We have been recording humpback whale songs in the Whitsundays during the past two whale seasons. The songs are submitted to the University of Queensland, Centre for Marine Science, where Professor Michael Noad is the Director and Genevieve Williams is doing a PhD studying the social learning of whales.

Michael has been researching the evolution and function of humpback whale song, focusing on how the whales themselves use sound to communicate.

The songs of these whales is one of the most complex acoustic displays of any animal known. Social sounds are made by all whales. However, it is only male humpback whales that sing songs. The songs are structured.

There are seven individual populations of humpback whales in the southern hemisphere. The Australian East Coast humpback whales are a single population. Amazingly all males in one population sing the same song. It is possible to tell where a humpback is from by its song. They learn the exact sounds, without simplifying or leaving anything out. Their songs are constantly slowly evolving, with small sections changing each year. All males listen to the song the others are singing, and incorporate the evolution of the song into their own song; which is social learning.

Song data is collected from Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island and the Sunshine Coast. On the northerly migration the songs are not fully aligned, but by the time they pass Stradbroke Island again on their return migration, the song is very much together and the same. That’s why UQ researchers are extremely interested in hearing what their song is like in the Whitsundays.

Professor Michael Noad, has also discovered that the southern hemisphere population have song ‘Revolutions’ as well as just ‘Evolution’. A ‘revolution’ is a very rapid change in the song.

In the early 2000s in 18 months there was a total new song.

But even more interesting, they discovered it was the same song that the Australian West Coast population of humpbacks was singing the year prior. Since then, they have discovered the song moves by individual populations in an easterly direction all across the South Pacific.

Dr Allan Garland has discovered a song which moved from the Australian West Coast to French Polynesia. Recently it’s been discovered it has moved as far as Ecuador. It means humpback whales can learn an entire song pattern from another population very quickly, even if it’s complex or difficult.

The findings support the idea that songs are being learned by whales on shared migration routes or shared feeding grounds like Antarctica. In the northern hemisphere, each separate population has their own songs, but they don’t pass it along like the southern hemisphere populations, most likely because the northern hemisphere populations don’t share migration routes or feeding grounds. We have no idea why they change the song or why they pass it from population to population.

Humpback whale vocalisation has an extensive repetiteur of sounds, including low frequency moans and grunts, and high frequency cry and whistles. So, what makes a song different to social noises?

• The basic level of a song is a ‘unit’ like a moan, grunt or belch.
• When individual units are sung in a set order, they are called a ‘phrase’, eg moan, moan, cry, cry.
• When a phrase is repeated several times, it’s called a ‘theme’.
• Multiple themes are sung in a set order, called a ‘song’.
• Songs are sung over and over multiple times from 5 minutes to over 30 minutes.

To listen to a whale song recorded in the Whitsundays join the WHALES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS Facebook page and turn up the volume.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Leonard - Whales of the Whitsundays.

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Genevieve Williams explaining a whale song recording

Movement of the whale song along the southern hemisphere populations provided by UQ Centre for Marine Science

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Just what is coral?

The simple answer: coral is an animal. These tiny animals, while seemingly simple, have built the greatest living structure on earth, the Great Barrier Reef!

But a more fascinating and slightly complex answer: coral is animal, vegetable, and mineral.

The coral animal, or polyp, is quite tiny, only a few millimetres although some species can be a few centimetres in size. The biology of a typical polyp consists of a stalk, a stomach, and a mouth surrounded by tentacles covered in stinging cells.

Now the vegetable or plant side of coral. Many of the shallow water corals we encounter while snorkelling have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic single-celled algae, commonly known as zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae live within the corals’ tissues and give them their colour. The coral provides a protected environment and the compounds zooxanthellae need for photosynthesis. In return, the algae produce carbohydrates that the coral uses for food, as well as oxygen. The algae also help the coral remove waste. Together, the coral and the algae form a very efficient recycling machine with very little waste. Amazing.

When the sun is not shining, corals also feed on tiny animals and plants floating past. This often occurs at night, when the stinging tentacles of the coral extend out of their skeleton, and sting passing morsels, feeding it into their centralised mouth.

