North Queensland's signature triathlon event - where crystal-clear waters meet tropical paradise for two days of racing, family fun and community spirit.
Event Essentials
Race Categories
Standard (Olympic) Distance
Distances: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
The flagship event and crowd favourite - perfect for experienced triathletes and age groupers.
Sprint Distance
Distances: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
High-intensity racing with shortened distances - great for competitive athletes and those stepping up from enticer.
Enticer Distance
Distances: 300m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run
Perfect for first-timers and enthusiastic newcomers looking to give triathlon a go.
Ocean Swim (Saturday)
Distances: 1500m, 750m, or 300m options
For those who want to participate in the swim leg only - held in the pristine waters of Pioneer Bay.
Junior Triathlon (Saturday)
Under 8: 50m swim, 750m cycle, 150m run
Ages 8-10: 100m swim, 2.1km cycle, 400m run
Ages 11+: 200m swim, 4km cycle, 800m run
A fantastic introduction for kids - juniors swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon for safety.
Teams Triathlon
Enter as a team and share the swim, bike and run legs between team members. Available across multiple distances.
Registrations for 2026 open 1 January 2026. Spaces are limited and the event often sells out - register early to secure your spot.
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Don't miss out - add the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival to your calendar
π Add to Google CalendarGetting to the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
From Airlie Beach Lagoon
You're there! The event hub and transition area is at the Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark.
From Coral Sea Marina
600m walk along the Bicentennial Walkway (8 minutes). Coral Sea Marina is the naming sponsor.
From Port of Airlie
1.2km walk west along Shute Harbour Road (15 minutes) from the Port of Airlie.
About the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival has established itself as a signature event on the North Queensland triathlon calendar. Now entering its 26th year in 2026, this two-day festival attracts over 300 athletes from first-timers to seasoned professionals, all competing against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands.
The event is organised by the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and led by race directors Michael and Val Kimpton, who stepped in to save the event from cancellation in 2022. Under their leadership, the festival has grown into one of the most unique and popular triathlons on Australia's sporting calendar - even earning a finalist nomination for AusTriathlon Event of the Year.
What makes this triathlon special is the location. Athletes swim in the crystal-clear waters of Pioneer Bay with views of the Coral Sea, cycle through Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket and Mandalay with lush tropical forests as their backdrop, and run along the scenic foreshore. July weather is perfect for racing - around 24 degrees with clear skies and low humidity. It's the kind of setting that makes everyone want to come back year after year.
What to Expect at the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
Event Schedule
Saturday 25 July 2026
Morning/Afternoon: Junior Triathlon - kids race in age-appropriate distances with swimming in the safe waters of the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Ocean Swim: Choose from 1500m, 750m, or 300m distances in Pioneer Bay
Evening: Afterparty and presentations
Sunday 26 July 2026
6:30am onwards: Main triathlon events begin
Standard (Olympic) Distance: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Sprint Distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
Enticer Distance: 300m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run
Afternoon: Awards ceremony and celebrations
Where is the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival Held?
The event hub and transition area is based at the Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark on Shute Harbour Road - the perfect central location for this multi-discipline event. The swim leg takes place in Pioneer Bay, right off the Airlie Beach Foreshore, with buoys marking the course. Cycling and running routes wind through Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket and Mandalay, showcasing the region's tropical beauty.
What's Nearby
The Lagoon is perfectly positioned in the heart of town. The Bicentennial Walkway connects you to the Coral Sea Marina (the event's naming sponsor) in just a few minutes' walk. Plenty of places to eat are within easy walking distance for post-race refuelling. The Port of Airlie is just over a kilometre away if you're catching a boat tour before or after the weekend.
Local tip: The foreshore area near the swim start offers great spectator views. Grab a spot early on Sunday morning to cheer on athletes as they emerge from the water.
What to Bring to the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
For Competitors
- Triathlon suit or swimwear with cycling/running gear
- Wetsuit (optional - water temperature is usually fine without)
- Goggles and swim cap (race cap usually provided)
- Bike in good working condition
- Helmet (mandatory - Australian standards approved)
- Cycling shoes and running shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water bottles
- Race nutrition (gels, bars, electrolytes)
- Towel for transition
For Spectators
- Sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Chair or picnic blanket
- Camera to capture finish line moments
- Cash (some vendors may not have EFTPOS)
- Comfortable shoes for walking between viewing spots
Getting There & Parking
Parking Options
The main transition area is at the Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark, but this fills up quickly with competitor gear and will have restricted access on race day. Your best options are the public carparks along Shute Harbour Road and the main street area - arrive early to secure a spot close to the action.
Road Closures
Expect temporary road closures and traffic management throughout Airlie Beach during the triathlon. Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket and sections around Mandalay will be affected during race times. If you're driving through town on Sunday morning, allow extra time or plan alternative routes.
Walking & Transport
Most accommodation in Airlie Beach is within easy walking distance of the event. The course is highly spectator-friendly, so you can walk between viewing points to catch athletes at different stages of the race. Taxi and rideshare services operate in Airlie Beach for those staying further out.
Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival Highlights
The Airlie Beach Triathlon has been running since 2001 and continues to grow each year. Here are some recent highlights:
- 2025: 25th Anniversary edition featuring Olympian Susie O'Neill as swim ambassador and Pete Murray (Voice of Triathlon) as MC
- 2024: Record fields with over 200 competitors. Charlie Quin won the men's Olympic distance and Richelle Hill took out the women's title, defeating 2012 Olympian Radka Kahlefeldt
- 2023: Kurt McDonald and Radka Kahlefeldt claimed victories. Over 250 athletes competed with the biggest professional field in the event's history
- 2022: Michael and Val Kimpton stepped in to save the event from cancellation, revitalising the festival and beginning its transformation into one of Australia's best grassroots triathlons
- 2025: Event announced as finalist for AusTriathlon Event of the Year: Under 500 Participants
Good to Know
Book accommodation early: This is the peak of Airlie Beach's dry season and coincides with whale watching season. Hotels fill up fast during triathlon weekend.
Perfect weather: July in the Whitsundays averages around 24 degrees with clear skies and low humidity - ideal racing conditions.
Great value: The organisers focus on making this a memorable experience with excellent race packs and value for money - it's not just about racing, it's about community and camaraderie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival family friendly?
Yes. Saturday features dedicated junior events where kids swim safely in the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Spectators of all ages are welcome to cheer from multiple vantage points along the course.
Do I need to be an experienced triathlete to enter?
Not at all. The Enticer distance is specifically designed for first-timers with shorter swim, bike and run legs. Many participants use Airlie Beach as their first triathlon experience.
Can I enter as a team?
Yes. Teams can share the swim, bike and run legs between members across multiple distances. It's a great way to experience triathlon with friends or colleagues.
Is there parking at the event?
The Lagoon carpark is used for transition and has limited access on race day. Use public parking along Shute Harbour Road and arrive early for the best spots.
What happens if it rains?
The event runs rain or shine. July in the Whitsundays is typically dry season with minimal rainfall expected, but organisers have contingency plans for weather events.
When do registrations open for 2026?
Registrations for the 2026 event open on 1 January 2026. The event often sells out, so register early to secure your spot.
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.
We've watched the Airlie Beach Triathlon grow from a small community event into one of North Queensland's signature sporting festivals. The atmosphere on race weekend is electric - the whole town gets behind the athletes.
This guide shares honest local knowledge to help you make the most of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival - no fluff, just practical tips from people who actually live here.
Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival Social Media
Ready for the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival?
Registrations for 2026 open 1 January - mark your calendar and secure your spot at this iconic North Queensland event
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