Reef Festival Window Competition Returns

Ocean Rafting reef inspiring setup for the 2024 festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry is calling on Airlie Beach businesses to get creative this July as the Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrates a glittering milestone of 25 years.

Local businesses have a sparkling opportunity to become part of the action in this year’s Reef Festival, with the relaunch of the Window to the Reef window dressing competition — a revamped event inviting storefronts along the Airlie Beach main street and foreshore to transform into reef-inspired works of art.

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Sponsored by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the competition is designed to bring the festival spirit to every corner of town, with thousands of festivalgoers expected to explore the precinct across the weekend of July 31 – August 2.

Participating businesses are encouraged to embrace the festival's silver anniversary theme — think shimmering storefronts, underwater magic, 25th birthday vibes, and reef-inspired creativity that stops pedestrians in their tracks.

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Registrations are open now, with businesses encouraged to sign up by Wednesday, 15 July to receive a free decoration starter pack. Packs will be distributed to all registered participants and delivered during the week beginning Monday, 27 July.

Once packs are in hand, businesses will have from Monday 27 July through to Thursday 30 July to deck out their displays. Judging will take place over the Great Barrier Reef Festival weekend, with the community casting votes for their favourite windows.

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Prizes Up for Grabs

There's serious incentive to pull out all the stops, with cash prizes on the line:

• 1st Place: $500

• 2nd Place: $250

• 3rd Place: $100

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Displays will be evaluated on creativity, originality, and overall appeal.

Businesses not located within the Main Street area are encouraged to take part in the Street Parade on Saturday afternoon and showcase their business and creativity.

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Register Now

Entry is free for Great Barrier Reef Festival sponsors. All other businesses can register for $100 via the Great Barrier Reef Festival website at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

Registrations close Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Register before 15 July to guarantee your decoration starter pack.

The Chamber’s sponsorship of this year’s Festival has been made possible through the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets, with funds generated through the markets reinvested directly back into the local community.  

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