Now the mineral side of coral. Hard corals produce a skeleton made of calcium carbonate, or limestone. Coral skeletons grow in many different shapes and form the hard surface of the reef which provides food and shelter to many reef animals and plants.

Soft corals lack a hard limestone skeleton but are incredibly colourful and often live in places protected from waves and currents

The reproductive side of coral is also quite fascinating. Corals grow by asexually reproducing polyps, which means a polyp will ‘bud’ and form another polyp, which is an exact replica of itself. This process grows the coral into what is known as a colony. Coral colonies or formations, take on many weird and wonderful shapes depending on the species. The common names generally describe the shape; branching, boulder, plate, table, vase and so on.

Many corals also breed sexually via ‘broadcast’ spawning where eggs and sperm are released into the water to fertilise. The fertilised egg changes into a free-swimming larva before settling onto the reef’s surface and growing into a single coral polyp.

Mass coral spawning is a spectacular annual phenomenon where colonies from multiple species synchronise release of sperm and eggs over several nights following a full moon. The resulting coral larvae (known as a planula) travel with the currents and eventually settle on the surface of a coral reef. Here, they metamorphose into a coral polyp, then grow through budding, creating new coral colonies. Spawning is a key event in creating future coral generations and replenishing coral ecosystems.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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A Hidden Gem For Golf, Dining, And Networking

Tourism Whitsundays was absolutely delighted to host our monthly networking event at Whitsunday Green. Leading up to the event, I stopped by to chat with the team and get all the details, and I must admit, I was totally blown away by what I discovered. To be honest, I had completely underestimated just how amazing the space is. So much so, I felt it would be a great opportunity to tell you all about it in its own Out and About with Tourism Whitsundays feature!

Let's start with the incredible golf course. For those who aren’t in the know (like me just last week), you don’t need to be a member to enjoy these fantastic facilities! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or more of the “I’m just here for the air swing” type (guilty as charged), you can enjoy the driving range, the course, or even just pop by the café for a delicious treat. It’s all open to everyone!

Speaking of the café, let me tell you, Robbie, the Food, Bev, and Events Manager, is cooking up a storm in the kitchen! From mouth-watering treats to hearty lunches, coffees, and event catering, you won’t leave hungry – or disappointed.

Then there’s the Members Lounge (also open to all), which is a stunning, modern space perfect for roundtable meetings, catch-ups, or small events. With full catering on-site, it’s the business-meets-chill zone you didn’t know you were looking for. Seriously, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion!

A huge thank you to the Whitsunday Green team for hosting our networking night and for generously sharing your beautiful community space with us. We can’t wait to come back!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Whitsunday Gold Coffee is the perfect place. The plantation is famous for its locally grown coffee, and there’s nothing like sipping a cup made from beans grown right there on the property. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking to relax, it’s a wonderful experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the owner, Nikki, who is currently in the process of upgrading their aviary with new mesh and creating a serene nursery with a seated area. The charm of the plantation is undeniable. I can’t wait to see the finished space, it’s sure to become a fantastic spot for birdwatching and taking in the surrounding beauty.

For families, there’s an indoor play area and beautifully decorated kids' party rooms, making it a great place to bring the little ones.

I was also lucky enough to try one of Chef-Gus's incredible signature dishes; a mango and calamari salad. It was light, colourful, and packed with flavour, with tender calamari and fresh local mango.

Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation is a true treasure for Proserpine, offering a peaceful sanctuary to enjoy great coffee, delicious food, and nature. Whether you're stopping by for a coffee or a quiet day out, it's definitely worth the visit.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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A Butcher On A Mental Health Mission

By Victoria Velton

Harry Morgz is on a mission to raise awareness for men's mental health, walking from Cairns to the Gold Coast in an effort to shed light on the struggles faced by men, particularly in the butchering industry. A butcher by trade for over 30 years, Morgz is using his journey to highlight the mental health challenges, long hours, low pay, and high rates of addiction and suicide that have plagued the industry for decades.

Morgz started his journey on March 10th with just $50 in his pocket and a determination to speak for those who often go unheard.

