Airlie Beach's favourite family festival celebrating the world's greatest natural wonder with fireworks, parades, live music and community spirit.
Event Essentials
Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August 2026
Various events across 3 days
Fireworks: Friday 8:30pm
Airlie Beach Foreshore & Main Street
Free (most events)
All ages welcome
Community Festival
Great Barrier Reef Festival Committee
Cruise Whitsundays
Save the Date
Don't miss the Great Barrier Reef Festival 2026 - add it to your calendar
๐ Add to Google CalendarGetting to the Great Barrier Reef Festival
The festival is spread across the Airlie Beach foreshore and main street, making it easy to access from anywhere in town. Here's how far the main festival precinct is from key locations:
Right there! The lagoon is in the festival precinct
Perfect viewing spot for fireworks
800m - 10 minute walk via Bicentennial Walkway
Lantern Parade starts here
650m - 8 minute walk
Easy access from the ferry terminal
About the Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is Airlie Beach's biggest annual celebration - a vibrant community event that brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the world's most famous natural wonder. Now running for over 25 years, this free festival transforms the town into a party over the first weekend of August each year.
Proudly presented by Cruise Whitsundays, the festival captures everything that makes the Whitsundays special. It's where the reef meets the streets - a weekend of fireworks over the Coral Sea, colourful street parades, live music pumping from the foreshore stage, carnival rides, night markets, and plenty of activities for families. The whole town gets involved, from local schools building parade floats to businesses showcasing their reef-themed creations.
More than just a party, the festival also focuses on reef education and environmental awareness. The Immerse art installation brings the underwater world to life using recycled materials, while Master Reef Guide experiences offer a deeper understanding of the reef we're celebrating. It's fun with a purpose - and one of the most popular events on the Whitsunday calendar.
What to Expect at the Great Barrier Reef Festival
Friday night spectacular
Floats, costumes & community
Free entertainment all weekend
Car, bike & truck show
Magical waterfront procession
Free activities for kids
Recycled reef sculptures
Food, stalls & fun
Festival Program Overview
Friday - Opening Night
- Lantern Parade from Coral Sea Marina along the Bicentennial Walkway
- Welcome to Country ceremony
- Night markets and Eat Street food stalls
- Live music on the foreshore stage
- Immerse art installation illuminated
- Fireworks on the Foreshore at 8:30pm
- After party continues into the night
Saturday - Street Party
- Revvin' the Reef car and bike show on Main Street
- Live music throughout the day
- Rotary Street Parade (5pm)
- Beats on the Beach - evening entertainment
- Carnival rides and market stalls
- Pop-up Reef Bar on the foreshore
Sunday - Family Fun Day
- Free family activities on the foreshore
- Face painting, games and competitions
- Reef education workshops
- Recyclable Regatta (rafts made from recycled materials!)
- Live acoustic entertainment
- Traditional Owner cultural activities
Where is the Great Barrier Reef Festival Held?
The Great Barrier Reef Festival takes over the heart of Airlie Beach. Most events happen on or near the Airlie Beach Lagoon foreshore, with the Street Parade and Revvin' the Reef car show closing down the main street (Shute Harbour Road). It's a compact festival - you can walk between all the action easily.
What's Nearby
- The Airlie Beach Lagoon is right in the festival precinct - grab a spot on the grass for prime fireworks viewing
- The Lantern Parade starts at Coral Sea Marina and winds along the Bicentennial Walkway
- Plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby if you want to escape the crowds for a sit-down meal
- The Airlie Beach Markets run on Saturday mornings too - double the market fun!
What to Bring to the Festival
โ Bring With You
- Picnic rug or beach chairs (for fireworks viewing)
- Cash (some stalls may not have EFTPOS)
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Light jacket for cooler evening
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A lantern if joining the Lantern Parade!
- Swimmers if kids want to use the lagoon
โ Leave at Home
- Glass bottles (not permitted in foreshore area)
- Eskies/BYO alcohol (licensed areas available)
- Large umbrellas (block views)
- Anything valuable you don't want to carry
Getting There & Parking
Parking Options
- Main street parking: Limited during festival as roads close for parade and car show. Avoid parking on Shute Harbour Road on Saturday.
- Side streets: Free street parking available on surrounding streets - arrive early for the best spots.
- Port of Airlie: Paid parking available, easy walk to foreshore.
- Accommodation parking: If staying in Airlie Beach, leave your car at your accommodation and walk.
Road Closures
Expect road closures on the main street (Shute Harbour Road) during the Street Parade on Saturday afternoon and for Revvin' the Reef in the morning. Plan ahead and allow extra time if driving through town during the festival.
Great Barrier Reef Festival Highlights
The Great Barrier Reef Festival started back in 2000 and has grown into one of Queensland's most beloved community events. Here are some highlights from recent years:
- 2025: "Coral Kingdom" theme with headline act Caravana Sun and the spectacular Immerse installation featuring 6m humpback whale sculptures
- 2024: Conrad Sewell headlined Friday night, with the Wearable Art Parade and Magic Mile run returning
- 2023: Featured Timomatic and 8 Ball Aitken, with the first dedicated artist tours to the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail
- 2022: The festival roared back post-pandemic with record crowds
- 2019: Would have been the 20th anniversary celebration - the festival continues to grow each year
The Rotary Street Parade celebrated its 22nd year in 2025, making it one of the longest-running community parades in the region.
Good to Know
- Most events are FREE: The festival is a community event with free entry to most activities. Some events like Beats on the Beach have a small cover charge for the bar area.
- August weather: This is peak dry season in the Whitsundays - expect beautiful sunny days and pleasant evenings. Perfect festival weather!
- It gets busy: Fireworks night draws big crowds. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the foreshore.
- Join in: The Lantern Parade is open to everyone - just bring your own lantern (or make one at the workshops beforehand).
- Pet friendly: Dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas, but it can get crowded and noisy, especially during fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Great Barrier Reef Festival free?
Yes, most festival events are completely free including the fireworks, parades, Family Fun Day, and Immerse art installation. Some events like the bar areas may have a small cover charge.
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely! The Great Barrier Reef Festival is one of the most family-friendly events in the Whitsundays. Sunday's Family Fun Day is specifically designed for kids with free activities, face painting, and games.
Where is the best spot to watch the fireworks?
The Airlie Beach Lagoon foreshore offers the best views. Bring a picnic rug and arrive early to claim a good spot. You can also watch from boats in the harbour - Camira offers a special fireworks cruise.
Can I join the Lantern Parade?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to join the Lantern Parade. Just bring your own lantern - there are often workshops held before the festival where you can make one. The parade starts at Coral Sea Marina on Friday evening.
What time do the fireworks start?
The Fireworks on the Foreshore typically start at 8:30pm on Friday night. The entertainment and markets kick off earlier in the evening, so come down around 6pm to enjoy the full experience.
What happens if it rains?
August is dry season in the Whitsundays, so rain is unlikely. However, outdoor events may be modified if weather requires. Check the festival's social media for any updates closer to the event.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've been living and working in the Whitsundays since 2001. We've seen events come and go, and we know what makes a great day out in our town.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is a highlight of our calendar - we've been attending since the early days and have watched it grow from a small community event into the region's biggest celebration. It's one of those weekends where the whole town comes together.
This guide shares honest local knowledge to help you make the most of the Great Barrier Reef Festival - no fluff, just practical tips from people who actually live here.
Great Barrier Reef Festival Social Media
Follow the festival for program updates, event announcements and behind-the-scenes content:
Ready for the Great Barrier Reef Festival?
Mark your calendar for Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August 2026 and join the celebration!
Visit Official Website