Young performers from a non-for-profit, grassroots music group, Amped Up, will take the stage this Saturday at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, performing from 2.30pm to 4.45pm on the Main Street Stage, just before the street parade.

Formed from the merger of Whitsundays Got Talent and the Music Evolution Project, Amped Up is a not-for-profit, community-driven initiative for young people aged 5 to 21.

“Amped Up is a grassroots, community-driven programme dedicated to empowering young people through the power of music and performance,” said organiser Barb Hill.

“It’s not a competition, it’s about having fun.”

Saturday’s performance will feature solo acts Willow, Dillon Poppi, Amaya and Meg. Followed by four youth bands, The Krusaderz, Sugar N Spice, and Aftershock.

Willow will be opening and will be performing their very own original song.

Popular local band Category Five, long-time participants in the youth music scene, will also perform Friday night on the festival’s main stage at 6pm.

“We’re doing this because we want to give these kids the opportunity to shine on stage,” Barb said.

“If people can actually support them, that would be magic.”

The program also has big plans for the future, with hopes of expanding into sound and event production.

Find Amped Up on social media for updates and future events, and don’t miss the group and solo performers from Amped Up at the Great Barrier Reef Festival this Saturday.

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Families, mark your calendars, the Ark Energy Family Fun Day is back and bigger than ever as part of this year’s Great Barrier Reef Festival!

Set against the stunning backdrop of Airlie Beach Foreshore, this free community event will take place from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 3 August, offering a packed program of activities for children of all ages, as well as a chance for parents to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

From doughnut-eating competitions and crazy races to circus skills, live entertainment, and a crowd-pleasing treasure hunt, there’s no shortage of action. Face painting, reef-themed crafts, and interactive educational stalls will keep curious minds engaged throughout the day.

A strong focus on reef and cultural education will be woven throughout the event, with Eco Barge Clean Seas, Daydream Island’s Living Reef, Cruise Whitsundays, and Coral Sea Marina Resort among the many organisations bringing the reef to life for young festivalgoers.

The exciting and fun Whitsunday Escape Recyclable Regatta kicks off the day at 8.30am. At the beach opposite the Airlie Beach Hotel, watch as everyone hits the water in their homemade recyclable water crafts.

Parents can enjoy food trucks and live music from midday at the Foreshore Pop-Up Bar, while the kids continue to burn off energy.

And don’t miss ‘Immerse’, the enchanting sculpture trail lighting up the fig trees with marine creatures made from recycled materials.

It’s a day of discovery, fun, and community spirit, and best of all, it’s completely free.

What: Family Fun Day
When: 3rd August 2025, 10am to 2pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Get ready, Whitsundays, Caravãna Sun is bringing their electric energy to the Great Barrier Reef Festival!
Known for their high-octane live performances and infectious blend of indie rock, reggae, surf-rock, and dance, this powerhouse Australian band promises a show to remember. With groove-heavy tracks, soulful sing-alongs, and moments that truly connect with the crowd, Caravãna Sun is a festival favourite for good reason.
Drawing inspiration from their coastal roots, their music pulses with sunny vibes and irresistible rhythms; their live shows are where the magic truly happens. Expect big sound, enormous energy, and even bigger crowd connection.
Hear from drummer James Smithers in a behind-the-scenes video as he dives into the band’s creative process and what makes their performances so electric.
Don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s most exciting live acts in action, right here in Airlie Beach.
Watch Caravãna at the Beats on the Beach on the Foreshore stage on Saturday 2 August at 9pm. Tickets are available at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