“I started in Cairns and walked 16kms to the first butcher shop. I told them I was doing it for a charity, walking back to the Gold Coast. They thought I was mad, and they've been one of the biggest supporters ever since!” laughed Morgz.

His walk includes long stretches, such as the 240kms trek to Townsville, which took him three and a half days to complete, saying “I just carry a swag and a backpack, and I walk in my gum boots.”

Along the way, Morgz has been grateful for the kindness of strangers, from butcher shops that support his cause to 24-hour gyms that offer him hot showers.

“They pay what I would earn to the charity. What they give me is something to eat, and then I start marching again,” he shared. His journey is not only a personal one but also a way to raise funds so people can come together to discuss men's mental health and get the help they need.

“I’ve met lovely people on the way,” Morgz says, highlighting the shared struggle of mental health across various sectors, from truck drivers to miners to the homeless. One encounter that stood out to him was with a homeless man in Townsville, who had been living under a bridge for seven years.

“He was a lawyer, but with life, he went through a really bad patch and today he’s content with how he’s living,” Morgz reflected this chance meeting gave him a deeper appreciation for life’s simple comforts, like a warm bed or a hot shower.

As a butcher, Morgz has seen firsthand the toll that the industry can take on mental health. He says, “We don't sugar coat anything. We're as raw as the meat we handle, and at the end of the day, I'm doing this for the ones that are struggling, the ones that have struggled. We have lost a lot of butchers to suicide, it really has had a huge effect on more people and families than we think.”

Morgz hopes that his walk will break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, especially in industries where emotions are often suppressed.

“This is why I wanted to do this walk. I wanted to walk for the people who don't have a voice.”

With significant community support, his journey can be followed on Instagram and TikTok @meatmorgz.

Morgz’s efforts can also be supported through donations via the QR code to MyCause under “Walk With Morgz.” Morgz hopes his journey will serve as a reminder that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking help is the first step forward, his next stop is Mackay and we wish him good health and safe travels on his journey.

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Harry Morgz with the team at Master Butchers in Cannonvale: Danielle Carr, Daniel Obrien, Archie Yuskan, Marcus Galbraith, Clinton Miles. Photo Credit Victoria Velton.

Harry Morgz with managers, Danielle Carr and Alex Wordsworth of Master Butchers. Photo Credit Victoria Velton.

Harry Morgz at Master Butchers in Cannonvale.

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Bowen is to be the epicentre of high-speed excitement as it hosts the prestigious 2025 Auto Marvel Australian Sidecar Championship, held on Saturday April 19th, and Sunday April 20th. For the first time, the North Queensland Speedway Riders and Supporters Club will bring this action-packed event to the beautiful Whitsunday region, and local fans and visitors alike are in for a high-octane treat.

Sidecar racing is a unique and thrilling sport where two teammates, a rider and a passenger, work in tandem to control a 1000cc, purpose-built three-wheeled motorcycle around a 350-metre oval dirt track. The sport's intensity is amplified by the speed, precision, and teamwork required as the teams battle it out in a series of four-lap races. With 24 fearless teams traveling from across the country and internationally, this event promises to deliver thrills that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

Local and interstate fans can expect a huge spectacle as Kev Looby, a club spokesman, shared his excitement for the event saying "Being crowned Australian Champion is a highly coveted title, and the Australian Speedway sidecar scene is the strongest in the world. To see such a high-quality field of past and current state and national champions right here in Bowen is a tremendous opportunity that may not come around again for many years."

Looby emphasised the rarity of this event saying, "You might not see something of this calibre in North Queensland again for a decade. This race is the highest level in Australian sidecar racing, and we've got the best competitors from around Australia coming to Bowen to compete."

The top eight scorers from the first night's intense races will advance to the second night. On Sunday night, the stakes will be higher as the best teams fight for the 2025 championship title in a series of intense heats, culminating in a heated and dirt-flying final showdown. The crowd favourite and current Queensland Champions, Tyler Moon and Adam Lovell, will be seeded directly into the second night's racing making their presence a must-see event for motorsport enthusiasts.

