Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)

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Locals celebrated the beauty of the Mackay region through vibrant paintings of its landscapes and landmarks before the Mackay Art Society's Our Amazing Region exhibition drew to a close on Sunday 28^th June, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Gallery. The exhibition showcased the talent of local artists while capturing the places that make the region unique, with visitors also enjoying the opportunity to watch artists painting outdoors during a special en plein air demonstration over the weekend.

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries (Facebook)

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During this school holidays, children put their creativity to the test as Brick by Brick LEGO Free Play proved a popular attraction at Dudley Denny City Library.

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Young builders spent the session designing imaginative creations, with the free activity drawing enthusiastic participation from local families.

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The fun is set to continue at Gordon White Library, while the region's libraries also offer a packed school holiday program including Deadly Colouring, Movie Matinees, Bedtime Stories and First Aid for Kids, giving families plenty of opportunities to learn, create and connect throughout the break.

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Crossroad Arts' new immersive production, Unfamiliar Grounds, will transform a purpose-built dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns into a virtual world of projections, soundscapes and storytelling when it premieres from July 15–18.  Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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"What's that big white dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns?" you might ask.

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The giant white structure has sparked curiosity among locals driving past in recent weeks, with many wondering what is taking shape in the heart of the city.

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The answer is Unfamiliar Grounds – an ambitious new immersive production by Crossroad Arts that will transform the purpose-built dome into a virtual world filled with large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heartwarming story designed to spark the imagination of audiences of all ages.

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Presented from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, the production has been more than 18 months in the making, bringing together performers, directors and visual artists to create an experience unlike anything previously staged in Mackay.

Director and CEO Autumn said this performance, was their biggest one yet.

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“We've had an enormous amount of support from local businesses, trade businesses that have donated their labour, their time, and also their equipment and materials. So we're very grateful.”

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“This is probably the biggest thing we've done… We wanted to do something that's outside the box... something more immersive, where people can be inside the experience with us as we're performing.”

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Dance Director Charlee Presland said the story was inspired by ideas shared by the performers themselves.

“Some of the participants are very heavily into video games, some are into nature, and some just wanted to be inside and not want to come out.”

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She said those ideas evolved into a story where a character journeys through a virtual world, facing challenges inspired by the natural elements.

“We've taken inspiration from people's love of nature and video games and tied them all together.”

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Performer Georgia Knoll, who plays Fire, said she loves stepping into the role.

“I love being Fire... Fire's pretty sassy.”

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Fellow director and performer Hannah Izard, who portrays Mother Nature, said the story builds towards one final challenge.

“Mother Nature comes in and sets everything right... but you'll have to come and watch the show if you want to find out more.”

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The immersive production also features digital projections created by Crossroad Arts' visual artists, transforming their original artworks into a virtual environment that surrounds audiences inside the 15-metre dome.

Ms Izard said the production had grown from a simple creative prompt.

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“We were given the words ‘unfamiliar ground’... from every person's idea, we put them all together and came up with this big story that’s grown into what it is now."

The dome has already become a talking point in Mackay, with the team hoping it encourages more people to discover what Crossroad Arts performers can achieve.

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“We're trying to get more people inside the dome and see what we're capable of, and what people with disabilities can actually do – put on a major show!” said Ms Presland .

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Looking beyond the world premiere, the team hopes the production will eventually tour other regional communities.

“We would love to use the dome in other regional towns... and show people what we do here,” added Ms Skuthorpe.

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Crossroad Arts Company Manager Lesa Walker described seeing the project come together as a rewarding milestone.

“It's been very rewarding to see it up... it’s a big achievement and I'm very excited to see where this takes us.”

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Unfamiliar Grounds will run from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, from 7pm to 8.30pm, inside The Dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns, 73 Gordon Street, Mackay. Led by Crossroad Arts performers and creatives, the immersive production promises audiences a virtual world brought to life through large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heart-warming story for all ages.

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WHAT: Unfamiliar Grounds

WHERE: Mackay Regional Council Lawns

WHEN: 15^th-18^th July

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Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach Owners JP Afflick, Adam Zakharoff all smiles with Don Algie (Founder of Hog’s Breath Australia), Mai Algie and Ginger White. Photo credit: Trish Jandt

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Hog's Breath Airlie Beach turned back the clock on Saturday night, celebrating the restaurant chain's 37th birthday alongside two years under local ownership with an evening packed with live music, complimentary bites and plenty of familiar faces.

