Queensland's tourism industry is celebrating!

91 operators within The Whitsundays have been recognised as Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQEs) for their dedication to bringing the Queensland story to life and consistently delivering an exceptional customer experience, ensuring visitors to the region have unforgettable experiences. 

The program, launched in 2018, is the first of its kind in Australia and aims to elevate Queensland as the top holiday destination by identifying and recognising tourism products that consistently exceed expectations.

Over 2,000 experiences across the state have earned this title. 

Developed with industry partners, the program uses independent criteria to assess operators.

These include positive customer reviews, secure online bookings, active social media presence and industry accreditation.

To be recognised, businesses must achieve a high score across these categories.

Earning a BOQE status allows operators to display an official stamp, making it easier for travellers to identify these top-rated experiences. 

"A BOQE certification empowers our Whitsundays' operators," says Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays. "It equips them to deliver exceptional experiences, making every visitor feel like a VIP." 

Contributed with thanks to CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton

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Rick Hamilton, CEO Tourism Whitsundays, Photo supplied

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The 2024 theme for the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival has been announced and people across the region are already getting excited about the Above and Below theme that is set to highlight our beautiful region once again.

This month, Cruise Whitsundays also confirmed their naming rights sponsorship for the event once again, their involvement bringing some exciting environmentally focused boat tours which will become one of the feature events during the festival.

Renowned for being one of the most family-friendly community events of the year, the award-winning Great Barrier Reef Festival has been a cornerstone of the annual events calendar for almost 25 years.

Highlights include the Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade which sees the boardwalk come alive with beautifully decorated lanterns and the Airlie Beach Rotary Club Street Parade where businesses and community groups decorate their own floats.

There is also the Recyclable Regatta, Magic Mile, Family Fun Day and a crowd favourite – the Sebel Whitsundays Fireworks on the Foreshore where thousands of people gather on the beach to watch the night sky fill with colour.

As the evenings unfold, the main-stage heats up with both local talent and a top-secret headlining act who is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The beach-side pop-up bar is always buzzing, and families can enjoy the Side Show Alley and Carnival Rides throughout the evenings.

This year, the environmental theme runs throughout, both within events that incorporate recycled materials, but also through different educational opportunities that inspire and inform.

As part of the initiative, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a Reef Experience with Master Reef Guides, an immersive day on the Great Barrier Reef learning and listening from the undisputed masters of the Reef.

In addition, the Above and Below Art Exhibition will be hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club this year and also the Immerse Arts Installation will be a focal point to the festival heart, with the stunning lighting animations and artworks at Fairy Tree Park.

This year there will be some new additions to the festival line-up, these include a special Cocktails on the Point event at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and the Whitsunday Life Newspaper Window Dressing Competition where main street business stand to win $1000 worth of advertising for the best dressed shop front.

There is so much going on at the Great Barrier Reef Festival again this year – what are you getting involved with?

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WHAT: Great Barrier Reef Festival
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: 1-4 August

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Want To Volunteer?
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is now looking for community minded volunteers who would like to get involved with anything from manning a stall, selling raffle tickets, event planning, selling merchandise and much more. Contribute as little or as much as you like, prior or during the event – the choice is yours and any help makes a HUGE difference! To find out more attend the Meet and Greet volunteer gathering at Boaty’s at 5pm on Tuesday 21st May or simply call 0418 155 542.

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Avid fashionistas from across the region are busy creating fabulous designs ahead of the 2024 Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Wearable Arts Parade which is due to take place in August as one of the central events hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

To ignite further creative flair, there will be a special workshop at Whitsunday Sailing Club next month.

This will be an opportunity for participants to learn from some of the best artists of this kind in the region.

Hosted by Creative Connections Whitsunday, the hands-on workshops will be led by the visionary talents of Christina Papadimitriou and Bernadette Russell from Wearable Art Creatives.  

These inspiring artists will offer first-hand knowledge of the craft and attendees will learn how to create a masterpiece during the session.

A popular event, which is a regular stable at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Wearable Arts has captured the passion of the community, so much so that St Catherine’s Catholic College have added it into their curriculum for Year 9 and 10 students.

Teacher, Skye Carroll, commented that the students have been having a lot of fun with their creations.

"I have both classes hyped up for competing in the Wearable Art for the Great Barrier Reef Festival,” she expressed.

“Many of them are already showing competitive streaks – I can't wait to see their final products as they emerge!" 

Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Margie Murphy, said the event is promising to be a mesmerising display of imaginative designs that blur the lines between fashion and art.  