The events will kick off at 6pm on both nights at the Bowen Showgrounds, with gates opening at 4pm. Local food vendors will be on-site, as well as a licensed bar, ensuring a fantastic atmosphere for everyone. Tickets will be available at the gate, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a great viewing spot. So, whether you're a lifelong motorsport fan or someone looking for a weekend of unforgettable entertainment, don’t miss out on the 2025 Auto Marvel Australian Sidecar Championship!

WHAT: 2025 Auto Marvel Australian Sidecar Championship
WHEN: Easter long weekend, 19th-20th April, Events Start 6:00pm Each Night
WHERE: Bowen Showgrounds.
SATURDAY NIGHT TICKETS: Adults $20, Age Pension $15, Children 12-16 $15, Children under 12 (Accompanied by paying adult) are Free, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) $60.
SUNDAY NIGHT TICKETS: Adults $30, Age Pension $25, Children 12-16 $15, Children under 12 (Accompanied by a paying adult) are Free, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) $70.

Current Queensland Champion Team: Moon/Lovell competing on the speedway. Photo credit: Trevor Corica

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At The Clubhouse Cafe, Whitsunday Green

Among many of the delights to be found at Whitsunday Green, the traditional freshly baked goods take the cake today. Natalie Avigdor, from the Clubhouse Cafe at Whitsunday Green bakes these delicious delights daily, and from scratch.

Natalie, an avid baker, always keeps her oven hot and the scones and cakes warm for the guests and customers of the Whitsunday Green and Clubhouse Cafe.

“Ive been baking since I was nine, making sweets and confectionaries," she shared.

"Baking is just something I've always had a passion for and I prefer to do it from scratch using traditional methods, no fancy machines! I studied cooking in highschool, college and TAFE but hadn’t done much baking until I came here. I love baking things that people enjoy” said Natalie.

Guests at the Clubhouse Cafe can enjoy a freshly baked item each morning, with Natalie rotating her menu of baked treats which include scones, muffins, caramel slices and various assortments of cakes such as apple, tea or carrot cakes. If there is any specific baked treat that a customer or group desires they can simply put in a pre-order and Natalie will bake it specially for you with care and skill.

Before you enjoy a delightful dessert and perhaps a coffee in the cosy, spacious and friendly atmosphere of the Clubhouse Cafe, you could also test a tasty item off the lunch menu such as a burger or zucchini slice.

Don’t forget, your meal and dessert can be enjoyed with air-conditioned comfort indoors or alfresco dining outdoors while taking in the vivid view of the lush native garden and bright green golf course. It would be remiss not to mention the modern and spacious members lounge, a perfect location for meetings or to simply relax and unwind for club members and non-members alike.

The Whitsunday Green Golf Club is much more than just a place to practice your golf swing, it is a perfect location to host functions with the space being adaptable to any event. Whether it's hosting a corporate get together, a mother’s group or a celebration with loved ones, the Clubhouse Cafe at Whitsunday Green can cater to the needs of anyone.

Come on down to Whitsunday Green, enjoy some lunch, freshly baked goods and perhaps a refreshing beverage or two and who knows, you might just decide to become a member!

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Natalie Avigdor, from the Clubhouse Cafe at Whitsunday Green bakes these delicious delights daily, and from scratch. Photo credit: Munir Kilic

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SOS Are Coming Back To Airlie Beach Hotel

From the moment the lights go down and the opening notes hit, SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute show will transport you to a time when ABBA ruled the world stage. SOS is a full-throttle show honouring ABBA’s timeless music with two FREE matinees on the 12th & 13th of April chock-full of passion, energy, and authenticity that will leave you believing you’re seeing the real thing.

Performed by a talented cast of musicians, SOS takes you on a musical journey from ABBA’s unforgettable Eurovision debut with ‘Waterloo’ all the way to the present day, ABBA's music has left a sparkle in our eye and a beat in our hearts. With Bridie Pamment as Agnetha, Eilannin Harris-Black as Frida, Sam Bennett as Björn, and Jon Harris-Black as Benny, along with Steve Virgona "Volvo” on bass and David DeBono “IKEA” on drums the master songsmiths of ABBA, are breathed back to life.

