July

4^th Lake Proserpine Open Day: Free BBQ from 9am-1pm, live music and entertainment plus Kids Camp Free all weekend

4^th Queensland Music Trails - Between the Tides
8^th Cirque Nouvelle, Proserpine Entertainment Centre

23^rd Fire & Rain: The James Taylor Songbook, Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

25^th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, , Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

25^th-26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

30^th Your Song, Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

30^th-2^nd Aug Great Barrier Reef Festival

‍

3rd July

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

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

‍

4th July  

ABH: Dirty Deeds ADC Tribute Band, 2pm to 5:30 pm  

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band from 8pm onwards.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe from 8pm onwards.

‍

5th July  

ABH: Dirty Deeds ADC Tribute Band, 2pm to 5:30 pm  

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Nite Johnston from 8pm onwards.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino from 8pm onwards.  

‍

6th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes from 8pm onwards.  

‍

7th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes from 8pm onwards.  

‍

8th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann from 8pm onwards.  

‍

9th July  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann from 8pm onwards.  

‍

Saturday’s Main Street takeover is a community favourite. Photo supplied

‍

‍

Silver will shine across Airlie Beach this year as the Great Barrier Reef Festival unveils a special birthday theme to celebrate its 25-year anniversary.

‍

Proudly presented by Cruise Whitsundays, the festival returns from July 31^st to August 2^nd, with three days of reef-inspired festivities, entertainment and community celebrations marking the milestone occasion.

‍

"Celebrating 25 years is not only a chance to reflect on how far the festival has come, it's also a vote of confidence in where we're headed," said Festival Chair Heather Batrick.  

‍

"We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received from both our returning and new sponsors this year.

‍

"Their investment is a testament to the strength of the festival, our incredible volunteers and the community that has championed this event for a quarter of a century.

‍

‍

"Their continued support allows us to keep growing the festival, attract outstanding entertainment, and continue offering so many of our signature events free for everyone to enjoy."

‍

This year will see the return of the community’s favourite events, such as Saturday’s Main Street takeover with the Club Whitsundays Street parade and Revvin’ Reef Car Show, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day and of course the spectacular firework presentationthat will kick of the whole thing, now sponsored by AirBnB.  

‍

"Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand.  

‍

Festival-goers can expect an immersive experience across the foreshore, with a large-scale reef art installation made from recycled materials on display in Fairy Tree Park, capturing the essence of the reef’s natural wonder.

‍

Rachael’s son Reef, and mum Jan, who supported her throughout her journey.

‍

Local author and cancer survivor Rachael Smith launched her first book at Fat Frog Café in Cannonvale on Saturday evening. With more than 30 people in attendance, the intimate book launch of her memoir, A Single Working Mum’s Guide To Surviving Cancer, was a huge success.

‍

“It was such an honour to share this special moment with such a beautiful group of people,” shared Rachael.

‍

“The journey took seven drafts, over seven years, and to finally hold my own book in my hands was a moment in my life I will treasure forever.

‍

‍

“Thank you to everyone for coming and thank you to everyone who bought my book – I hope the book now helps others who are facing a similar journey to mine.

‍

“I’d like to say a special thank you to my publishers, Richard and Julia Evans, my ever supportive husband and of course my mum Jan and son Reef, plus all the other characters who starred in my book.”

‍

‍

You can purchase the book from Whitsunday News Newsagency at Whitsunday Plaza. It will also be available at the library soon and on Amazon within the next few weeks.

‍

See more photos from the event here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/local-author-launches-first-book

‍

Hog’s Breath's Birthday 2025. Photo supplied

‍

‍

Live music, tasty bites and plenty of familiar faces will fill Hog's Breath Airlie Beach this Saturday as the venue celebrates the restaurant chain's 37th birthday alongside two years under local ownership.  

‍

Launched 37 years ago by entrepreneur Don Algie, Hog's Breath Cafe has grown from a single restaurant into one of Australia's most recognisable dining brands, becoming famous for its signature slow-cooked prime rib, laid-back atmosphere and cheeky sense of humour.

‍

This year's celebration has a bit of added significance for the Airlie Beach venue, marking two years since local owners Adam Zakharoff and JP Afflick took over the restaurant, revitalising the Hog's Breath tradition while putting their own stamp on the much-loved local favourite.

‍

‍

‍

The festivities will kick off from 5pm on Saturday at the venue's front bar on Shute Harbour Road, with local musician Kieran McCarthy providing lunchtime entertainment before the celebrations continue into the evening with more live music.