“We are thrilled to bring the Wearable Art Parade and Competition back to Airlie Beach for another year of creativity and inspiration!” she said.

The event will kick-off with the Wearable Arts Parade on Saturday 3rd August and will culminate in the competition where guest judges will evaluate the entries and select winners across various categories.

These categories include Best Individual Design, Best Team Design, Great Barrier Reef Festival Theme design and Best Accessories.  

With fierce competition and extraordinary talent on display, anticipation runs high as participants vie for recognition and accolades.

If you wish to participate in the workshop you can register at creativeconnectionswhitsunday.com, tickets are $40 per person.

Alternatively, you can make your own creation independently. Simply create a fashion item from recycled materials in order to be eligible and register your fabulous masterpiece at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au.

WHAT: Wearable Art Workshops
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June  
TICKETS: creativeconnectionswhitsunday.com

Some fabulous creations

Imogen, Hannah, Lilly-Anna, Ayrton from St Catherine’s Catholic College. Photo supplied

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The bucket-list item on many a locals’ list, the annual St. Bebida White on Whitehaven by Fish D’vine Catering is the only long lunch of its kind open to the public on Whitehaven Beach.

This extravagant, decadent and opulent affair invites guests to indulge in a full day on Whitehaven Beach, where you are whisked away to a paradise, that is just a short distance from your home.

Starting your day aboard an air-conditioned ferry, the party begins as soon as you join the sea of stunning white outfits that form the dress-code for the day.

The vibrant chatter on the scenic ferry ride over to Whitsunday Island soon abates when the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach appear on the horizon.

Guests walk from the boat directly onto the beach and are immediately greeted by a glass of chilled French Champagne and the bluesy beats of the nationally acclaimed six-piece band, The Natural Culture.

The long white tables stretch out along the delicate sands and everyone is invited to sit and enjoy the views while feasting on freshly shucked oysters and sashimi.

The event is proudly created by Fish D’vine Co-Owner, Kev Collins, who is the mastermind behind the delicious menu and a passionate advocate for promoting fresh local produce.  

Highlighting the freshest local seafood, fine cuts of grass-fed meats, topped with divine sauces and salads, guests are able to watch as the food is cooked on the BBQ and interact with Kev and his team of chefs.

Kev said he is thrilled to host the ultimate Queensland luncheon experience again and urged people to secure their tickets as they are already selling fast. 
 
“We're expecting the 2024 White on Whitehaven Long Lunch to be another huge success, drawing in over 700 guests from across the country to enjoy three days of beautiful Whitsundays spring weather,” he expressed.

“St. Bebida’s White on Whitehaven is already generating excitement, with many guests rebooking for this year. Don't miss out – Saturday is already 75% booked.”

Proudly sponsoring the event is St. Bebida, showcasing their exciting new range of products, including Sparkling Rosé, Flamenco Sangria, and ‘Chello’ Limoncello Spritz, adding a refreshing twist to the event.  

Matt McLean, Director at St. Bebida said he is thrilled to partner with the event this year.

"We are absolutely delighted to be part of the White on Whitehaven event this year, and ecstatic to have acquired the naming rights along with it too. This event perfectly aligns with our brand, and we can't wait to be serving everyone fresh from the taps for the three days," he shared. 
 
“It’s been a big first year of business for us at St. Bebida with constant growth and reach spanning across the country, and this is just the icing on the cake for us.” 

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton believes this year’s White on Whitehaven Long Lunch by Fish D’vine will be another great success for Fish D’vine and The Whitsundays. 
 
“The White on Whitehaven Long Lunch by Fish D’vine is a highly anticipated event, drawing visitors year after year from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to experience its charm,” he said.

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WHAT: White On Whitehaven
WHERE: Whitehaven Beach
WHEN: 6-8 September  
TICKETS: whiteonwhitehaven.com.au
 

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Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic and love between country’s most famous couple with The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show.

In ‘Get Rhythm’ witness real-life husband and wife duo Mark Caligiuri and Johanne Caligiuri mimic famous on-stage couple Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Alongside Mark and Johanne are Mark’s sons, Chris and Lucas, and Mark’s cousin Adam Prozzo – making this incredible show an authentic family affair.

At young ages, both Mark and Johanne loved classic music, Johanne grew up listening to 50’s rock and roll and Mark grew up singing along with the rockstar Elvis.

It wasn’t until they saw Walk The Line in 2006 that Johanne decided to create a Johnny Cash and June Carter show, and with Mark loving the music also, he was all for it, and they have now been performing the show together since 2007.

Like many, the COVID-19 lockdown paused their performances, but they used this time to develop the show making it even bigger and better.