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The Airlie Beach Foreshore is set to sparkle and roar with colour on Friday, 1 August 2025, as the Great Barrier Reef Festival presents its much-loved Fireworks on the Foreshore event. From early evening until late, the vibrant atmosphere will draw locals and visitors alike for a night packed with entertainment, culture, and spectacular sights against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea.
Sponsored by the Whitsunday Regional Council, the evening kicks off with the colourful Lantern Parade winding its way from Coral Sea Marina to the foreshore, lighting up the boardwalk with creativity and community spirit. Following a traditional Welcome to Country, live music will take centre stage with performances from local favourites Category 5, the energetic family trio ObiSun, Mystic Aura Fire Show, and vibrant DJs to keep the crowd moving.
As dusk falls, the stunning Immerse Art Installation will glow to life, showcasing reef-inspired sculptures crafted from recycled marine debris — a visual tribute to the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty and fragility.
Festivalgoers can explore night markets brimming with local arts and crafts, feast on delicious street food at Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street and enjoy carnival rides, including a Ferris Wheel for all ages. Families can relax with a free outdoor screening of the animated film LUCA.
The night’s highlight comes at 8:30pm when the sky above Coral Sea explodes with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the coast in a breathtaking celebration.
Entry to the foreshore entertainment is free, while a small fee applies for the licensed bar area with front-row fireworks views. Book online to secure your spot.
Cap off the night at the official Reef Festival After Party at Boom Nightclub featuring Tigerlily , starting from 10pm, for more live music and dancing.

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival is set to light up Airlie Beach this August, with the much-loved Night Market and outdoor movie night returning to the foreshore on Friday, 1st August 2025, promising an evening full of colour, culture and community.
This free, family-friendly event, proudly supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council, will transform the Airlie Beach foreshore into a bustling hub of activity from late afternoon into the night. Locals and visitors alike can look forward to a vibrant Night Market filled with delicious food vendors, unique handmade goods, and local artisan stalls, the perfect place to grab a bite or pick up a special keepsake.
As the sun sets, families can gather under the stars for a magical outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s heart-warming film “Luca,” bringing a touch of the Italian Riviera to the tropical Whitsundays. Guests are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets and settle in for an unforgettable cinema experience by the sea.
Adding to the festive atmosphere will be cultural performances that celebrate the spirit and diversity of the region, followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the Coral Sea, lighting up the night sky in true festival fashion.
And for those after a bit of thrill, the carnival rides are sure to be a hit with kids and teens, offering fun and excitement all evening long.
The Friday foreshore festivities are just one part of the broader Great Barrier Reef Festival, which showcases the unique connection between the Whitsundays community and our World Heritage-listed reef. With events running across the weekend, the festival highlights the region’s marine wonders, local talent, and unmistakable tropical charm.
Don’t miss out on this spectacular night of family fun, live entertainment, and seaside magic, all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
For more details and the full festival program, visit: www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

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Get ready to dance through time... Airlie Beach is about to experience a nightclub revival like never before.

Launching Friday 1 August, the brand-new immersive theatre show NOSTALGIA will make its dazzling debut at Magnums Hotel as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

NOSTALGIA is more than just a performance, it promises to be a high-energy, sit-down theatrical journey through five decades of unforgettable nightlife.

Audiences will be transported from the swinging 60s and groovy 70s through the neon explosion of the 80s, the rebellious 90s, and into the pulsing club anthems of the 2000s. Think disco balls, power ballads, bold fashion, comedy, live vocals, and show-stopping dance routines, all rolled into one dynamic production.

“We’re reimagining the classic night out with a theatrical twist,” said the show’s creative directors Angela & Emmalene.

“Whether you lived through the disco days or just love the music, NOSTALGIA brings those unforgettable eras to life in a totally new way.”

“The show's designed around a flashback through time, and we're going back to nightclub eras.

“We start with the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s to 2000s, so it really connects to everybody.”

The show recently launched on the Gold Coast to rave reviews and has now brought its cast of eight professional performers, many fresh from international contracts, to Airlie Beach for a six-week season. Magnums Hotel has been completely transformed for the occasion, swapping its familiar party vibe for cabaret-style seating and velvet-laced ambience.

As part of the Reef Festival celebrations, the NOSTALGIA cast will also appear in the community street parade on Saturday, August 2, before taking to the main stage that evening with a spectacular preview performance.

