There’s always something happening here in The Whitsundays and our fantastic local tourism operators have some exciting updates and fresh experiences to share. Explore Group is now offering half-day dive trips from Hamilton Island. As a PADI 5-Star provider, it’s a great option if you’re short on time but keen to check out the colourful fringing reef. Heart of Reef Car Rentals has teamed up with Boaty’s for a great deal. Book a car for 3 days or more and you’ll score a free brekky voucher wort
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Women across the region are being encouraged to take the next step in their leadership journey, with partial scholarships now available through Women & Leadership Australia. With up to $5,000 on offer per person, the scholarships aim to empower more women to build their leadership skills, expand their workplace impact, and take on greater responsibilities—regardless of career stage. Women & Leadership Australia’s programs are designed for flexibility, allowing participants to engage in part-ti
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Proserpine Veterinary Surgery is marking a major milestone, 50 years of continuous service to the Whitsundays. Dr Faye McPherson, who joined the practice in 2003, says the longevity is a testament to community support and the clinic’s commitment to care. “I’ve seen businesses celebrate 15 years, but 50 years? That’s really worth celebrating,” she said. Originally partnering with Dr Bill Bowman, Faye then has been dedicated to building and growing the clinic ever since. Over two decades, Faye
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Volunteers of the St. Paul’s Op Shop are calling for people of the community to stop donating unsellable mattresses and furniture at the church’s furniture shed. The Op Shop, run exclusively by volunteers, uses the profits from the store to fund the St Paul's Anglican Church. However volunteer at the store, Chris Hinschen, believes that rising costs at the dump has led people to leave mattresses at the Op Shop’s furniture shed as a donation, but they do not accept mattresses. The furniture she
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Each August, Loneliness Awareness Week stands as a reminder of just how essential human connection is to the overall wellbeing of communities accross Australia. This year’s theme, ‘Moments Matter’, is one that truly resonates with the team at Selectability's Bowen Clubhouse, where simple, everyday interactions are making a big difference in the lives of locals. Whether it’s sharing a meal, creating a craft project, or just enjoying a cuppa and a chat, Clubhouse members are forming bonds and tac
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Proserpine State High School’s Seagrass Theatre and Music Company present their highly anticipated ‘Musical Theatre Night’ on Friday 15th August. The annual event allows students from Years 7-12 to showcase their singing and dancing talents on stage performing family-friendly classics from musicals such as ‘Chicago’, 'Les Miserables' and 'Annie' to name a few. Established in 2021, the students have run many theatre seasons including one act plays, previous musical theatre evenings and the rock
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An Event For All-Ages To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade. Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade,
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The smooth sounds of timeless standards will echo through the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday 14 August, as acclaimed Australian vocalist Chris Lloyds presents _Morning Melodies: For the Love of Tony & Friends, a soulful musical salute to the great Tony Bennett and other legendary crooners. Backed by the virtuosic Jamie Rigg Band, Lloyds will take the audience on a nostalgic journey, spotlighting Bennett’s greatest hits—like I Left My Heart in San Francisco—while weaving in gems by
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Friday 8 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Bear Brewer (from 8pm) KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Saturday 9 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Rewind 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: No Scrubs DJ Night(from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Cue KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Sunday 10 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Rewind 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (
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August 4 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Bowen Library, 10:00am - 12:00pm 5 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 6 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 7-14 Airlie Beach Race Week 8 Airlie Beach Race Week Presents: Happy Feet, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 10 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 12 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 14 Morning Melodies
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Fans of classic rock are in for a treat as Creedence Clearwater Survival, Australia’s premier tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, returns to the Airlie Beach Hotel in just a few weeks. “We play every Creed song,” said frontman Paul Haynes, who performs under the name John Forgery. The Melbourne-based band is known for its faithful renditions of Creedence Clearwater Revival's most beloved hits, and this performance will be no different. “The songs will be Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son, L
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Meet Gwendy, a sweet-natured tortoiseshell girl with a heart as soft as her fur. Found wandering the streets of Guthalungra with no collar, no microchip, and no one to claim her, Gwendy’s story could have had a much sadder ending. But thanks to the kindness of strangers, this affectionate feline has landed in safe hands at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc, and now, she’s patiently waiting for the loving home she truly deserves. Calm, gentle and full of quiet charm, Gwendy is the kind of cat w
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The Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival wrapped its activity-packed three-day program on August 3, leaving attendees with a renewed appreciation for the Whitsundays' natural wonders. From August 1–3, Airlie Beach came alive with thousands of locals and visitors embracing a program that continues to cement the festival as a cornerstone event for the region. Despite a cold and soggy start on Friday night, fireworks lit up the sky just moments before rain set in. But the weather couldn