‍

The night should be a good mix of the old and new generations celebrating decades of success.  

“We've got Hog’s breath people all around Australia flying in for the event, so it should be a big Saturday night,” said owner of Hog’s Breath Cafe in Airlie Beach JP Afflick.  

The restaurant will be open for business, with extra snacks on offer to go along with everyone's beers.  

‍

‍

‍

“We'll also have a bunch of complimentary nibbles throughout the night in the bar there to keep everyone well-behaved,” JP said.  

“There'll be a range, from our famous prime rib to chicken wings and all other sorts of shareables.”  

‍

What: Hog’s Breath Cafe’s 37th birthday

When: Saturday 4th July  

Where: Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach on Shute Harbour Rd.

‍

Airlie Beach Cruise Markets. Photo source: Facebook.  

‍

The Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets are bringing some festive magic to the middle of winter — and things are about to get very merry.

All July Cruise Ship Markets will be transformed into a Christmas in July celebration, with a festive atmosphere guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter's evening (not that Airlie Beach winters are ever that cold). Expect seasonal decorations, a Christmas-inspired market vibe, and plenty of holiday cheer as stallholders and visitors alike get into the spirit of the season.

‍

And the excitement doesn't stop there. Whispers around the Whitsundays suggest there may even be a very special visitor making an appearance at the July markets. Could it be a certain someone in a red suit? You'll just have to come along and find out...

‍

The July Cruise Ship Markets take place on cruise ship days throughout the month. Locals, visitors, and cruise ship passengers are encouraged to check the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets social media channels and website for updates.

‍

About the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets

The Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets operate on cruise ship days in Airlie Beach, offering locals and visitors a vibrant waterfront market experience featuring local producers, artisans, food vendors, and unique Whitsunday-made products. The markets celebrate the best of the region and provide a warm welcome to the thousands of cruise ship passengers who visit Airlie Beach each year.

‍

Visit: airliebeachmarkets.com.au/ and Facebook @airliebeachcruiseshipmarkets

‍

Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays, said recent results reinforce that The Whitsundays remains one of Australia's most compelling destinations for both domestic and international travellers. Photo source: Tourism Whitsundays

‍

Tourism Whitsundays (TW) have released results from the Tourism Research Australia International Visitor Survey and Domestic Tourism Statistics for the year ending March 2026, confirming $271.8 million in international visitor expenditure, up 27.6% year-on-year, alongside 688,000 domestic overnight visitors.

‍

Key statistics — year ending March 2026

‍

International Visitor Survey

• International expenditure: $271.8 million, up 27.6% (record)

• International visitors: 175,000, down 1.7% 

• Visitor nights: 1.3 million, up 15%

• Average length of stay: 7.7 nights, up 1.1 nights

• Spend per visitor night: $202, up 11%

• Spend per visitor: $1,551, up 29.9%

• Continental Europe: 72,000 visitors

• United Kingdom: 41,000 visitors

‍

Domestic Tourism Statistics

• Total visitor expenditure: $959.1 million, 3% of Queensland total

• Day trip expenditure: $71.4 million, 1% of Queensland total 

• Overnight visitors: 688,000

• Visitor nights: 2.5 million

• VFR visitors: 180,000; VFR expenditure: $164.5 million

• Interstate expenditure: $432 million

• Intrastate expenditure: $455.7 million

‍

“Record international expenditure, growth in overnight visitation and strong interstate demand all point to a region that is building real momentum,” said CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth.  

‍

"What makes these numbers especially significant is the context in which they were achieved. Cyclone Koji hit The Whitsundays in January 2026, squarely within this reporting period, and yet the region returned these results. That speaks to the strength of operator confidence, the quality of the experiences on offer and the loyalty of visitors who know The Whitsundays and keep coming back. We are well-positioned for continued growth as we move into the year ahead."

"These figures show visitors are staying longer, spending more and continuing to choose The Whitsundays for the world-class experiences we offer,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.  

‍

“That means more support for local businesses, more jobs for locals and greater confidence in our regional economy."

"As the future home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032, these results reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in the infrastructure and experiences that will support sustainable tourism growth and ensure The Whitsundays remains a destination of choice for visitors from around Australia and around the world."

‍

Members of the Mackay Writers' Group. Front: Kel and Brooke. Back: Canna, Jack, Riki, Paul and Steve. Photo Supplied

‍

For aspiring writers, poets and storytellers, a rare opportunity to learn from one of Australia's most respected bush poets is coming to Mackay next month, with an all-day workshop designed to help participants refine their craft, share their stories and even transform their poetry into song.