Angela said she’s thrilled to be contributing to one of the Whitsundays’ most iconic annual events. She said it’s an honour to be a part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, and the cast are excited to hit the stage.

Many of the performers are alumni of the popular touring show Infamous, which previously played to sold-out crowds in Airlie. NOSTALGIA now brings that same world-class energy in a fresh format that celebrates music, memory and movement.

The show will run during the Great Barrier Reef Festival on Friday and Sunday, with a sneak-peak show on Saturday at the festival’s main stage.

With limited seating available and the buzz already building, early bookings are strongly encouraged.

Whether you’re a Motown lover, a disco queen, a grunge fan, or a Y2K beat dropper, NOSTALGIA offers something for everyone.

Feel the beat. Relive the vibe.
Reignite the memories.
It's not just a theatre show it's a party through time.

WHAT: Nostalgia
WHERE: Magnums Hotel
WHEN: Friday 1 August (7pm – 10pm) & Sunday 2 August (7pm – 10pm)

Get ready for a high-energy musicalexperience with OBISUN, a dynamic family trio powered by love,rhythm, and a whole lot of talent. With Mama on bass and Daddy ondrums and Obi centre stage this act delivers an unforgettable showthat’s bursting with joy, passion, and crowd interaction.

Expect backflips, blazing drum solos, anda seriously tight rhythm section. Their original songs blend worldbeats with heartfelt lyrics, brought to life through a unique mix ofinstruments – including piano, bass, percussion, flute, guitar, anddrums, often played simultaneously.

With four full-length albums broadcast onradio stations around the world, OBISUN is more than a band: they’rea musical experience. Keeping it in the family, they serve upinfectious world beat originals, electrifying stage presence, and theoccasional playful scuffle over the drum kit.

Fun, fearless, and full of heart, OBISUNis a must-see act that’ll leave you smiling.

WHAT: OBISUN Performance

WHERE: Great Barrier Reef Festival Main Stage
WHEN: Friday 1August (at 8.45pm) & Saturday 2 August (7.30pm)

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival’s main stage will light up this Friday night as the Seagrass Theatre Group performs a special set of musical numbers from 6pm.

Formed in 2021, the student-led company began after Proserpine State High School’s Performing Arts Centre was built and a production of  We Will Rock You sparked students’ passion for musical theatre.

“I thought it would be a really clever idea for students learning and capacity building to set up a student-led theatre company so that the students experience all the different roles within the theatre,” said Jenny Napier, Head of Department ‘The Arts’ at Proserpine State High School.

“Whether it be on stage, technical, set construction, design, costuming, they do everything from promotion, producing, and directing.”

Since then, the group has delivered one-act plays and major musicals, including last year’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which was described as “truly up to the standard of professional music.”

Group president Hayden Hudak said Friday’s performance includes five songs from a vast majority of musicals to help promote their upcoming event, Musical Theatre Night, on Friday, August 15.

The group also asked to perform at the Great Barrier Reef Festival and to open the Mayor’s Ball on Saturday night.

“They’re just amazing and very self-motivated,” said Ms Napier.

Seagrass continues to foster creativity, collaboration and career pathways, with many of the students involved in Seagrass pursuing a career in the field.

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A newly opened Home Nations-style pub in Airlie Beach is shaking things up by offering something the town has been missing. A laid-back venue serving traditional British food, independent beers, and live sport deep into the night.

Created by three blokes who love a true pub-going experience. Ivan Lonsdale, Matt Bayford, and Rogan Hunter designed The Pitch and Wicket to fill a long-standing gap in the market, a quality pub where sports lovers, shift workers and locals alike can unwind without thumping music, chicken parmies or schooners. Pints and half-pints only.

“I’ve had the idea in my head for years,” Ivan said.

“I thought that there was a gap in the market in Airlie Beach, in that front.”