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Crews are trading sailing gear for party shirts on Lay Day as the Battle of the Sailors lawn games competition returns to Airlie Beach Race Week. Held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on August 11, teams of five can register at reception for a chance to win great prizes, including VIP entry and regular race entries to ABRW 2026 and a $150 food and drink voucher. The games kick off at 3pm sharp, but the fun continues into the evening with food trucks firing up at 5pm and live music from local per
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A Flavour-Filled Voyage on Race Week Lay Day Elementa Whitsundays and 74 Islands Distillery, the proud naming rights sponsors of the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, are inviting guests to a one-off long lunch experience that captures the true spirit of the Whitsundays. Taking place on Monday 11 August from 1pm to 4pm, Changing Courses offers a vibrant way to spend the official Lay Day of Race Week. Set in the stunning surrounds of the elevated Elementa distillery and rooftop gardens, the event pro
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Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore Heather Sutton plays a vital role in Airlie Beach Race Week, focusing on the volunteer crew who keep the event going. “My role within Race Week is to organise volunteers,” Heather said. Race Week is run by volunteers and we are very lucky that a lot of our volunteers have been coming back year after year, and they come from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, we also have our local volunteers.” From race directors to mark layers and prize organisers, volunteers h
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Get ready for an unforgettable week of high-stakes yacht racing, breathtaking coastal views and non-stop social festivities at the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, proudly presented by 74 Islands Distillery. Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this much-loved event has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, drawing competitors and spectators from across the country and beyond. Held in the heart of the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach Race Week offers the perfect blend of competitive
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As Regatta Director of Airlie Beach Race Week, Jenni Birdsall’s job spans the entire year, not just the week of racing in Airlie Beach. “I’m basically in charge of coordinating as much as I possibly can to bring everyone together and direct whatever their role entails,” Jenni said. Her responsibilities cover everything from official race documentation and safety management to results and coordination across teams. She describes her role as a helicopter role, viewing all roles from above
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Celebrate the spirit of sailing, connection and coastal charm in true Whitsundays style at the Airlie Beach Race Week Presentations Dinner, held from 5:30pm on Thursday 14 August. Taking place on the picturesque Festival Village lawns at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this unforgettable evening is the ultimate way to round off a thrilling week of on-water action and shoreside festivity. For $149 per ticket, guests will be treated to a carefully crafted three-course meal showcasing local flavours,
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As the Whitsundays prepare to host the 37th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), spectators are being offered a chance to view the action from the best seat on the water, aboard the stunning 100-foot mega yacht, SV Summer Jo. From 7–14 August, more than 130 boats will take to the pristine waters of the Whitsundays for one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, proudly sponsored this year by 74 Islands Distillery. While competitors battle it out on the water, spectators can enjoy a
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As Chairman of Airlie Beach Race Week, Terry Archer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the annual sailing event runs smoothly both on and off the water. But come Thursday afternoon, he switches hats, trading the coordination clipboard for the helm of his multihull racer. “I have a dual role,” Terry explained. “I’m effectively the connection between the club’s management, the volunteers, and ensuring the onshore and offshore events. Then, from Thursday afternoon, I became a competitor.” From
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While the premier Whitsundays sailing season kicks into high gear, a new and exciting event is about to drop anchor in Airlie Beach. Conveniently placed right between the two major race regattas, the inaugural Whitsundays Open Boat Display arrives at Port of Airlie Marina Friday 15 August, running from 9 am to 5 pm. This free event, brought to you by World Wide Boat Brokers, offers boating enthusiasts a unique opportunity to step aboard a range of premium vessels. Its timing is perfectly plac
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The Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael and Val Kimpton were recently privileged to be welcomed to a private Dinner at Parliament House arranged by the Hon. Amanda Camm MP during House sitting days. Guests on the night included Elizabeth Hackett, the inspirational leader behind the Whitsunday Skyway project, Hon. Tim Mander MP, Hon. Andrew Powell MP. the Hon. Dale Last MP and former Tourism Whitsunday CEO, Rick Hamilton. The promotion of the Award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 8 August 6:00pm – Whitsunday Dolphins U23 Women vs Lions at Dolphins 6:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 2 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark 8:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 1 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday 9 August 9:30am – Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers U13 FQPL Red at Whitsunday Sportspark 9:30am – U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Wanderers U13 Div 1 Roses at Mackay Football Park 9:30a
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Can you believe there are only three weeks until spring? As the weather warms up in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, our seasonal visitors will begin to head home. But what a week it has been for Airlie Beach Bowls Club—full of milestones, tight matches, and well-earned victories. The week began with the Ladies A Grade Singles Final on Tuesday morning, with Betty Whitehorn and Vicki Spann going head-to-head in a thrilling contest. Despite a late comeback from Vicki, Betty held on
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