‍

Hosted by the Mackay Writers on July 11^th the workshop will be led by acclaimed bush poet Mick Martin, who will guide attendees through the art of bush poetry while encouraging writers of all experience levels to build confidence, ask questions and develop their own unique voice.

‍

"Going to a workshop with an expert gives you permission to do things that maybe you always thought you weren't good enough to do.”  

‍

"It gives you permission to put yourself out there and write and ask questions and, like, expand your knowledge to grow within yourself."

‍

Running from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Jubilee Community Centre, the workshop will give participants the chance to develop a poem, explore how it can be set to music and learn directly from one of Australia's leading bush poets.

‍

Founded by Paul Vanderloo’s, Mackay Writers has been bringing local writers together for more than 40 years, with workshops like this held only every five years. Alongside special events, monthly workshops at 1pm on the last Saturday of every month, supporting one another across a wide range of writing styles, from poetry to memoirs and everything in between.

‍

Whether you've been writing for decades or have a notebook full of ideas waiting to get started on, the workshop promises a welcoming space to sharpen your skills, meet fellow writers and maybe think up your next great story.

‍

‍

North Head Lighthouse. Photo supplied

‍

Bowen residents and visitors can look forward to walking to the North Head Lighthouse when the tide is low enough in coming weeks.

Each year, during winter, on just a few dates, the tides are usually low enough to make this possible.

‍

The lighthouse is situated just one kilometre from the Bowen mainland, at the entrance to Port Denison.

It is one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses and people have been taking advantage of the low tides in winter for many years.

‍

Port Denison was the first port established in North Queensland, with Bowen being officially proclaimed a town on April 11^th 1861.

Built in 1866, this six-sided wooden tower lighthouse protected ships entering the busy port between Middle, Stone and Gloucester Islands.

‍

The North Head Lighthouse was extinguished in 1985 and the original lens shifted to the Bowen Historical Museum.

In 2017, the North Head Lighthouse was restored by community groups, ensuring this important and eye-catching landmark is maintained for future generations.

‍

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said the low tides in winter always attracted a large crowd of people keen to make the trek across from the mainland to the Lighthouse.

Lighthouse walkers follow an exposed sand spit in a curving path towards the North Head Island.

‍

“Your feet will get wet, so we recommend walkers wear reef boots or old sneakers,” Leanne said.  

‍

“We also recommend you leave the mainland one hour before the lowest tide to ensure you have time to safely return to the mainland before the tide rises again.

‍

“Walkers are expected to see red starfish and sea cucumbers. If you are really lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle.”

“We ask that everyone taking part in the walk respects the marine environment and doesn’t touch the marine life.”  

‍

The walk starts at Dalrymple Point and walkers are reminded that they take part at their own risk, and attention should be given to your fitness, suitability and the tide times.

‍

“We also suggest taking water and wearing sunscreen and a light jacket in case there is a breeze,” Leanne said.  

‍

“We don’t recommend the walk if the tide is above 0.2m – and don’t forget to take your camera.”

‍

Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism.

‍

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue volunteer Michael and her partner have helped foster and rehome nine cats and kittens, giving each one a second chance at finding a loving forever home. Photo supplied

‍

By Chelsea Ravizza

‍

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue (BCPR) social media and foster carer volunteer, Michael never expected animal rescue to become such a significant part of her life.  

‍

Today, she combines her passion for animals with a growing talent for social media, in a volunteer role she describes as the "perfect fit" for her lifestyle.

“What keeps me coming back [to BCPR] is knowing that even small contributions can help animals find loving homes, and give them a second chance,” she said.

‍

Over the course of a year, Michael and her partner fostered cats and kittens, successfully helping nine animals find forever homes. Although she admits they nearly “foster failed” more than once after becoming attached to their furry guests, Michael said seeing each animal grow in confidence and eventually find a loving family made the experience incredibly rewarding.

‍

“Moments like that remind you why rescue work is so important - it's one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience,” she said.

‍

“Seeing an animal arrive scared, unsure, or neglected and then watching them slowly learn to trust people again is incredibly special. When they finally find a loving home, you feel happy, proud, and satisfied knowing you've played a small part in changing that animal's life forever. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

‍

While volunteering often requires personal sacrifice, Michael said she’s constantly inspired by the commitment of her fellow volunteers, seeing firsthand how many juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities and busy personal lives, yet still dedicate countless hours to caring for vulnerable animals and helping them find loving homes.