During lockdown Johanne said her stepsons reached out to her and Mark.

“They said, I know you guys are working on this show, can we be involved in it too,” said Johanne.

“So, it actually came from them reaching out to us after noticing what we were doing behind the scenes.

“And I always say to the boys, this is very special, don't forget this time with your dad because in years from now you will look back and it is very unique.”

Get Rhythm is usually a theatre act, but Mark and Johanne are looking forward to their visit to The Pub.

They performed last year and said the staff were exceptional and they can’t wait to perform again.

“At Airlie Beach Hotel it is a bit more laid back and we love feeding off the audience. So, if the audience are wild, we're going to be wild with them,” said Johanne.

“We can guarantee that people will have a good time, it's going to be so much fun!

“And if you want to sing along, you can do that too!”
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WHAT: Get Rhythm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 25 May & Sunday 26 May
TICKETS: You don’t need any! But booking a table is recommended

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Bringing almost 30 years of on-stage experience to the Whitsundays, the highly acclaimed Bill Chambers is performing at the Reef Gateway’s wonderful beer garden in less than a month’s time.

Known also for his famous daughter, Casey Chambers, Bill Chambers has been surrounded by music in his family his entire life.

Growing up, his father was an amateur folk singer and songwriter, and his mother would sing in harmony with him. Bill thought it was normal for everyone to have music around them.

Naturally this sparked Bill’s inspiration in music and at seven years old, he knew he wanted to be a musician when he grew up.

With such a musical family, it was inevitable that he would start taking music seriously, and he has travelled all over the world including the UK, Norway, Sweden, Africa, USA and all over Australia.

Touring for almost 25 years, Bill said he has gained lots of experience and been provided with song inspiration along the way too.

Bill’s journey to Airlie Beach and the Reef Gateway starts when he performs alongside his daughter at the Red Hot Summer Tour in Noosa and Cairns.

He performs alongside her at every gig, and he joked that “She hasn’t fired me yet!”

After Cairns and Noosa, Bill begins his drive home, pulling into the Reef Gateway along the way.

With him, he brings his guitars, two dogs and two ducks – and they have become quite the conversation starter at caravan parks.

He says, his wife rescued them about a year ago and they just never left.

Most importantly, Bill brings his 16-year-old Boy, Tyler.

Whilst young, Tyler has grown up around music, and Bill said he is already quite a guitar player.

At the Reef Gateway you can expect music from all kinds of genres, including, folk, country, blues and rock.

Bill loves performing and telling people the crazy stories about his travels.

“You live a life like everyone else, but when you share those stories with everyone there, that’s what’s special,” Bill shared.

FREE EVENT
WHAT: Bill Chambers
WHEN: Saturday 1 June, from 5pm
WHERE: Reef Gateway

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The world’s largest motorcycling charity event arrives in Bowen this weekend!

This year marks the third year the event will take place in Bowen, with dapper gentlemen from Bowen, Whitsundays and Burdekin all taking part in the event on Sunday 19 May.

At this year’s ride, money raised will be donated to prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs by the official charity partner, Movember.

The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a global event and this year it is expected that 90,000 riders in over 900 cities across 105 countries will take part all raising awareness for the valuable causes.

All motorcyclists are welcome to attend the event in Bowen and encouraged to join the ride on everything from scooters to choppers and anything in-between.

For details of the Bowen ride, register on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website at   https://www.gentlemansride.com/

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WHAT: The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride
WHERE: Bowen
WHEN: Sunday, 19 May

Photo supplied

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Clear out your closet and get ready to bring in some treasured goodies and preloved items for the inaugural Zero Waste Solutions Preloved Night Market which is due to be held this evening.

A host of stalls awaits and attendees are welcome to browse for some preloved clothing gold.

Over the years Preloved Markets have increasingly become a great way for people to find new items of clothing while simultaneously getting more closet space.

On the night coffee and snacks will be available to purchase, as well as art packs and live music to entertain.

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WHAT: Zero Waste Solutions Preloved Night Market
WHEN: Friday 17th May 6pm – 8pm
WHERE: 3 Little Birds Espresso

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Are you looking for a way to spend a Friday evening outside with the family?

The Airlie Beach Movie Screen has regular showings with many of your family favourite movies.

The screen is located on the Airlie Beach Foreshore and the whole community is welcome to come down with their picnic blankets to enjoy an open-air movie under the stars.

The film viewings start at 6pm, are entirely free and are held every second Friday of the month.