Armed with a 3am licence, the venue caters to sports fans of all kinds, from Premier League and Formula One to Gaelic football, NBA, AFL, and UFC. With commentary playing and multiple screens in each section of the venue, it's becoming a haven for serious fans, especially during European matches that air late into the night.

The kitchen stays open from midday to 9pm without a break and offers a fully British menu, from steak and Guinness pie, lamb shanks, curries, toad in the hole, and a full English breakfast that can be ordered well into the evening.

“We’ve had fantastic reviews, we’ve had a lot of Australian customers in, and the reviews we’ve got back from them have been great, especially with our steak and Guinness pie,” said Matt

“Australians do love their pies, and now we’ve given them a taste of our British traditional kind of pie.”

The homemade curries are also extremely popular.

No pub would be a pub without drinks, and at The Pitch and Wicket, they have a strong focus on quality drinks. The pub offers independent beers, including exclusives from Goanna Brewing in Mackay, an extensive single malt whisky range, and even a local-only agreement to serve Travla Lager on tap.

While sport is a big drawcard, the owners are clear, it is not a sports bar, it is a pub that shows sport.

“I’ve always said that I wanted the pub to be a British pub, great food, great beer,” said Matt.

"We’re a British pub that shows sports. We’re not a sports bar.”

Offering peaceful seating areas, pool tables, a private back bar known as The Bunker, and thoughtful service, the pub has quickly become a favourite among hospitality workers, tourists and locals seeking something outside the usual late-night scene.

“By filling the gap in the market, we’re just trying to stick to what that gap is,” said Rogan.

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The Pitch and Wicket owners Ivan Lonsdale, Rogan Hunter and Matt Bayford have hit the ground running. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The internationally acclaimed theatrical concert The Simon & Garfunkel Story is heading to the Whitsundays, with a one-night-only performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday, the 28th of August.

Following sold-out tours across the USA, UK, and Europe, this global sensation will bring its powerful tribute to one of music’s most iconic duos to local audiences. With performances in over 50 countries and more than 20 headline shows in London’s prestigious West End – including appearances at the world-famous London Palladium – The Simon & Garfunkel Story has cemented itself as a must-see event for fans of the era.

Telling the captivating tale of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s meteoric rise to fame, the production traces the duo’s journey from humble beginnings as 1950s rock 'n' roll act Tom & Jerry, through their chart-topping success, dramatic split, solo careers, and ending with a stirring recreation of their legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert.

With a full live band, stunning 1960s imagery, video projections, and unforgettable renditions of timeless hits including Mrs Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, The Sound Of Silence, and Cecilia, the show offers a deeply immersive experience for fans old and new.

The production has been praised around the world, earning rave reviews for its emotional storytelling and world-class musical performances.

“Simply incredible,” hailed BBC Scotland, while the Burnley Express said, “The standing ovation at the end of this impressive show was a given as soon as the final note faded from the very first song.”

Even Art Garfunkel himself gave the show five stars, declaring; “What a great show.”

With tickets already in demand, patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out on what promises to be a memorable evening.

Tickets are available now via www.proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au or at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre's box office. Don’t miss your chance to relive the soundtrack of a generation with this internationally celebrated show.

When: Thursday the 28th of August from 7pm to 9:20pm
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 14 Main Street, Proserpine

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Friday 1 August
Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Troy Morrison(from 8pm)
KC's: Ronny Croker(from 8pm)

Saturday 2 August
Airlie Beach Hotel: Whispering Jack Show (2pm – 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Velvet Divan (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Two Fires Tribute (from 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Josiah
KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

Sunday 3 August
Airlie Beach Hotel: 3 Johns (2pm – 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Colonial Palms Motor Inn: Live Jazz with Nick di Gregorio (2pm - 5pm)
Grand View Hotel: Alan Gumm (4pm - 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Sunday Session w DJ Dan Ahri
KC's: Josiah (from 8pm)