‍

“It can be emotionally challenging as well, especially when resources are stretched and difficult decisions have to be made. Volunteers do it because they genuinely care, but it takes a lot of commitment and passion.”

‍

Michael hopes more members of the community will step forward to volunteer or become foster carers, highlighting the critical role rescue groups play in regional areas like Bowen, where they often serve as a safety net for vulnerable animals by providing care, rehabilitation and a pathway to a loving forever home.

‍

“One thing many people don’t understand is that we don’t have a shelter. Our rescue relies on foster carers opening their homes to animals in need. Without volunteers and community support, many animals would have very limited options,” she explained.

‍

Groups like Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue provide abandoned, surrendered and at-risk animals with a second chance while promoting responsible pet ownership, relying heavily on community support, with every foster carer, volunteer, donor and adopter playing a vital role in helping save lives.

‍

“Our main focus is helping animals that have been abandoned, surrendered, or are at risk of euthanasia and finding them safe, loving homes, and none of that is possible without volunteers, foster carers, donations, and community support.”

‍

To learn more about becoming a BCPR volunteer, reach out to the organisation via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com, or visit the group’s social media pages to directly access Foster Carer Application Forms.

‍

“I'd love to see more people get involved, even if it's just fostering, volunteering a few hours, donating, or sharing adoption posts online. Every bit of support helps save lives.”

‍

Golfers dressed up for the 2025 event. Photo Supplied  

‍

Whitsunday Green Golf Club will tee off its fifth annual Lions Charity Golf Day on July 12^th, bringing together golfers and community members for a fun-filled fundraiser.  

‍

Held in partnership with the Lions Club, the four-person Ambrose style event welcomes golfers of all skill levels for a fast-paced day on the green, with the focus firmly on fun and fundraising.

‍

"We've created a really good sense of community with the Lions and ourselves," said Golf Club Manager Jon Miller.  

‍

Over the past five years, the event has raised almost $50,000 for Proserpine Hospital, averaging around $10,000 each year. In addition to supporting the hospital, proceeds have also been donated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, with this year's remaining funds set to help provide Christmas hampers for local families doing it tough.

‍

Fancy Dress theme event will run across the day with a series of shotgun starts, allowing multiple groups to play while keeping the course moving efficiently. Teams of four will compete in a nine-hole Ambrose competition, with players teeing off from different holes at the same time before making their way around the course together.

‍

‍

Golfers can choose from several tee-off times between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, making it easy for participants to fit the event into their schedules. While each round takes around an hour and a half to complete, many players are encouraged to stay afterwards to enjoy some barby classics alongside the community atmosphere at the clubhouse.

‍

“It's just really a true fundraiser,” said Whitsundays Green Cafe Operator Robbie Miles.  

‍

“We make it a fun day, it doesn't mean we can play golf, don't even hit a golf ball, that’s irrelevant.

‍

‍

“The genre of it is to come and have a fun day, assimilate with the community, and everyone knows what it's for.”

‍

The club has secured strong support from sponsors, with Whitsunday Regional Council, Bendigo Bank and Cruise Whitsundays among those already backing the event. Whitsunday Green are still welcoming additional sponsors, with sponsorship available for $350.

‍

For those wanting to hit the fairways, entry costs $30 for an individual or $120 for a team of four. Open to golfers of all abilities, the Ambrose format is designed to keep the competition fun and inclusive, making it just as enjoyable for first-timers as it is for experienced players.

‍

What: Annual Whitsunday’s Lions Charity Golf Day  

When: Sunday 12th July

Where: Whitsunday Green Club, Cannon Valley

‍

There are some dishes that perfectly capture a place. At Sorrento Restaurant & Bar, it's the Prawn & Spanner Crab Spaghetti.

‍

Fresh tiger prawns, delicately diced Queensland spanner crab, cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli and a vibrant lime butter sauce come together with house-made spaghetti to create a dish that's both elegant and effortlessly relaxed. It's a celebration of the region's incredible seafood, interpreted through an unmistakably Italian lens.

‍

Served overlooking Coral Sea Marina, with panoramic views across the turquoise Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, it's a meal best enjoyed slowly. A glass of crisp white wine, the gentle movement of yachts in the harbour, and the afternoon melting into one of Airlie Beach's spectacular sunsets complete the experience.