But it's not just about the music, SOS brings the authenticity with fantastic costumes, choreographed dances, and an amazing live band, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. Sam Bennett, who plays Björn shares, “The show’s been running for 12 years now and we visit Airlie Beach at least 3 times a year because we love to have a good time, and this is just the perfect show and place to do that.”

For SOS it’s all about engaging with the audience and creating lasting memories. As Sam explains, “We love all our audience and our fans, our Chiquititas, and they are very important to us. We’re always coming off-stage and talking to them afterward,” and that connection with fans is one of the things that sets SOS apart from other tribute bands. They don’t just perform for you — they perform with you!

Sam reflected on the joy of seeing the audience react to the music as “We all grew up in the 90’s, and I think it'd be hard to come across a house in Australia that didn't have ABBA Gold. Whether you love ABBA or tolerate ABBA, you’re going to know it.” Whether it’s the sight of a crowd packing onto the dance floor for ‘Dancing Queen’ or seeing someone’s eyes light up when they hear their favourite ABBA track, it’s that magic that makes everyone say ‘Thank You For The Music’.

One of the best things about SOS is its audience participation as Sam warns to “Expect to have sore feet at the end of the show because you'll be dancing so hard! Expect to have a dance off with a stranger and expect to have a sore voice the next day because you've sung so much!” Whether it’s a wild performance moment or a surprise interaction with the crowd as ‘Frida’ serenades an unsuspecting local with ‘The Winner Takes It All’, SOS knows how to keep things exciting and engaging.

If you want to experience the bodaciousness of ABBA with an unforgettable live performance, don’t miss SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute show at The Pub for Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April from 2:00pm – 5:30pm. Ring Ring all your Chiquititas, and book your table now through the QR code or via the Airlie Beach Hotel’s website for two free shows full of spontaneous fun, and an afternoon you won’t soon forget!

WHAT: SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute
WHEN: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April, 2pm – 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

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This week there has been a few sightings of the first humpback whales of the season near mainland Australia around Wilson’s Prom in Victoria and the southern NSW coast. They have all been adolescent whales. It appears this years migration to the breeding and birthing grounds has begun.

The first humpback whales to depart the Antarctic feeding grounds are adolescent males, with the females who are looking to mate this year and the pregnant females.

However, the pregnant females travel at a more leisurely pace to conserve energy and stay around the islands.

The adolescent males and females wanting to mate, early on in the season can be seen between the islands and the outer reef.

The pregnant females settle into the maternity ward areas around the islands, then give birth and stay in the nursery area for the first few weeks of the calf’s life.

They won’t be preforming many acrobatics, because they are conserving their energy to give birth, then produce 600l milk per day for the calf.

They have to rely on their fat reserves until they get back to their Antarctic feeding grounds months later.

Humpback whales only mate every 2-3 years. Their gestation period is 11-12 months and their calf will stay by their sides for 12 months. Some females will take a gap year staying in the Antarctic to gain condition after weaning their calf; instead of migrating.

The last to arrive are the males wanting to mate. They often stay in the Antarctic feeding grounds for a couple of extra weeks to build up their energy reserves for performing and pursuing the females wanting to mate.

The males will often be in a competitive pod showing off their speed and strength. They will breach out of the water showing their strength and land on their backs which makes them appear bigger than their competitors. The female leads the chase, where the weaker whales will drop off, ensuring she will mate with a male with the best genes.

The Whitsundays are a WHALE HERITAGE AREA due it being an important breeding and birthing ground for humpback whales.

To find out more about special whale events, whale sightings and information on whales in the Whitsundays, join the WHALES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS facebook page or go to www.whalesofthewhitsundays.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Leonard - Whales of the Whitsundays.

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Photo Credit: Glen Bradford

Whale Migration Route

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With its iconic white sands and crystal-clear waters, The Whitsundays continues to reign as a premier travel destination, pulling in a staggering $1.65 billion in visitor expenditure for the year ending December 2024.