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Locals mixed with Hog's Breath OGs who travelled to be there, creating a reunion atmosphere that celebrated the brand's enduring legacy while showcasing the venue's new chapter under owners Adam Zakharnoff and JP Afflick.

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“We had Hog’s Breath folk coming from all over Australia,” JP said.  

“It was great to also have local people, local businesses all coming in support and celebrating with us.”  

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Guests were treated to complimentary servings of the restaurant's famous slow-cooked prime rib, chicken wings and other share platters, with plenty to enjoy throughout the evening.

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Local muso Kieran McCarthy helped set the tone, before a band made up of local musicians kept the front bar buzzing well into the evening, making the celebration more than memorable.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/hogs-breaths-birthday-bash-a-big-success

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The girls enjoying the last rays of sunshine before the festival lights took over

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Between the Tides took place in Airlie Beach over the weekend, bringing together a genre-spanning lineup, from indie-folk and acoustic soul to Indigenous hip-hop, electronic beats and surf-rock, ensuring there was something for every music lover.  

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Live from Airlie Beach Foreshore Park, the festival opened with the folk-inspired sounds of Airlie Beach's own Kaylee West before easing into the soulful acoustic melodies of Georgia Corowa.

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At 4.30pm, the music paused as attention shifted to the shoreline for a moving Welcome to Country ceremony. Blending storytelling, song and interactive dance, the performance captivated the crowd while celebrating culture, connection and Country.

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The ceremony flowed seamlessly into Brisbane trio Tjaka, whose high-energy fusion of Indigenous hip-hop, funk and reggae quickly had the foreshore moving. Against the backdrop of a stunning Whitsunday sunset, Geoff Fabila gripped the audience's attention with his mastery of the Didjeribone, a slide didgeridoo.  

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Mid Drift's surf-inspired indie-rock had festivalgoers reaching for Spotify, impressed by the powerhouse vocals of lead singer Sarah Engstrom, before Jem Cassar-Daley's soulful indie-pop and folk melodies ease the crowd as the evening went on.

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Last but certainly not least, Boy & Bear drew the crowd to the front of the stage, with some even climbing onto shoulders for a better view. Their signature blend of indie-folk and alternative rock provided a fitting finale, bringing Between the Tides to a memorable close.  

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See all photos from the event here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/between-the-tides-hit-all-the-right-notes

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Orpheus Quintet. Photo credit: Adam Taylor

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Classical music lovers and curious newcomers alike will have the chance to enjoy a free performance by some of Australia's most talented emerging musicians when the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program visits Proserpine next month.

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On Wednesday 5th August, the Orpheus Quintet, will perform a one-hour concert that offers audiences the chance to experience some classical musicians in an intimate live setting.

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Formed at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Orpheus Quintet is one of Australia's rising chamber ensembles, earning recognition for its energetic performances, musical precision and collaborative approach.  

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The Sydney-based wind ensemble has worked with some of the country's leading musicians and was selected to participate in a masterclass with the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet during its Australian tour.

The performance also highlights the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s Pathways Program, an initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of professional chamber musicians through mentoring, performance opportunities and regional touring.

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Running from 11am to 12pm, the free concert will also feature works by renowned composers Malcolm Arnold and Maurice Ravel, alongside a newly commissioned piece by emerging Australian composer Sam Wu, offering audiences a program that spans both celebrated classics and fresh Australian composition.  

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the performance was a wonderful  

opportunity for the community to experience world-class music without leaving the region.

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"We're delighted to welcome the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program to  

the Proserpine Entertainment Centre," Mayor Collins said.

"This free concert gives our community the opportunity to experience outstanding young  

musicians performing at an incredibly high standard.  

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“Whether you're a long-time classical music fan or simply looking to experience something different, this performance promises to be an enjoyable and inspiring hour of live music."

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Audiences can expect an engaging performance that fills the crowd with energy, done through technical brilliance and musical storytelling. While the concert is free, booking is essential due to the limited seating capacity, which can be done at https://bit.ly/thePEC-AFC.  

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What: AFCM Pathways Free Concert.

When: Wednesday 5th August, 11 am to 12 pm.  

Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre.  

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Following the success of their previous productions NOSTALGIA and IMPULSE, local producer Angela Brown and Emmalene Tinson of Sundown Productions & Events are excited to announce their newest live theatre experience, BAILA MUESTRA, arriving at Magnums Hotel Airlie Beach for two performances only on 24 and 25 July at 8pm.