‍

Leading the kitchen is Italian Head Chef Alessio, whose passion for authentic Italian cuisine shines through every dish. Fresh pasta is made in-house daily, pizza dough is crafted from scratch, and traditional techniques are paired with quality local produce to create food that feels both genuine and memorable.

‍

‍

‍

While the Prawn & Spanner Crab Spaghetti has quickly become a guest favourite, it's just one of many dishes that showcase Sorrento's modern Italian approach. From the rich, creamy Carbonara Fettuccine and the indulgent Filleto Fettuccine with chicken, wild mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, gorgonzola and truffle, to the ever-popular Marinara Fettuccine overflowing with local seafood, every plate reflects a genuine respect for Italian tradition.

‍

It's this balance of authentic cuisine, fresh local ingredients and an unforgettable waterfront setting that has made Sorrento one of Airlie Beach's favourite dining destinations. Whether you're joining friends for a leisurely lunch, sharing fresh house-made pizzas in the afternoon, or settling in for dinner as live acoustic music drifts across the marina, every visit offers another reason to return.

‍

Because sometimes the best meals aren't just about what's on the plate. They're about where you are, who you're with, and taking the time to savour both.

‍

Lumos speed networking group. Photo supplied  

‍

Local business owners came together once again on Friday as Lumos Speed Networking continued its mission of turning professional connections into lasting friendships.  

‍

Originating back in May 2024, the event was started by local business owner Kathy Barker after she found working from home to be an isolating experience.  

‍

Having recently launched her own real estate business and wanting to meet more people in the region, Kathy drew on her previous experience running successful networking events to create a welcoming space where local business owners could connect, collaborate and support one another.  

‍

What began as an opportunity to build her own business has since grown into a supportive community where members collaborate, share ideas and help one another navigate the challenges of running a business.  

‍

“It can be quite lonely when you're working for yourself and working from home,” Kathy said.  

“If you've got any hassle and you're needing to look for certain people to help you within your business, then it's very hard when you're on your own.  

‍

“So I created the networking event so that we could all support each other.”

‍

Running the last Friday of every month from 7:30am to 8:30am at Lumos Cafe and Restaurant, each session begins with a series of short introductions. This gives everyone the chance to share who they are, what they do and the kind of clients or connections they'relooking for.  

‍

“Then pretty much it's kind of open discussion for everybody just to talk about whatever,” Kathy said.  

“Discussions vary from all sorts of things, personal life to business life and everything in between.  

‍

“It's lovely, it’s become really just like a bunch of friends all getting together.”

‍

While many familiar faces return each month, the relaxed format also welcomes newcomers looking to expand their professional network.

The event is completely free, letting attendees get their own coffee and breakfast before joining the conversation at their own convenience.  

‍

“I didn't want to make it a paid event where there was going to be even more pressure for business owners to put their hand in their pocket,” Kathy said.  

‍

‍

What: Lumos Speed Networking Breakfast  

When: Last Friday of every month (Next: 31st July 7:30am-8:30)

Where: Lumos Cafe & Restaurant  

‍

If you can’t make it to the Mayor’s Charity Ball this year,  you can still support this year's beneficiary, BMA CQ Rescue through the Online Fundraiser.  For just $25, you can purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win a three-night luxury stay for two at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, including breakfast and return transfers! Head to Council’s website to purchase your tickets today!

Whitsundays Holiday Park on Lake Proserpine. Photo supplied  

‍

Families looking for a fun and affordable way to spend the start of the school holidays are invited to Lake Proserpine this Saturday, with the annual Open Day returning for another morning of community entertainment.

‍

The event will feature live music, face painting, guided dam wall tours, a free barbecue, children's activities and even wildlife sightings, giving locals and visitors the chance to explore one of the Whitsundays' most popular outdoor destinations.

‍

Running from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, July 4^th, the free event will showcase everything Lake Proserpine has to offer this school holiday.  

‍

Kids will also have the chance to release fingerlings into the lake, with organisers encouraging families to bring along a bucket for the activity. Visitors can then meet local boating, fishing, camping and water safety experts, as well enjoy prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

‍

Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region's most important pieces of infrastructure with a guided dam wall tour hosted by Sunwater. Tours are available for those aged 10 and over when accompanied by an adult.

‍

For those wanting to extend the adventure, Lake Proserpine Holiday Park is also offering free camping for children throughout the weekend, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of the region's favourite outdoor escapes.

What? Lake Proserpine Open Day
Where? Lake Proserpine Holiday Park  
When? Saturday 4^th July, 9am-1pm

‍