Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Tourism Whitsundays has launched the STARS Program, a fresh way to shine a light on the people, places and stories that make The Whitsundays so special. The program invites local tourism operators and businesses to share their latest news, achievements and updates. Whether it’s a new tour, a recent renovation, standout reviews, or efforts to protect the environment, every story helps promote our region far and wide. This information will be used to showcase the Whitsundays across regional, sta
Read more
Record Visitor Numbers At Bowen’s Big Mango The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango, has welcomed a record 56,360 visitors in the past financial year — a 9% increase on the previous year. That’s an average of 1083 people each week, with July and June the busiest months. Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy said day trippers, especially from Airlie Beach, made up 40% of visitors. “That percentage has been steadily increasing,” she said. “We have also noticed
Read more%20(1).JPG)
Staying prepared — together One of the most important responsibilities I hold as Mayor is chairing our Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). While it might not always make front-page news, this work is critical to the safety and resilience of our Whitsunday region’s communities. This month, our LDMG met once again as part of our ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness. The group isn’t just made up of Council staff and brings together a diverse and dedicated team including our emergency
Read more
The 2025–26 Whitsunday Regional Council Budget includes some good news, with funding directed to local infrastructure and community assets. But many in our business community will be feeling the impact of the 21% rise in commercial and industrial rates, along with a 5% increase in utility charges. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised concerns, and Council will soon share with us how this additional revenue will be used to support real outcomes for business growth. At the
Read more
Local NDIS Community Comes Together for BBQ Event A warm, sunny start with the unmistakable aroma of a good old Aussie barbecue set the scene perfectly as local NDIS providers rocked up to host a cracking community event. The whole shindig was all about inclusion, connection, and support. It was a fair dinkum chance for participants, their families, and support workers to kick back, leave their usual routines behind, and soak up a relaxed, social vibe. “The BBQ was a success. Approximately 60 p
Read more
Whitsunday Coast Airport has officially joined the Containers for Change program, launching a new sustainability initiative expected to generate around $80,000 annually through container refunds. All departments within Council’s Commercial Businesses Directorate will participate in the program, which will support both the environment and local communities. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative was a double win. “This is about turning everyday recycling into real sup
Read more
The Grazing Industry Many people today may not be aware that before Proserpine became the centre of a major sugar-producing area, it was encircled by large cattle stations. There had, in fact, been substantial cattle runs in the area dating back to the very early 1860s. These early cattle stations included Bromby Park, now Goorganga (once owned by Bodes and Cottons); Bloomsbury (MacCartneys); Proserpine Station and Amelia Vale (Emmersons); Cattle Vale (The James McDonald family); Collingvale (J
Read more
Get ready for a night of powerhouse vocals, infectious energy, and unforgettable country charm as Vixens of Fall take the stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on Saturday, 2nd August 2025. Hailing from Queensland’s tropical north and now based in Brisbane, these three bold sisters—Nina, Wren, and Lulu—bring their signature blend of country-rock with a splash of sass and soul. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, magnetic stage presence, and fierce sisterly harmony, Vixens of Fall are
Read more
July 11 Matilda followed by Grease, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 12 NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day, Bowen Soundshell Santa Barbara Parade, 10:00am-2:00pm 13 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 13 Proserpine Community Winter Markets, Proserpine State School Cyclone Shelter on Sherry Street, from 8:30am 15 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 19 Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Races between Port of Airlie & Cannonvale Beach with
Read more
Friday 11th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Troy Morrison (from 8pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Saturday 12th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Fleetwood Mac Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Sugarlips (1pm – 6pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Sunday 13th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Rock'N' The Country (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (6.30pm – 9.
Read more
Robbie Williams fans, get ready—Australia’s top tribute act is heading back to the Whitsundays. Louie Lee Feltrin is set to perform his crowd-pleasing show at the Airlie Beach Hotel for the sixth time, and he couldn’t be happier to return. “I love the venue. I love the people. I love the energy," he said. "Everyone's in a good mood, there's a sunny disposition and everyone's happy.” Coming from Melbourne, Louie joked that his own mood lifts just stepping off the plane. He said in Victoria the
Read more
Meet Dax, a tiny fighter with a huge heart. Dumped near railway tracks at just seven weeks old, this little kitten has already overcome more than most. Now safe in foster care, Dax is slowly learning that not all humans are bad, and that love and kindness do exist. Dax isn’t ready for adoption just yet, but Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue are now taking expressions of interest from kind-hearted families who’d love to welcome him into their home when the time comes. His adoption fee is $170,
Read more