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Inspired by the energy, colour and excitement of Latin dance, Brazilian carnival and tropical nightlife, BAILA MUESTRA promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment featuring professional dancers, live vocals, audience participation and plenty of surprises.

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Producer Angela Brown said creating unique entertainment experiences for the Whitsundays community is something she is passionate about.

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“I love bringing new theatre shows to town to give both locals and tourists something fun to do of an evening while experiencing professional performers and quality live entertainment,” Ms Brown said.

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“Each of our productions is designed to offer a completely different experience. NOSTALGIA took audiences on a journey through the decades, IMPULSE turned up the glamour and excitement, and now BAILA MUESTRA is bringing a vibrant carnival salsa vibe that will have audiences dancing out of their seats.”

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The production features an exciting cast of performers from across Queensland and New South Wales, showcasing dazzling costumes, energetic choreography, live vocals and interactive moments designed to get the crowd involved.

For the performances, Magnums Hotel’s nightclub will once again be transformed into an intimate seated theatre complete with candlelit cabaret tables, creating a unique atmosphere rarely seen in the region.

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Guests are encouraged to make a full night of it by enjoying dinner and drinks with friends before the show, followed by an evening packed with entertainment, laughter and high-energy performances.

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“We want people to come together, enjoy a great night out and leave with huge smiles on their faces,” Ms Brown said.

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With only two performances scheduled, organisers are encouraging audiences to book early.

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Tickets are selling fast and limited seating remains available.

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For bookings and information, secure your seats now and experience the Whitsundays’ hottest new winter show.

www.sundownproductions.com.au  

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What: BAILA MUESTRA  

When: Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July 2026, 8pm


Where: Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach

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Marco Sinni dawning the James Reyne look  

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The unmistakable sound of Australian Crawl is set to echo through the Airlie Beach Hotel once again, as tribute band Reckless brings one of Australia’s most beloved rock catalogues back to life.

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Returning to one of its favourite venues, Reckless will hit the stage at the Airlie Beach Hotel on the 18^th and 19^th of July, bringing the spirit of legendary 80s band Australian Crawl, for two nights of classic Aussie rock.

"When we go to Airlie, we actually have people flying from around the country to see us," Marco said.

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"We're very fortunate, there are people from Darwin, people from Cairns, we get people coming from everywhere."

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Formed five years ago by this group of devoted Australian Crawl fans, Reckless was created to ensure the band's iconic catalogue continued to be heard.  

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The lineup features Mark Horvath on bass as Paul Williams, Danny Azzopardi behind the kit in tribute to John Watson, Michael Haesler on lead guitar as Simon Binks, and Troy Mayle on rhythm guitar, honouring both Brad Robinson and Guy McDonagh. Leading the band as the famous voice of Australian Crawl is Marco, who almost perfectly embodies the part of frontman James Reyne.

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“I've studied James' singing, listening very carefully,” Marco said.  

“I emulated, not exactly, because I like to do my own performance but also wanting to show respect to the original artist.”  

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Despite the attention he has given to recreating Reyne's iconic vocals, Marco said Reckless has never been about one performer taking centre stage.

"We like everyone to see that the band is completely united, equal and performing and giving it their best for everyone," he said.

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"I'm just very lucky I’ve got four very good musicians with me."

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What started out as a few shows in Melbourne slowly transpired into all over Victoria. Then, the band branched out nationwide, with further hopes of expanding internationally in places like Papua New Guinea.  

“The band started out locally, just trying to revitalise and get a little bit of a following,” Marco said.  

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While Australian Crawl remains at the heart of every performance, the show doesn't end there for Airlie Beach. After an opening set dedicated to the band's biggest hits and James Reyne classics, Reckless shifts into crowd-favourite Aussie Hit Show, celebrating some of the most iconic Australian songs from across the decades.  

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“What they can expect from us is a very high-quality musicianship and vocal ability performance,” said Marco.  

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"People just basically sing along for the whole show.

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“People might not always be dancing, but they're always singing the words."  

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What: Reckless’s Australian Crawl and James Reyne Tribute Show

When: 18th & 19th of July  

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel  

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‍By Glenda Brown, President Creative Connections Whitsunday  

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Recent media coverage surrounding the Doyles Art Award has sparked an important conversation across Australia's arts community. An award-winning landscape painting has been identified as closely resembling an earlier work by another artist, prompting an investigation into how the work was accepted and whether the prize money can be recovered.  