Friday 31 May
The Last Daughter
As part of National Reconciliation Week the next showing is of The Last Daughter (2022). The Last Daughter is a documentary feature film which follows Brenda Matthews on a journey to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family.

Friday 14 June
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Start the Harry Potter journey. Watch Harry start from his orphan beginnings and embark on his adventure into the wizarding world.

Friday 5 July
The Sapphires
Set in 1968’s Australia and starring Australia’s very own superstar Jessica Mauboy, this film tells the true story of four sisters that are discovered by a talent scout. The sisters journey takes them to Vietnam to sing in front of American soldiers.

Showings are weather dependant and might be rearranged if weather is poor.

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Did you think ‘Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band’ was the only Pub Birthday celebrations?

Well, you thought wrong.

In addition to the light-hearted fun, you will enjoy with the ‘Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band’, you will also be amazed by the internationally touring tribute act ‘London Calling’ who are also coming to celebrate The Pub’s birthday in style.

Starring three internationally touring tribute performers ‘London Calling’ is the highest quality tribute act and it promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.

You will witness three talented performers pay tribute to English rock legends, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Rod Stewart.

Freddie Mercury from Queen is performed by Fernando Castro and he is the first tribute act to headline on the Las Vegas strip. It is also said that he has a fantastic voice, on par with the real Freddie Mercury, but you have to hear it to believe it!

Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin is performed by Michael Anderson, his long hair and epic stage presence providing audiences with an uncanny replication of the real Robert Plant.

Rod Stewart is performed by Rob Caudill, he has spent 15 years performing in Las Vegas and all his life he has been told he looks and sounds exactly like Rod Stewart. So, when Joe Walsh from ‘The Eagles’ suggested to him that he should pursue a career in being a tribute artist, he did and has never looked back.

Rob Caudill says it’s as close to the real thing as you can get.

“It’s a very interesting concept to me, Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury and Rod Stewart,” Rob said.

“And I mean, the only problem is there's so many hits, you can't really cut them off!

“It's a great show and I'm really proud to be in it.”

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WHAT: London Calling
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 18 May (7pm – 10pm) & Sunday 19 May (2pm – 5.30pm)
TICKETS: Not Needed! But booking a table is recommended.

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Calling all car enthusiasts!

Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club is hosting their annual Show & Shine event at the Coral Sea Marina later this month and everyone is invited.

Soak up the glorious views over the marina while simultaneously taking a stroll through the dozens of parked up classic vehicles.

From muscle cars to custom vehicles, motorcycles, hot rods and classic cars, there is something for every petrol-head to enjoy.

There will also be food vendors, coffee vans and ice cream available as food options.

If you aren’t a die-hard petrol head, the many stalls may interest you instead and there are activities for kids too.

Adult tickets cost $15 and children under 17 are free!

To enter your own vehicle in the Show & Shine, go to Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club’s website and complete the registration information.

This year the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club Show & Shine event is supporting the Cancer Council Queensland and Jure Portelli Racing.

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WHAT: Show & Shine
WHERE: Coral Sea Marina & Resort
WHEN: Saturday 25 May (8am – 2pm)
TICKETS: Children under 17 are free, Adults $15

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Show & Shine at Coral Sea Marina & Resort. Photo supplied.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival, which is due to take place in September this year, has just announced that for the first time in its history, there will be a dedicated Festival Bookshop as part of the landmark event.

Already offering an innovative new festival format with events such as the Book Club High Tea, The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, Love Letter To Queensland and Karaoke Poetry, the event is set to be a game-changer in the local event space.

Part of this inspiring vision is to engage with local authors and aspiring writers, with the official bookshop offering everyone a platform to engage and leverage their profile.

Selecting Beach Book Boutique as its official Festival Bookshop, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is thrilled to announce a partnership with passionate book-lover and owner if the store, Belinda Harris.

“We are looking forward to having a great weekend with the Festival, meeting like-minded people and some amazing authors – including our local writers!”

Established in September 2015, Airlie Beach’s iconic independent bookstore overlooks the expansive lagoon. It offers new releases and second-hand books in-store and online, including their unique book exchange for new and high-quality recycled books. 

Beach Book Boutique will be selling select titles of both Festival speakers and local authors, and will host meet and greet sessions and book signings during the Festival.

A smaller bookshop will also be on-site at Festival venues.

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(L-R) Belinda Harris & Beach Book Boutique, Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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Are you a local writer with a published book? 

If so, you will be able to sell your titles through the official Festival Bookshop. 
Local writers who purchase a 3-day ticket can then pay an additional $100 (plus GST) to become a Featured Local Author and receive a number of exclusive benefits, including a national platform to promote their books and the opportunity to be selected as a showcase author at the Festival’s closing event – the Local Author Long Lunch. Contact the Festival to learn more.

