want to provide a coupon? Contact the Visitor Centre team today to register your interest – 8645 7900 or visitor.centre@whyalla.sa.gov.au

Decorate your shops, windows, spaces and places: Create cuttlefish and marine-themed displays to bring the Cuttlefest spirit to life. Keen to be a part of this but not sure where to start, or don’t have the time or resources? Let us know and we can support you to make this happen.

️ Offer Cuttlefish or marine-themed specials in your restaurant, café, or store! No salt and pepper cuttlefish, but a ‘technicoloured’ milkshake, or glittery/ sparkling mock/cocktail is a must. Think outside the box!

Host an event to be included in the official Cuttlefest Program – from markets and art exhibits to educational talks and family-friendly activities. Council will once again be presenting the Salty ‘Sea’esta on the June long weekend, more information on this to come!

Submit your event or experience details to be considered for the program via the online form here information must be received by March 30, 2026.

•  Event/ Experience Name
•  Target Audience
•  Date/s & Time/s
•  Cost
•  Location
•  Short Bio
•  Hero Image
•  Ticketing Link (if applicable)

Want to get involved but not sure how to? Contact Our Event Coordinator, Ryan Sutherland to chat about how to help bring your vision to life! We encourage you to be creative and imaginative and would love to hear your ideas. Reach out to the Ryan at ryan.sutherland@whyalla.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8640 3444.

Cuttlefest is about bringing the whole community together – businesses, artists, educators, conservationists, and YOU.

Let’s create an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.

We can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a community.

Let’s make Cuttlefest 2026 the biggest and best yet!