Monday 4 August
KC's: Jason Bull (from 8pm)

Tuesday 5 August
KC's: Jason Bull (from 8pm)

Wednesday 6 August
KC's: Nick di Gregorio (from 8pm)

Thursday 7 August
Airlie Beach Hotel: Aaron Saxon (6.30pm - 9.30pm)
KC's: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm)

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August

1-3 Great Barrier Reef Festival

1 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Proserpine Library, 10:30am - 12.30pm

1 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

1 Great Barrier Reef Festival Presents: Luca, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm

3 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

4 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Bowen Library, 10:00am - 12:00pm

5 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

6 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

7-14 Airlie Beach Race Week

8 Airlie Beach Race Week Presents: Happy Feet, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm

10 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

12 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

14 Morning Melodies - For the Love of Tony, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 11:00am

16-23 Hamilton Island Race Week

16 Coral Sea Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival (day one)

17 Coral Sea Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival (day two)

17 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

19 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

20 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

24 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

26 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

26 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

31 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

September

2 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm

3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm

7 Father’s Day

7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm

7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

9 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

9 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

11 R U OK? Day

12 & 13 White on Whitehaven

12 Whitsunday Writers Festival 12th – 14th

12 Kung Fu Panda 4, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm

14 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

16 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

17 Australian Citizenship Day

17 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

21 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

23 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

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The Australian Eagles are set to bring their signature blend of country rock back to the Airlie Beach Hotel in August, promising two laid-back afternoons packed with all the hits fans know and love.

Founder and band member Shayne Browne said the group has been playing in Airlie Beach for over six years now, with two to three performances a year, and Shane said it’s always a highlight.

“We love it,” Shayne said.

“The town, the people, the pub, it’s great. It’s just got such a relaxed vibe.

We’ve even been stranded here during a flood, but mind you it’s not a bad place to be stranded!”

The Australian Eagles show celebrates the timeless music of the legendary American band, The Eagles, who have been entertaining fans since 1972. It was The Eagles that got Shayne into music after hearing ‘Take It Easy’ back in 1972.

“I was about 10 years old when I first heard Take It Easy on the radio in my mum’s car. I told her then and there I wanted to play music for a living.”

At the Airlie Beach Hotel, you can expect all the classics like ‘One of These Nights’, ‘Life in the Fast Lane’, ‘New Kid in Town’, ‘Take It Easy’, and of course ‘Hotel California’.

The group’s enduring popularity has seen them tour across Australia and internationally, including cruise ships and festivals like the Outback Festival Winton and even a five-year run at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

The Australian Eagles Show has been running for 10 years and Shayne says the highlight of all these years is hanging back after performances and chatting to audience members and thanking them for coming.

Despite performing at major venues, Shayne says Airlie Beach remains one of the most unique places they play.

“The setup at the Airlie Beach Hotel is like nowhere else,” he said.

“People eating on one side, dancing on the other, and the public walking through the middle of it all, it’s really unique.”

Fans can catch the Australian Eagles for free on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, mid-August, at the Airlie Beach Hotel’s Beach Bar.

“It’s the only venue in Australia we play for free,” Shayne said.

For a chilled show filled with relaxing rock, the Airlie Beach Hotel will be the place to be.

WHAT: The Australian Eagles Show
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 16 August & Sunday 17 August (2pm – 5.30pm)

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Photos supplied

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Whitsundays-based spiritualist and author Marion Weatherburn is preparing to launch her second book, ‘Wired Not Weird’, this Sunday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Describing herself as a fourth-generation spiritualist, Marion has completed nearly 7,000 readings over 37 years and her new book, ‘Wired Not Weird’, is both memoir and manual.

“This book is a spiritual handbook. It teaches people how to hear, how to listen, and how to know, so they can connect with their own guides and loved ones,” explained Marion.

The new book focuses on empowering people to develop their own spiritual awareness. It outlines exercises like her unique ‘colours, shapes and numbers’ method to help people distinguish messages from mere thoughts.