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WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
TICKETS: Early Bird Weekend Passes on sale now
www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Radiant smiles and laughter filled the Sarina Sugar Shed last Friday night, as creative members of Mackay gathered together for the kick-off of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts. Approximately thirty events will combine to make the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts a dynamic showcase of art, culture, cuisine and entertainment. This year’s program promises to delight all your senses, broaden your horizons and leave you with memories that last a lifetime!

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Festival and Events Officers Tia Gostelow and Phoebe Short, Executive Manager MECC and Eventsand Graphic Designer Chantelle De Meillo. Image Credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Igniting Creativity At The 2024 Mackay Festival Of Arts

Mayor Greg Williamson said there will be sensational new events that will create a buzz for the community.
“This is the thirty-seventh year of the arts festival, so thank you very much for the people that actually make this happen, we couldn’t do it without all of the sponsors and, all of the favourites are back this year of course.
“There’s comedy combined with wine appreciation, a massive all-in pub choir music experience, a free form dance event in the dark and an exciting new children’s wonderland at Wisely Wine and Food Day complete with 12,000 bubbles, every minute,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Wisely Wine and Food Day will also be bringing food to the fore this year with multiple exclusive pop-up restaurants that combine gastronomical delights with prime positioning to allow festival goers to enjoy a culinary experience that will be on a whole new level.”
Mayor Williamson said the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub would return to the Bluewater Quay this year, with a fresh approach to showcasing local music talent, pop-up bars and street cuisine.
“Each night a new band and genre of music will take centre stage to provide free entertainment for those looking to relax on the riverfront,” he said.
The Mayor also acknowledged the amazing local artist whose work was chosen as the cover of the Festival program.
“We reached out to local artists to create an original cover for the Mackay Festival of Arts 2024 program and then put these out to the public to vote on,” he said.
“The people’s choice was Lian Meaney’s 'Outside the Lines', which is a mixed media piece in acrylic and ink and includes a collage of found materials.
“Not only is the work beautiful – it also makes this program a work of art in its own right that will be a collectors’ item in years to come.”
Festivals and Events coordinator Sarah Porter encouraged residents and visitors to get outside their comfort zone and explore the many experiences on offer.
“This program is so diverse – there’s First Nations storytelling, literature, photography, art exhibitions and workshops, wine tastings, performance art, ballet, chamber music, arthouse films and jazz,” Ms Porter said.
“Add in pub rock, paint and sips, a folk music concert, pop culture, craft brews, local band showcases, karaoke, comedy, family theatre and, of course, the festival features that are Daly Bay Illuminate and the Wisely Wine and Food Day, and you have every reason to be in Mackay in July,” she said.
“July is going to be huge, and we really couldn’t be more excited to welcome festival goers to our region.”

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Festival and Events Officers Tia Gostelow and Phoebe Short, Executive Manager MECC and Events and Graphic Designer Chantelle De Meillon holding the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts Program. Image Credit: Mackay Regional Council

Toddler Time
May 13th 9.30am
FREE Toddler Time featuring nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child.  This session promotes early language and literacy development for toddlers up to two-and-a-half. Bookings are essential for all attendees - one ticket required per attendee.
Gordon White Library

Story Time
May 16th 10.30am
Story Time enhances language and literacy development and is aimed at children aged two-and-a-half to 5 years. This session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child. Bookings are essential for all attendees - one ticket required per attendee.
Dudley Denny Library

RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day 2024 
May 19th 10am
Head on down to the 2024 Emergency Services Day, proudly presented by BMA. A fun-filled community day featuring police motorbikes, fire trucks, rescue helicopters and much more! Bring the family for education exhibits, hands-on demos, kids entertainment and more! Entry is by gold coin donation towards our rescue helicopter.
Don't miss out on this day of family fun!
Harrup Park

MHF Family Fun Day
June 2nd 10am
Save the date for a FUN filled day for the whole Family! Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day presented by Gardian is back again this year and will be bigger and better than ever! For just $5 per person, all rides and activities inside the gate are FREE! There will be rides, jumping castles, face painting, food & coffee vendors and SO MUCH MORE! By simply attending this event you are supporting local hospitals
BB Print Stadium

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Local art enthusiasts gathered at the Sarina Sugar Shed last Friday evening for the highly anticipated launch of the 2024 Festival of Arts program.

Photo Credit: Adam Sane and Hannah McNamara

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