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Whatever the outcome of that investigation, it serves as a timely reminder that originality is one of the foundations of artistic practice.  

As we prepare for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition later this month, Creative Connections Whitsundays encourages all artists to ensure that the work they submit is genuinely their own original creation.  

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Copyright is far more than a legal requirement. It is about respecting the time, skill, and creativity that every artist invests in their work. In today's digital world, where photographs and images can be found online within seconds, it can be easy to forget that most of these works remain protected by copyright.  

Artists often unintentionally cross the line by painting directly from someone else's photograph, closely reproducing another artist's work, or using images from social media, websites, or films without permission. While copying for private practice or study is generally acceptable, exhibiting, selling, or teaching from those works without permission is not.  

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The simplest rule is this: create your own reference material whenever possible, seek permission if you wish to use someone else's work, and always acknowledge your sources.  

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Originality is what gives art its value. Every artist brings a unique perspective, shaped by their own experiences, observations and imagination. By respecting copyright and celebrating authentic creative expression, we help build a stronger, more ethical arts community where every artist's contribution is valued.  

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As artists, we all share a responsibility to protect the integrity of our creative community. Original ideas deserve recognition, and originality will always be worth celebrating.  

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Community Gallery Announces Inaugural People's Choice Award Winner  

Creative Connections Whitsundays is delighted to announce Linda Forrester as the winner of the inaugural Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award at the Community Gallery in Proserpine.  

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Voting opened on the Gallery's official opening night on 4 June and continued throughout the inaugural exhibition, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite artwork. Linda's striking fine art print, Radiant Depths, emerged as the clear favourite.  

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Inspired by the beauty of the underwater world, Radiant Depths captivated visitors with its depiction of sunlight filtering through crystal-clear water to illuminate the reef below. Many commented on the artwork's vibrant colours, sense of depth, and the way it captured the magic and tranquility of the Whitsundays' marine environment.  

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The People's Choice Award reflects one of the Community Gallery's core aims – to connect artists with the community and encourage visitors to engage with the diverse range of local creative talent on display.

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The Gallery That Changes Every Month  

Just one month after opening its doors, the Creative Connections Whitsunday Community Gallery has completed its very first gallery changeover, giving locals and visitors a whole new reason to visit.  

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One of the things that makes the gallery unique is that it isn't a permanent collection.  

Each month, 27 exhibiting artists refresh their displays with new artworks and handcrafted merchandise, while new artists join the gallery.  

Every visit offers something different to discover.  

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This month's changeover welcomes internationally exhibited contemporary artist Elmira Hooshangi, whose vibrant abstract paintings explore emotion, colour and texture, and award-winning aerial photographer Ingrid Hendriksen, whose breathtaking images reveal Australia from remarkable new perspectives.  

Visitors will also find exciting new works from many of Creative Connections Whitsunday’s existing artists, including local stained glass artist Liz Knight, whose distinctive glass sculptures and artworks combine traditional craftsmanship with driftwood, reclaimed timber and other natural materials.  

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From paintings and photography to glass art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and unique handmade gifts, the gallery showcases an extraordinary range of locally created work, all under one roof.  

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As a community-run gallery, every visit supports local artists and helps Creative Connections Whitsunday continue creating opportunities for artists across our region.  

If you visited the Gallery last month, they’d love to welcome you back and show you what's changed. And if you haven't visited yet, now is the perfect time to discover why the Community Gallery will be different every month.  

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What: Community Gallery  
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine  
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm and Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm  

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Calling all art lovers  

Love art? Enjoy meeting people?  

Join Creative Connections Whitsunday for a relaxed Volunteer Morning Tea and discover how you can become part of our friendly Community Gallery team.  

When: 10am-12pm Sunday 25 July  
Where: Community Gallery, Prosperine  

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CREATE. CONNECT. WHITSUNDAYS  

Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

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Whitsundays Writers Festival  
Richard Evans  
Festival Director and President  
hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers  

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Creative Connections Whitsunday  
Glenda Brown  
President  
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

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Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30 July to 2 August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.  

Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.  

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Michele Shea has taken out this week's photography competition with a striking image fitting for the "Clocks and Watches" theme.  

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The winning photograph features an elegant Olivia Burton-style watch, with the central nature theme balancing the watch's delicate design.  

