Dive Into the Fun at the 2025 Rotary Street Parade

One of the Whitsundays’ most cherished community events is back at the Great Barrier Reef Festival (GBRF)! Locals are already preparing their best outfits and teaming up as excitement builds for the Rotary Street Parade, set to light up Airlie Beach Main Street on Saturday, 2 August from 5pm.
As a key highlight of the festival, the parade is a colourful, high-energy celebration of creativity, reef life, and community pride. Businesses, schools, community groups and performers will bring the street to life with vibrant costumes, music, floats, and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
This year’s theme is “Coral Kingdom”, so expect everything from sea creatures and coral castles to sky-high jellyfish and ocean-inspired characters. The parade winds through the heart of Airlie Beach, with locals and visitors lining the streets to cheer on the floats and soak up the atmosphere.
Community members are encouraged to get involved. Whether you're a sporting team, school group, business or club, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and connect with the crowd. Entries can be walking groups, vehicle floats or a mix of both. Prizes will be awarded for Best Business Entry, Best Not-for-Profit Entry, and Most Creative and Wacky.
It’s also a great team-building activity, and many participants say the preparations are just as fun as the parade itself!
Spectators can catch the action from anywhere along the route or enjoy the view from local cafés and bars. Entry deadline is Wednesday, 30 July — don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic.
Register your parade team now at: greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au
   • What: 2025 Rotary Street Parade
   • Where: Airlie Beach Main Street
   • When: Saturday 2nd August, from 5pm

Revvin’ the Reef Roars Back into Airlie Beach
What’s that rumble? It can only mean one thing… the roar of engines as cars roll into town for the inaugural Revvin’ the Reef car show!
Airlie Beach Main Street will come alive with chrome, colour, and community spirit on Saturday, 2 August, when Revvin’ the Reef makes its high-octane debut. Proudly presented by ENZED Whitsundays and Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach, this exciting new event is a celebration of horsepower and heritage.
From hot rods and muscle cars to EVs, motorbikes, classic cars, and trucks, the street will be lined with a dazzling display of vehicles from 10am to 2pm. Live music will set the tone for a fun-filled morning.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to pre-register, as spaces are limited. Entry is $15 for cars and trucks, and $10 for motorbikes, with trophies awarded to the Top 10 Vehicles, as voted by the public.
While the official Miss Pin-Up Competition is on pause this year, the vintage spirit lives on! Attendees are invited to dress in their best retro, rockabilly, or vintage-inspired outfits, with spot prizes for the most creative looks.
Whether you’re showing off your pride and joy or cheering from the sidelines, Revvin’ the Reef is a must-see celebration of community, creativity, and classic style.
   • What: Revvin’ the Reef
   • Where: Airlie Beach Main Street
   • When: Saturday 2nd August 2025, 10am–2pm

Build It, Float It, Race It – The Recyclable Regatta Returns!
Ahoy there, pirates! Get ready for a morning of chaos, creativity, and coastal fun as the Whitsunday Escape Recyclable Regatta sails back to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday, 3 August, from 8:30am.
A firm festival favourite, this action-packed event sees schools, community groups, local businesses and brave mates build and paddle their way across the water in homemade rafts, all made entirely from recyclable materials. From milk bottles and bamboo to plastic drums and pirate costumes—anything goes as long as it’s sustainable and seaworthy!
Proudly supported by Whitsunday Escape, the regatta promises plenty of laughs and friendly competition. This year, businesses are especially encouraged to join the fun. It’s the perfect team-building challenge—build a branded raft and go head-to-head with your industry rivals for prizes and bragging rights.
There are four divisions:
   • Kids (6–12)
   • Teens (13–17)
   • Adults (18+)
   • Local Business category
Great prizes are up for grabs in each!
Rafts must be no larger than 3m x 3m, with a maximum of three crew members. Life jackets are mandatory, and the race isn’t over until your whole team runs up the beach and crosses the finish line together.
So, gather your crew, register online, and start collecting your materials. The Recyclable Regatta is a celebration of sustainability, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun.
For full raft guidelines or advice on materials, email: marketing@whitsundayescape.com
   • What: 2025 Recyclable Regatta
   • Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore
   • When: Sunday 3rd August 2025, 8:30

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