Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival is set to ignite Airlie Beach from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, promising an immersive weekend of celebration and Reef themed events and art. The 2025 Festival theme is Coral Kingdom.
This beloved annual event invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the magic of the Whitsundays, showcasing the region's vibrant culture and its unique connection to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
Festival Committee Chair, Margie Murphy, expressed the committee’s excitement for the new dates and program release.
"This year's lineup celebrates everything that makes the Whitsundays extraordinary, offering a unique blend of entertainment, community engagement, and a deep appreciation for our incredible Great Barrier Reef. We’re inviting everyone to join us for a truly unforgettable experience," Margie said.
The 2025 festival is packed with a dazzling array of FREE events for all ages, including:
● Whitsunday Regional Council Fireworks on the Foreshore: Kick off the festival with a spectacular display lighting up the night sky while browsing night markets and enjoying the array of finger-licking food on offer.
● Rotary Street Parade: This colourful procession through the main town brings together schools, businesses and non-profits to showcase their passion for the reef.
● Revvin' the Reef Car Show powered by Enzed Whitsunday and Hogs Breath Cafe: Lining the main street of Airlie Beach is an extensive collection of cars, bikes and trucks, all shined to perfection and proudly displayed by owners both locally and from away.
● Ark Energy Family Fun Day: Enjoy a day dedicated to smiles and laughter with activities for the whole family, join Reef Custodians and learn more about sea country and the connection we all share with this natural wonder.
● Tassal Immerse Art Installation: Experience the 8m humpback whale and calf installation and recycled artwork transform the Airlie Beach foreshore into a reef on land. Showcasing local artists and their innovative and sustainable works deepen the Festival’s connection to the reef.
● Coral Sea Marina Resort Lantern Parade: Children and adults alike join this procession that weaves along the water’s edge arriving into the festival precinct on dark. A breathtaking procession to watch.
Live Entertainment
Part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s mission is to deliver exceptional FREE live entertainment for the community. In 2025, that mission has been taken to another level with the support of Main Stage sponsor, at Hotel Group.
Friday Night Entertainment
● Kicking off the festival will be a Welcome to Country leading into a musical theatre performance from Proserpine High School Seagrass Theatre Group.
● Taking the stage late into the night, and continuing the showcase of outstanding youth talent, are DJ’s and high energy family trio Obisun.
Saturday Night Entertainment
● Live on the Main Stage for their first Whitsundays appearance is Caravana Sun, hailing from Southern Sydney, they are renowned for their captivating live shows, blending driving atmospheric guitar riffs with swirling analogue synthesis to create an irresistible party atmosphere. With over 500 global performances since their formation in 2010, this four-piece delivers an energetic sound that has evolved from ska and reggae to build powerful, unique musical crescendos.
● Flanking Caravana Sun on the main stage and sponsored by longtime festival supporter, Magnums Airlie Beach, is a taste of the brand new, electrifying cabaret show, Nostalgia.
Sunday Entertainment
● Encapsulating the Airlie Beach vibe, Sunday afternoon entertainment is laid back and features festival favourite David Flower, two time Golden Guitar Award Winner Brad Butcher, Indie Australian Folk Fusion JC and the Tree.
Whitsunday Regional Council Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright said The Great Barrier Reef Festival is one of the most vibrant celebrations on our region’s calendar, showcasing not just our stunning reef but the heart and spirit of our community.
"This festival brings locals and visitors together to share in what makes the Whitsundays truly special — our natural beauty, our creative energy, and our strong community pride,” she said.
"With the Coral Kingdom theme, we’re inviting everyone to dive even deeper into the magic of the reef and celebrate the connections we all share to this global treasure.
"Events like this are vital for supporting our local economy, inspiring community pride, and reminding us all why the Whitsundays is the heart of the Great Barrier Reef."
Save the Dates! Great Barrier Reef Festival August 1st – August 3rd, 2025 Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays For full program details visit www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au
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