The dust has settled on the Whitsundays, but the sound of music still echoes in Airlie Beach as the 2025 Airlie Beach Festival of Music wraps up, celebrating a record-breaking year for both attendance and community spirit.
The three-day music event, which saw the town's venues and the iconic Main Tent fully activated, delivered an estimated $5 million injection into the local economy. This huge success was driven by a staggering turnout, confirming the festival's status as a must-attend event on the national music calendar. The introduction of new 2-day ticket options and innovative camping packages was credited as a major success factor in accommodating the massive demand.
Record Attendance and Community Triumph
This year, the festival recorded a sellout on Saturday night with 3,000 people in the Main Tent, with thousands more joining across the 15 venues throughout Airlie Beach over the weekend.
Festival Founder, Gavin Butlin, was quick to praise the incredible collaboration that drives the event.
“This year was truly special because every single person contributed to the magic,” Mr. Butlin said.
“To our incredible artists—from Jessica Mauboy and The Screaming Jets to every single band and artist on a venue stage—thank you for the soundtrack to our festival. To our dedicated staff, local businesses, and venue partners, your professionalism makes the town takeover seamless. And most importantly, to our magnificent volunteers—you are the heart and soul of this event, and without your tireless energy, this success story wouldn't be possible.”
Fostering Future Talent: A Mauboy Moment
Beyond the headline shows, a key highlight of the 2025 festival was its deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australian talent.
This commitment was powerfully demonstrated by headline artist Jessica Mauboy, who created a special moment by meeting with Indigenous youth performers, who had performed on the Amped Up stage at Club Whitsunday, prior to her electrifying Sunday performance. This moment underscores Mauboy’s and Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s dedication to developing future stars.
By incorporating these youth programs and initiatives like the highly successful Passport to Airlie competition, the festival is actively fostering emerging artists to take the stage in future years, securing the sound of Australian music.
The festival's unique town-wide model, utilising 15 venues, ensured that the economic benefit flowed directly through the community, boosting accommodation providers, restaurants, and local tourism operators throughout the entire five-day period and beyond.
Planning for the 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music is already underway, promising to build on this year’s phenomenal success and solidify its reputation as the ultimate music holiday destination. Super bird tickets are on sale now at airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au
Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes and SWAMPHOUSE Photography
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