The latest National and International Visitor Surveys (NVS and IVS) confirm the region’s enduring appeal, outpacing the state average despite shifting travel trends. Whether it’s sun-seekers craving a tropical escape or adventure enthusiasts drawn to its pristine reefs and secluded coves, The Whitsundays remains one of Australia’s top-performing tourism hotspots.

Domestic tourism remains the backbone of the region’s success, with 709,000 visitors injecting a record-breaking $1.4 billion into the local economy—an impressive 17% surge from the previous year.

Queenslanders, in particular, embraced the beauty of their own backyard, with 443,000 choosing The Whitsundays for their getaway, marking a 4.5% increase. However, external factors saw interstate travel dip by 11.4%, as many Australians opted for closer-to-home holidays or international adventures. Yet, those who did visit spent more than ever, with per-visitor expenditure soaring to $1,989 per trip (+19.5%) and an average nightly spend of $446 (+15.1%). The figures speak for themselves—The Whitsundays isn’t just surviving shifting travel trends; it’s thriving.

Domestic Summary:

· Visitation: 709,000 (-2.1% YoY)

· Visitor expenditure: $1.4 billion (+17% YoY)

· Total nights: 3.2 million (+16% YoY)

· Average spend per visitor: $1,989 (+19.5% YoY)

· Average length of stay: 4.5 nights (+.7% YoY)

· Intrastate visitation: 443,000 (+4.5% YoY)

· Interstate visitation: 266,000 (-11.4% YoY)

International tourism is making a strong comeback, and The Whitsundays is leading the charge as one of Queensland’s top-performing destinations. Over the past year, the region welcomed 188,000 international visitors—an impressive 20.3% increase. While numbers are still recovering to pre-pandemic levels (-14.7% vs. 2019), visitor spending has skyrocketed, hitting a record-breaking $252 million (+73.4% year-on-year, +65.5% vs. 2019).

The UK remains The Whitsundays’ largest international market, with 51,000 British travellers soaking up the region’s sun-drenched beaches and world-famous reef (+18.4% year-on-year). North American interest is surging too, with 33,000 visitors from the US and Canada (+32.5%). Meanwhile, Asian visitation has seen an impressive 55.5% boost over the year, though it still lags 67% behind 2019 levels.

Despite the lingering gap, the upward trajectory is clear—global travellers are rediscovering The Whitsundays, and they’re spending more than ever to experience its tropical magic.

International Summary:

· Visitation: 188,000 (+20.3% YoY)

· Visitor expenditure: $252 million (+73.4% YoY)

· Total visitor nights: 1.3 million (+18.1% YoY)

· Average spend per visitor: $1,342 (+44.1% YoY)

· Key markets:

o UK: 51,000 (+18.4% YoY, +18.7% vs 2019)

o North America: 33,000 (+32.5% YoY, +5% vs 2019)

o Germany: 24,000 (+18% YoY, -21.1% vs. 2019)

o France: 10,000 (+16.7% YoY, -11.5% vs. 2019)

o Asia: 11,000 (+55.5% YoY, -67% vs. 2019)

Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays, said the latest quarter’s results are promising.

“We’re seeing strong growth in domestic spending, particularly from Queenslanders choosing to holiday intrastate. While cost-of-living pressures have impacted interstate travel, overall visitor expenditure continues to rise as people invest in high-quality experiences," he shared.

“Internationally, The Whitsundays has outpaced much of Queensland regarding recovery, setting a record for visitor expenditure. This increase in international spending could reflect a shift in market dynamics, with different traveller demographics staying longer and spending more per trip than before.

“As we look ahead, our focus remains on attracting high-value visitors, strengthening our presence in key markets, and ensuring The Whitsundays continues to shine on the global stage.”

Whitsunday Regional Council, Mayor, Ry Collins said these results show that The Whitsundays continues to punch well above its weight as a tourism powerhouse.

“Despite shifting travel trends and global challenges, our tourism sector continues to thrive," he said.

“This is driven by the dedication of our local operators, the strength of the Whitsundays brand, and the unrivalled natural beauty of our region.”