It is time to shed some light on one of Queensland’s most misunderstood residents, the crocodile. Like most dangerous animals, much of the fear surrounding crocs comes from knowledge gaps and misinformation. A little information goes a long way to understanding the vital role they play in Queensland’s ecosystem. Crocodiles are a fact of life in Australia, from Gladstone in Queensland, across the top and down to in Broome in Western Australia. We have plenty of them right here in the Whitsunday
Read more
Eco Barge Hosts Outback Mike Adventure Screening Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is excited to announce a one-night-only event with adventurer and filmmaker Outback Mike at Eco Barge HQ in Airlie Beach on Sunday 13th July at 6:00pm. Outback Mike (Michael Atkinson) will present his 85-minute adventure documentary, Outback Mike: The Great Reef Voyage, which follows his extraordinary 1,500km solo journey up the Great Barrier Reef in a homemade dugout canoe. Inspired by the historic survival story of a s
Read more.jpg)
Have you ever been out on the water and spotted a sea turtle, dolphin or even a whale, shark or ray, and thought you should report it but weren’t quite sure how? Eye on the Reef is a monitoring and assessment program that invites anyone visiting the Great Barrier Reef to help protect it. By recording sightings of marine animals, reef health and incidents, you’re contributing valuable data that helps build a clearer picture of what’s happening below the surface and guides how the Reef is managed
Read more
To see where whales and other marine life have been sighted click on this Eye on the Reef (EOTR) link https://eotr.gbrmpa.gov.au/sightings If you sight any whales please enter them into EOTR or send the details to me to be enter on your behalf. HOW TO RECORD WHALE (& OTHER MARINE LIFE) SIGHTINGS IN THE GBR Download the Eye on the Reef App or click on this link https://eotr.gbrmpa.gov.au/sightings Click on the orange ADD SIGHTINGS tab If you don’t already have a login, click on r
Read more
At The Great Barrier Reef Festival The Great Barrier Reef Festival is all about community, colour, and creativity — and you can be part of the fun! Whether you’re a business, school, sporting club, community group, or just a bunch of mates, there’s an event with your name on it. Night Markets & Food Stalls Showcase your delicious eats or handmade goods and be part of the buzzing festival atmosphere along the foreshore. Revvin’ the Reef Car Show Got a classic, quirky, or custom ride? Roll
Read more
2025 Festival Needs You! After weathering a challenging year in 2024, the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival is returning in 2025 with fresh energy, renewed spirit — and a heartfelt call for community support. Thanks to a groundswell of local encouragement and passion, the festival is launching the “Your Reef Festival” campaign — a rallying cry for the Whitsundays to come together and help shape the future of this cherished event. “The 2025 festival is truly ‘Your Reef Festival,’”
Read more
The Great Barrier Reef Festival Announces 2025 Street Parade Registrations Now Open! The Great Barrier Reef Festival is thrilled to announce that registrations are now open for the 2025 Street Parade! This year’s festival will take place from August 1st to 3rd, with the ever-popular Street Parade set to light up Airlie Beach Main Street on Saturday, August 2nd at 5:00 PM. **2025 Theme: “Coral Kingdom” Festival organisers invite the community to immerse themselves in the magical underwater wo
Read more
The call is out to the Whitsunday community to enter the raffle for a four-night, self-skippered ‘bareboat’ charter, and help keep the Great Barrier Reef Festival afloat. For the price of just $25 a ticket and with all proceeds donated to the event – ensuring it remains free, fun, and accessible for all – one lucky winner and up to nine shipmates will get to set sail on the trip of a lifetime around the Whitsunday Islands, aboard the luxe Leopard 40 Catamaran, Regina Whitsundays. Valued at ove
Read more
Football - Whitsunday United Football Club Friday 11 July 6.00 PM: Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Dolphins FC at Dolphin Park 8.00 PM: Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Dolphins FC at Dolphin Park Saturday 12 July 9.30 AM: Whitsunday United FC U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Rangers FC at Whitsunday United FC 9.30 AM: Whitsunday United FC U14 vs Mackay Rangers FC U14 Black at Mackay Football Park 11.00 AM: Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Rangers FC at Whitsunday United FC 11.15 AM: Whitsunday Un
Read more
Footy in paradise lived up to its reputation over the weekend as the Sea Eagles hosted the North Mackay Saints at their home ground in stunning conditions. The day held special meaning as the club marked three years since the passing of Cody Gibbs, a beloved member of the Sea Eagles family. A new memento was unveiled in Cody’s honour, joining the perpetual award presented annually to a senior player who embodies the club spirit he represented. In a thrilling showdown, the Sea Eagles Senior Wom
Read more
With the school holiday, there were no youth teams taking the field for Whitsunday United and as the Divisional men also got the weekend off, it was up to our Premier Men and Women to provide the entertainment. And they didn’t disappoint! Women The Whitsunday ladies faced a tough opponent in the Magpies squad. A few weeks ago, Magpies came out on top but it was a hard fought victory. Determined to turn the tables, the Whitsunday team worked hard as a defensive unit, rarely allowing Magpies to
Read more
They may still be pre-teens, but the girls of Cannonvale Cannons’ competitive squad are already swimming with the drive and discipline of seasoned athletes. Ranging from 10 to 12 years old, this talented group trains early, races hard, and chases state and national qualifying times with impressive focus and determination. Celeste has her sights set on a national qualifying time this season, driven by a strong belief in swimming’s core lesson: hard work makes anything possible. Addie thrives i
Read more
A workshop night detailing a range of ways to help improve your chances of success when targeting Mackerel and Reef fish will be held on Thursday, July 17, from 6pm at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Everyone is welcome. Members of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club will demonstrate various methods of rigging a range of baits and lures for catching Mackerel, discuss some of the better locations to find them at different stages of the tide, and share a few angling ideas and proven tips
Read more