“It's something that I've developed over many years to help people realise what part of their brain they're hearing messages in,” she said.

“Generally for most people, 85 per cent of what goes into their brain is a thought. The other 15 per cent of what goes into their brain is a message from a guide or a message from a loved one.”

Marion helps people understand the difference between a thought and a message.

Her belief is that everyone can access their spiritual guidance.

“I’d love to put psychics and mediums out of work,” she laughed.

“Not because I don’t believe in the gift but because I want people to feel it for themselves. That’s what the book helps people do.”

“Psychologists work on a mind level. I work on a soul level,” she said.

In addition to the launch event at the Sailing Club, Marion will speak at the Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen libraries, and at the Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach.

Book Launch
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Sunday 27 July from 2:30pm

Author Talk Sessions
Beach Book Boutique
Thursday 31 July from 11am

Proserpine Library
Friday 1 August from 10.30am-12.30pm

Cannonvale Library
Friday 1 August from  2-4pm

Bowen Library
Monday 4 August from 10-12pm

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Marion Weatherburn's book launch is this Sunday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Bowen is once again set to roar to life as the Don River Dash returns for its seventh year this September, promising high-octane action, community spirit, and a unique racing experience in the heart of the Whitsundays.

What started in 2019 with just 40 bikes and 30 cars has grown into a major motorsport event. Attracting around 100 vehicles, including trophy trucks, buggies, and other modified racers and over 220 bike riders and growing.

The 50-kilometre course, set in the dry Don River bed, is completed three times on both Saturday and Sunday, totalling 300 gruelling kilometres. With recent rainfall in the riverbed, competitors can expect a few wet surprises this year. Event Secretary Sue Tapp said the race continues to grow in popularity and reputation.

“The course changes every year,” Sue said. “Some years there are more whoops, big, jumpy mounds, and other years it’s more wide open and fast.

“It changes, and just because you did it last year doesn't mean it's exactly the same this year.”

Event preparations are already well underway, with track construction set to begin in August. Sue said that putting the event together takes a massive team effort, including around 200 volunteers handling everything from recovery to logistics.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Don River Dash has become one of the region’s most iconic and impactful events since first launching in 2019.

“The Don River Dash has come a long way since it first roared to life in 2019, and last year’s event was the biggest yet with over 400 open competitor entries and crowds of more than 5,000 across four incredible days,” he said.

"The excitement of the race is just one part of the story. The real win is the economic boost it brings to our communities.

“Our economic analysis shows the 2024 event generated over $7 million in direct local impact, supporting businesses throughout Bowen, Collinsville and communities right across the Whitsundays.”

Council have produlyy supported the Bowen River Dash since day one and in 2025 they are providing financial in-kind support to help organisers grow what’s become one of the Whitsundays’ most iconic events.

Mayor Collins said the Dash puts the Whitsunday region on the map for adventure tourism and showcases the heart of the region’s inland communities, their energy, hospitality, and unique landscape.

“It draws visitors from across Queensland and interstate, and that brings real benefits to our motels, cafes, fuel stops, pubs and tourism operators.”

“Beyond the dust and adrenaline, events like this drive bookings for local operators, bring new customers through the doors of small businesses, and create flow-on benefits right across the tourism sector.

“They help build our profile as a destination and give visitors a reason to explore the full depth of what the Whitsundays has to offer.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy agreed that the Don River Dash was a fantastic event for Bowen; “This event has only been going since 2019 and it continues to grow each year, providing a huge economic boost for our region."

“At the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, we are always busy before, during and after the Dash." Leanne continued, “It is great to see so many competitors and their support crew, as well as spectators, making it a real family holiday and staying after the event to explore Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region.”

With just six weeks to go, the countdown is on to what is quickly becoming one of North Queensland’s most iconic off-road events.

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The track changes every year

There are plenty of jumps to hit

Photos supplied

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