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Mika’s mouthwatering Birria Taco’s set the bar deliciously high bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the heart of Airlie Beach. Emerging from the vibrant culinary traditions of Jalisco, Mexico, birria tacos have burst onto the food scene with a bang, and Mika has perfected this cherished classic.

Mika’s Birria Tacos aren’t just a dish, they are an experience, fusing rich flavours, textures and traditions into every tasty bite.

At Mika, the secret to their outstanding birria tacos begins with the selection of high quality, tender beef cheeks, meticulously marinated in a full-flavoured blend of traditional spices such as dried guajillo, ancho, pasilla chiles or garlic, oregano, cumin, and hints of, cinnamon and cloves.

These spices all work in perfect harmony to tantalise your tastebuds. The meat is then marinated and braised to perfection in order to achieve unparalleled tenderness and taste after absorbing the deep, smokey and slightly spicy flavours. The result is a succulent, aromatic stew which promises satisfaction.

What truly elevates Mika’s Birria Tacos is their authentic method of preparation.

The stewed meat is shredded and stuffed into original gluten free tortillas and subsequently dipped in rich, flavourful fat skimmed from the consommé, the luscious broth created during the braising process.

The generously filled tortillas are then crisped to perfection of the griddle offering an irresistible crunch on the outside which perfectly compliments the juicy filling within.

Every serving of Mika’s Birria Tacos are traditionally topped with freshly chopped onion, fragrant cilantro and a healthy squeeze of lime, adding brightness and zest to the rich flavours.

As tradition dictates, Mika serves this dish alongside a steaming bowl of consommé, perfect for dipping and enhancing the birria taco experience. Think of these tacos like a unique Mexican twist on a French dip sandwich, but with more of a powerful Mexican punch.

Birria tacos have increased in popularity with explosive intensity, especially on social media, with variations such as the melted cheese loaded “Quesa Birria” appearing.

Mika’s inviting atmosphere makes the dining experience even more enjoyable, whether you're visiting for a casual lunch or a lively dinner.

Pair your Mika’s Birria Tacos with refreshing beers on tap or enjoy the punchy Mexican flavours with a signature margarita.

It is comfort food at its absolute finest, messy, hearty and packed with flavour.

Experience first-hand why Mika’s Birria Tacos have become a local sensation in Airlie Beach. Stop by Mika Airlie Kitchen and Bar today to embark on a culinary adventure that is sure to delight your tastebuds and leave you craving more.

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Come on down and enjoy Mika's Birria Tacos. Photo Supplied.

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A Legendary Lineup Lands At Airlie Beach Festival Of Music

Airlie Beach Festival of Music is bringing a lineup so packed, it should have a baggage limit. Legends like The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy, and Diesel are heading to the Whitsundays from 7th – 9th November.

But this festival isn’t just about setlists; it’s an adventure in one of the world’s most stunning locations.

The perfect anthem? ‘Run to Paradise’. With the main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club overlooking the Coral Sea, acts like Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl, and Jayne Denham perform under the big top tent, while music fills every corner of Airlie Beach, turning the whole town into a stage.

While a lot of festivals are falling by the wayside, frontman of The Screaming Jets, Dave Gleeson hands it to the team behind the Airlie Beach Festival of Music for keeping the spirit alive.

“It takes guts to keep pushing forward in this climate, but they’re doubling down to create a community, a vibe and a space where we can all just be in the moment.”

“I’m stoked to be part of it this November and can’t wait to experience it all,” says Gleeson.

Festival Director, Gavin Butlin (Butto), knows it’s the depth of talent that makes the festival a stand-out, with favourites like Hillbilly Goats, James Bennett and Andy Penkow also added to the lineup.

“It’s like throwing every musical flavour into a blender and hitting ‘puree’ - you get over 60 acts from every corner of the country, serving up everything from acoustic vibes to high voltage anthems,” said Butlin.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music was named a top four finalist for ‘Festival of the Year’ at the Queensland Music Awards. Why stop there? Extend your stay and swap your wristband for a snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef or relax on Whitehaven Beach.

This isn’t just another festival – it’s one of the best destination music events in the country.

Be part of the escape. Be part of the experience.

