Guide to the Great Barrier Reef Festival 2022
It’s time to celebrate in the heart of the reef from the 4th to 7th of August, at the Great Barrier Reef Festival 2022!
When: 4th - 7th August 2022
Where: Airlie Beach
Renowned as one of the largest annual parties in North Queensland, the four-day Great Barrier Reef Festival is located in the coastal town of Airlie Beach. Jam-packed with free family fun activities and reef education opportunities, this is your perfect excuse to kick back and celebrate the unique Whitsundays lifestyle. From the pop-up bar and carnival scene along the Airlie foreshore to the vibrant reef-themed street parade, the Great Barrier Reef Festival is a lively, colourful Airlie Beach experience that cannot be missed!
To start planning your ultimate Whitsundays long weekend we’ve decided to scope out the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s main events and highlights - make to save the date!
Great Barrier Reef Festival 2022 Events
Fireworks on the Foreshore
Image: Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: Friday 5th August, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: The Esplanade, Airlie Beach
Who’s ready to see the Airlie Beach foreshore come to life? Starting off the Great Barrier Reef Festival with a bang, the Friday night fireworks lights up the whole town (literally)! Featuring night markets, carnival rides, a pop-up beach bar, live music at the Beach Stage, and ‘Eat Street’ food stalls, great vibes are guaranteed!
Bring down the whole family, take in a Coral Sea sunset, and enjoy a spectacular firework display! Fireworks will begin at 8 pm on the Airlie Foreshore Beach, with the pop-up bar opening from 6 pm. For holidaymakers eager to continue the party, be sure to check out the Best Bars and Nightclubs in Airlie Beach!
The Rotary Street Parade
Image: Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: Saturday 6th August, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Main Street, Airlie Beach
Bringing the Great Barrier Reef to the main street of Airlie Beach, the Rotary Street Parade is a reef-themed annual event showcasing the Whitsundays region’s businesses, organisations, schools and community groups. Laden with exotic ‘marine creatures’ and locals and visitors alike, the street parade is filled with entertainment, music and fun times!
If you’re looking to enter the parade, note that entries can be a ‘walking’ entry, a vehicle ‘float’, or a combination of the lot! The closing date for entries is Monday 1st of August - head to the Great Barrier Reef Festival website for more info.
‘Revvin the Reef’ Car Show
Image: Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: Saturday 6th August, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Back by popular demand, Fraser Ford presents the Airlie Beach ‘Revvin the Reef’ Car Show! For the vintage dreamers and rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts, be sure to bring down your hot rod or classic and dress to impress in your best 50’s style. Don’t forget to check out the Miss Revvin’ the Reef competition which starts at 12 pm, before voting for your favourite car!
Revvin the Reef’ is the ideal event to fill your Saturday itinerary before wandering over to the Rotary Street Parade! For more info on registering for the car show or Miss Revvin’ the Reef, head to the Great Barrier Reef Festival website.
Family Fun Day
Image: Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: Sunday 7th August, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: The Esplanade, Airlie Beach
From the popular donut eating competition, free rides and demonstrations, and a giant treasure hunt filled with prizes, the Airlie Beach Foreshore has never seen so much free fun. A load of entertainment is guaranteed for everyone at the Family Fun Day, all you need to do is spread out the picnic rug in paradise!
After the kids enjoy circus workshops, beach water fights, and face painting, a number of stalls will be offering kid-friendly interactive reef education workshops. The perfect event to learn about the vital importance of the reef, whilst having a ball of fun!
Anything Environmental Recyclable Regatta
Image: Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: Sunday 7th August, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
Following the success of the 2021 event, Anything Environmental is back in 2022 for the Recyclable Regatta! Simply build your best raft out of recyclable materials and take to the Coral Sea for the ultimate challenge. Perfect for schools, community groups, families and groups of friends alike, it’s time to put your captain's hat on and get boat building!
For more information about entering the Recyclable Reggatta, head to the Great Barrier Reef Festival website.
Combing the best of tropical fun with vital education about the environment and reef, Airlie Beach cannot wait to show you some Whitsundays hospitality this August. We recommend exploring the vast underwater playgrounds of the Great Barrier Reef during your trip, by making a splash on a fun-packed day tour or overnight sailing adventure!
To view the full 2022 festival timetable, visit the Great Barrier Reef Festival website here.