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Well done, Michele! Now it's time to use your own interpretation for next week's theme, "Above or Below." From soaring skies to hidden treasures underfoot, we can't wait to see what catches your eye.  

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Freak Car Crash. A sedan was completely split into front and rear halves in an accident North of Bloomsbury in which five people were injured but all survived.  

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Sand For Airlie Beach. The proposed sand from the Proserpine River was unavailable, being four feet under water with recent rains. Plans to place 50,000 cubic metres on the beach will still go ahead.  

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Road To Collinsville. The proposal to build a two lane bitumen road from Proserpine direct to Collinsville was put on hold with estimated cost of $15 million.  

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Nursing home Opens. Fundraisers of the district including land donor Eddie Dray, the  

Mill’s $50,000 donation and the extra levy on rates by the Council as well as the generosity of local people were congratulated. Matron Debbie Grillmeier and secretary Gwyn Johns were among several hundred people gathered to witness the official opening and were entertained by the Town Band, the Baton Twirlers, the High School Gym Club, Country and Western Singers and a fashion parade.  

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Round Australia Run. A team of 25 army runners are doing an anti clockwise round Australia sponsored run as part of the  Australian Cancer Foundation “Enlist for Life” campaign. They will pass through the district on Sunday.  

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North Queensland Deb of the Year. The following local ladies will compete for the title: Tracey Telford, Melody Anderson, Jane Tibaldi and Sally Dray.  

Bi-Centennial Plans. A picnic, A New Year’s Party and fireworks are among activities that will take place in the new park and walkway to mark the 1988 occasion backed by the WTA and the Chamber Of Commerce.  

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Jack Daniels Retirement. 100 guests gathered for farewell presentations to retiring Rates Clerk Jack Daniels. Shire Chairman Peter Faust and Curator Hec Phillipson praised his 41 years service.  

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Muddy Bay. Construction of the marina now called Boathaven Bay is expected to commence this month.  

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Shutehaven Art Group will mount a colourful display at Romeo’s Italian Restaurant courtyard. Fay Thornley, Sharon Drew and Owen Dalrymple and others will exhibit their work.  

Mackay Permanent Building Society. We pay 11.02% p.a. interest.  

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‘Torres Herald’ Cruises To Whitsundays. The 54 foot schooner built in Brisbane in 1938 is best known as the originator of popular “Fun Race” ten years ago. Alan Southwood rebuilt the boat as one of the first charter boats in  the area.  

‘Air Supply’ skippered by Seddon Cripps won the Round The Whitsundays race from runner up ‘Skeeta’ skippered by Charles Wallis.  

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Open Golf Championships. 126 golfers took part in the mixed foursomes with runners up Mae Secombe and John Grosskreutz the best placed locals.  

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Whitsunday Game Fish Club. Several local, australian and World Records were broken by local anglers. Father and son team Mal and Richard Draper set new Australian records with excellent Queenfish catches.  

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More than 20 authors who live and write right here in the Greater Whitsunday region will come face-to-face with their readers at Stories by the Sea – a free community event closing the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival on Sunday 13 September.

Held at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, from 3pm the afternoon event is free and open to everyone – no ticket required.

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The line-up spans psychological thrillers, personal memoirs, business books, travel writing, and spiritual journeys, making it one of the most diverse gatherings of regional authors Queensland has seen.

Festival Director Richard Evans says the event is a rare chance for locals to discover just how much literary talent exists in their own backyard.

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“Visitors will get to meet the writers, hear the stories behind the stories, and pick up a book they won’t find anywhere else. The variety in this year’s line-up is genuinely exciting – there is something for every reader.”

Stories by the Sea is free to attend. Bring the family, browse the books, and meet the authors.

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Bec Russell

Life in the Soul Lane author and holistic wellness practitioner helping people reconnect through authentic, intentional living.

Bernd Braeuer

Former Siemens executive and Climbing Mountains, Reaching Goals author sharing four decades of leadership and life lessons.

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Mark T. Rasmussen

Award-winning author and former music journalist whose travels across 60 countries inspire his fiction and children's books.

Tiki Ra

Finding the Quietness Within author drawing on spiritual journeys and travel to inspire self-discovery and adventure.

Tim King

Author exploring mental health, PTSD and true crime through powerful memoir and psychological storytelling grounded in lived experience.

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Event Details

What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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Tickets and full programme details are available via the festival website.

