The magic of Western Port

Western Port Bay, off Phillip Island, is a rich yet surprisingly a largely unknown world.

Marine biologist Sheree Marris will reveal the magic at “Western Port Down Under”, a presentation revealing the hidden ecosystems, marine life and conservation stories that exist beneath the surface of one of Victoria's most important marine environments.

The presentation, part of the festival, is on Saturday July 4, 2pm, at Berninneit Theatre, and is included in the Festival Experience Pass.

The title of the presentation is also the title of Sheree’s new Western Port Down Under documentary – which she is currently shooting around the bay and will be released in March 2027.

In producing the documentary, Sheree has spent a large part of her life underwater for the past 18 months.

“We want to show how amazing and dynamic our backyard is, that we have this secret little gem that is being overlooked,” Sheree says.

Compiled with the help of a scientific advisory panel, as well as community groups and passionate individuals across the bay, once finished the 42-minute doco will – fingers crossed – be televised by a major network.

In parallel there will be a book launch, community campaign including a travelling roadshow and citizen science data, as well as a schools education kit, “legacy” portal including all the footage not used in the documentary, species and habitat profiles, and finally in 2028 a Western Port “wonder” trail of sculptures that can be scanned to reveal local marine life.

She says Western Port is the poor cousin of Port Phillip, which has a support fund and environmental management plan to ensure its sustainability.

“Western Port has none of those things but is probably more unique, with globally significant species and new species still being discovered.”

Sheree studied marine biology at Deakin, has written seven books, produced two documentaries including Melbourne Down Under (about Port Phillip Bay), and been involved in an Imax production.

As a science communicator, she has appeared widely on TV and media, including writing for Australian Geographic, with her work awarded numerous accolades including Young Australian of the Year and the Australian Centenary Medal for outstanding contribution to conservation and the environment.

Sheree has served on several government boards and committees and has been the director of marine conservation organisations.

With a star sign in Pices, and a surname in Greek that means “of the sea”, Sheree says marine conservation is embedded in her DNA.

Despite working full-time on the documentary since March 2025 – including diving, researching, and filming - she has dedicated a chunk of her time to fundraising, forced to take out a loan to fund the project.

So why do it? Why extend herself physically and financially on the documentary?
“It’s too important to walk away from,” Sheree says.

“Sometimes I wish I didn’t care so much, but I do. Friends tell me if it was easy, other people would have already done it.

“I don’t want to sit back and say I wish I could have because it needs to be done.
“The documentary is not a lobbying or political platform, it’s to show the magic.

If people don’t see what we have here in the bay, then it’s difficult to protect.”