Airlie Beach Festival of Music. 7th – 9th November. Tickets on sale now! www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Hey everyone!

I've just started my Dive Master training and did three dives over the weekend! Diving always grounds me and reminds me why protecting our environment is so important.

One of the highlights was an adorable little Roundface Batfish that followed me around, playfully dancing in my exhaust bubbles. Such an incredible experience!

_Ruth_

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." —William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

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Queensland boasts the greatest reef on the planet – the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, Queensland also boasts the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

As a Reef lover, we want to protect the Reef but we also want to protect ourselves from the risk of skin cancer.

The absolute best way to protect one’s self from the harmful rays of the sun is to cover up. There are many options available; lycra suits (stinger suits), rashies and wetsuits to name just a few.

But these suits are not always available and when worn, rarely protect the head and hands.

So, the next best option for us is sunscreen, but perhaps not the best option for the Reef.

Sunscreens work by providing either a physical barrier or a chemical barrier from the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are harmful to many Reef animals including corals. According to several research studies, it is estimated we leave behind up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen in the world’s oceans every year.

What to do?

While no sunscreen is completely safe for coral and marine life, there are choices we can make to protect ourselves while minimizing the harm to the reef.

We must choose our sunscreen carefully by checking the ingredients and looking for ingredients that are safe - for both us and the reef.

What to avoid:
Oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3), octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate) and octocrylene.
Parabens (butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, benyzleparaben and propylparaben)
Cinnamates (Octyl methoxycinnamate and Cinoxate)
Homosalate and octisalate
Nanoparticles are so small, they can be absorbed by coral.

Many of these chemicals have been banned in several tropical regions around the world.

What to look for:

Zinc oxide and/or Titanium dioxide sunscreens are mineral sunscreens. These physically block the sun’s rays and have not been shown harmful to the reefs. They are biodegradable and hypo-allergenic.
“Non-nano” refers to particles larger than 100 nanometres and is considered safe.
Water-resistant sunscreen helps keep the product on your skin and not in the sea.
Wait at least 15 minutes after applying your sunscreen before entering the water so that your skin can absorb it and it won’t wash right off.

It is our responsibility to do what we can to safeguard the health of the reefs that we love and need. How we act in the water and the products we introduce to it are our opportunity to do just that.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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The Resources Centre of Excellence is proud to announce the inaugural Queensland Resources &
Innovation Expo, set to take place on July 11, 2025 at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay.
Designed as a bi-annual event, this expo will provide an exciting platform for businesses—large and
small, locally owned and beyond—to showcase the products, equipment, and innovations that have
shaped the resources sector.

To kick off the event, an invite only networking event will be held on July 10, 2025, offering attendees
the chance to connect and collaborate with industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders.

The expo itself will offer a dynamic space for businesses to present their contributions to resources
innovation, with outdoor stall rental opportunities available, as well as tailored spaces designed to
meet the specific needs of exhibitors. Additionally, information forums will be hosted inside the
Resources Centre of Excellence, providing valuable insights into advancements in the sector.

The public is invited to attend, making this a unique opportunity for the wider community to engage
with the industry and see first-hand the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of the
resources sector. Businesses will also have the chance to gain visibility and show their support for the
event through sponsorship opportunities.

We are proud to announce that the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is the Principle Sponsor of
the Queensland Resources & Innovation Expo.

As the peak body representing the state’s resources sector, QRC’s support underscores the
significance of this event in driving innovation, sustainability, and industry growth.

"As our industry’s peak body, the QRC is thrilled to put our name behind the inaugural Queensland
Resources & Innovation Expo that will be held in one of our state’s largest mining regions," said
Janette Hewson – Chief Executive Officer of the QRC.

“This event provides a platform for showcasing Queensland’s capabilities and position as a global
leader in mining innovation and technology.”

"The expo will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to highlight the sector’s
contribution to Queensland’s economy and future prosperity."

“We’re excited to launch this event and bring together key players in the industry to celebrate
innovation and progress,” said Steven Boxall, CEO at the Resources Centre of Excellence.

“We encourage businesses and the community to get involved and help us make this a fantastic
event.”

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