GREAT BARRIER REEF FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Crews racing their homemade recycled crafts across the water. Photo supplied: Airlie Events.

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with this year’s program bringing together returning favourites, new experiences and plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved.

From the opening-night Lantern Parade and fireworks to live entertainment, markets, family activities, street parades and the Recyclable Regatta, the festival will once again transform Airlie Beach into a celebration of the Whitsundays and its connection to the Great Barrier Reef.

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Lantern Making Workshop

Get involved in the festival before it officially begins by making your own bamboo paper lanterns. Two workshops will be held, lanterns costing $10 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHAT: Lantern-making workshop  
WHEN: Saturday, July 25, 10am and 12pm  
WHERE: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 20 Hazelwood Crescent, Cannonvale

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Lantern Parade

The Lantern Parade will once again light up Airlie Beach as hundreds of participants make their way from Coral Sea Marina along the Bicentennial Boardwalk to the foreshore. Judging for the most colourful and creative lanterns begins at 5:45pm, before the parade starts at 6pm. The evening will continue with a Welcome to Country, Traditional Dance, live entertainment, cultural performances and family-friendly activities.

WHAT: Coral Sea Marina Resort Lantern Parade  
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 5.30pm to 7pm  
WHERE: Coral Sea Marina to Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Fireworks On The Foreshore

The festival’s signature fireworks will once again light up the Coral Sea, with the display scheduled for 8pm. Entry to the foreshore is free, just pull up a bit of sand and settle on the beach for the show!

WHAT: Airbnb Fireworks on the Foreshore
WHEN: Friday, July 31, from 5:30pm  
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Camira Fireworks Cruise

Take to the water aboard Camira as the three-hour Twilight Cruise will head out onto Pioneer Bay, with drinks and shared antipasto platters included before passengers settle in for an offshore view of the fireworks display. Tickets are $140 per person, plus booking fees.

WHAT: Camira Fireworks Cruise
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 5.30pm to 8.45pm
WHERE: Cruise Whitsundays Terminal, Port of Airlie

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Night Markets & Outdoor Movie

The foreshore will become a hub of activity with local food, handmade goods, artisan stalls, carnival rides and live entertainment. Settle in with picnic blankets for an outdoor screening of Luca under the stars.

WHAT: Night Markets and Outdoor Movie  
WHEN: Friday, July 31
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Bait To Plate

This special multi-course lunch is hosted by former Fish D’vine co-owner and lifelong fisherman Kevin Collins. Collins will guide guests through a menu based on the freshest local catch available. Tickets are $149 plus booking fees.

WHAT: Bait to Plate with Kevin Collins
WHEN: Sunday, August 2
WHERE: 74 Islands Distillery

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Family Fun Day Brings The Reef To Life

The final day is all about families, with a free program of activities designed to keep children entertained while connecting them with reef and culture.

Circus workshops, face painting, crazy races, treasure hunts and the ever-popular doughnut-eating competition, alongside reef-themed activities and educational experiences.

WHAT: Family Fun Day
WHEN: Sunday, August 3, 10am to 2pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Recyclable Regatta

Schools, businesses, community groups and families put creativity and construction skills to the test in vessels made from recyclable materials. Crews will race their homemade craft across the water before making a final dash up the sand!

WHAT: Recyclable Regatta
WHEN: Sunday, August 3, from 1pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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