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JULY

10^th Bowen Hockey School Holiday Fun Come Try Day, 9am-2pm, St Mary’s Catholic School, Bowen

10^th Build the Reef School Holiday Fun, 10am-12pm, Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach

10^th Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Monthly Adoption Day, 10am-2pm, 79 Powell Street, Bowen

10^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine

10^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach

10^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Aaron Saxon, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

11^th Bowen Polocrosse Carnival, ALL DAY, Bowen Polocrosse Club, Bowen

11^th Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Cast a Line Fishing Challenge, ALL DAY, Whitsunday Game Fish Club Clubhouse, Altman Avenue, Cannonvale

11^th PCYC Bowen Open Day, 9am-1pm, PCYC Bowen, Bowen

11^th Rewind 80’s Mixtape Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

11^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Dylan Hammond, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

11^th Rock the Reef Saturdays, 9:30pm, Grand View Hotel, Bowen

11^th Whitsunday Brahmans Ladies Day, 11am, Les Staff Oval, Proserpine

12^th Bowen Polocrosse Carnival, ALL DAY, Bowen Polocrosse Club, Bowen

12^th Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Cast a Line Fishing Challenge, ALL DAY, Whitsunday Game Fish Club Clubhouse, Altman Avenue, Cannonvale

12^th Whitsunday Lions Club 5th Annual Charity Golf Day, 8am-5pm, Whitsunday Green Club, Cannonvale

12^th Sunday Sessions in the Beer Garden, 2pm-5pm, Grand View Hotel, Bowen

12^th Rewind 80’s Mixtape Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

12^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

14^th Sailability Whitsundays.  

16^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

16^th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach

17^th BSHS NAIDOC Celebrations, 8:45am, Bowen State High School, Bowen

17^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine

17^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach

17^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

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10th July

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.  

11th July  

ABH: Rewind 80s, 2pm-5:30pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: B Doubles, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Andrew Baladino, 4pm-7pm

12th July  

ABH: Rewind 80s, 2pm-5:30pm,  

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Sam McCann, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm.  

13th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge from 8 pm to 10 pm.

14th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm  

15th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  
KC’s Bar & Grill: Matt, 8pm-10pm

16th July  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer, 8pm-10pm

ABH: Acoustic Sessions with Aaron Saxson, 6:30pm-9:30pm.  

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Revvin Car show set to rock Main street this Great Barrier Reef Festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy

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Classic cars, live rock 'n' roll, dancing and vintage fashion will take over Airlie Beach next month as the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival Car Show returns, promising its biggest celebration of chrome and community yet.

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On Saturday, August 1, the Hog’s Breath Revvin the Reef Car show will shut down Airlie Beach Main Street between 10am and 2pm, welcoming everything from vintage classics and custom builds to motorcycles and trucks from across North Queensland.

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“It’s going to be cool, eye-catching, different,” said Rachel Bott, event organiser who alongside her husband, also owns Whitsundays Hot Rod Tours.  

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“Anyone's pride and joy.”

"We'd like people to come down, spend the weekend, and check out the festival program because there's so much on!”  

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Returning for its 10th year, the Revvin' the Reef Car Show continues to celebrate the people behind the vehicles as much as the machines themselves, welcoming everyone from seasoned collectors to first-time exhibitors.  

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Following last year’s latina theme, this years’ car show will emulate that rockabilly flavour, with live dancing, music and vintage-inspired swag adding to the spectacle alongside the display of all your favourite vehicles.

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Rock 'n' roll dancers from Mackay are expected to perform throughout the day, while organisers are planning potential dance lessons, encouraging festivalgoers to embrace the era through themed outfits.  

“People love dressing up, but not necessarily doing the whole pin up competition thing,” Rachel said.  

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“So yeah, I still want to encourage people to dress up and have fun with it.”  

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“We want to give some prizes to people for dressing in theme as well.”  

The event will feature roaming judges, picking out festive fits for spot prizes. So think, 50s greaser, full pin-up or anything vintage and you could be chosen!

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From hot rods and muscle cars to classics, EVs, motorcycles and trucks, the display will showcase a diverse mix of vehicles from across the region, with the public once again deciding the event's Top 10 People's Choice winners.

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Families can look forward to the possible return of the crowd-favourite, the Mater replica truck from Mackay, with organisers also hoping to attract more motorcycles and drag bikes to this year's display.

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