Long Weekend in the Whitsundays
The January Long Weekend in the Whitsundays is approaching and it’s time to start putting some plans into action! Having a three day weekend gives travellers and locals an extra day to immerse themselves in the beauty of paradise. We're going to explain what the January Long Weekend is for, and provide some fun ways to enjoy the weekend in the Whitsundays!
What is the January Long Weekend in Queensland?
The January Long Weekend in Queensland is for Australia Day, also known as Invasion Day. This public holiday is observed across all of Australia on 26th of January. This year, it falls on a Sunday, meaning that the following Monday, 27th of January, will be a public holiday to ensure that locals and travellers have an extra day off!
Planning A Trip To The Whitsundays? Don't Forget To Book Your Tours In Advance To Avoid Missing Out!
Ways to celebrate the Long Weekend in the Whitsundays
1. Go on an overnight sail
One of the best things you can do to familiarise yourself with the beautiful Whitsundays region is to spend two or three days sailing through the islands. Whether it be hopping aboard a party boat for backpackers, enjoying a more intimate getaway on an overnight catamaran, or zipping out to explore and sleep on the Great Barrier Reef, overnight sailing tours are perfect for a long weekend. Grab your partner, friends, kids or even your grandma and book in that overnight sail adventure you won't forget!
2. Try island camping
A long weekend in the Whitsundays is the perfect time to go on a camping adventure! There are plenty of national parks and camping locations on the mainland, but you can also embark on a more remote expedition and camp on one of the Whitsunday Islands! From the famous Whitehaven Beach, to the more secluded campsites on Hook Island or South Molle Island, spending a long weekend amidst the wilderness is the perfect option for nature lovers!
3. Indulge in Airlie Beach's Nightlife
The long weekend in the Whitsundays is the perfect time to let loose and check out the nightlife in Airlie Beach! From fancy cocktail bars, to pumping nightclubs, to party boats, to themed nights and eateries, there is lots to do in Airlie Beach with an extra day off of work. Treat yourself to some fun out on the town! If you're not a night owl, you can also treat yourself to a nice meal at one of Airlie's best cafes or smoothie bars.
4. Go Skydiving
Why not jump out of a plane this long weekend? One of the best ways to truly experience the Whitsunday Islands is from above. Not only do you get to enjoy a scenic flight up to 15,000 feet, you also get to jump out and free fall above the stunning region. Sounds fun right?! Face your fears and book in a skydive with Skydive Australia. Trust us, you definitely won’t forget it and it will make your trip to the beautiful Whitsundays even more unforgettable!
5. Relax on the famous Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the Whitsundays and is constantly teeming with keen tourists. The beach is famous due to it’s beautiful silica sands and turquoise waters. From jumping aboard a day trip, to planning a camping adventure, to chartering your own boat, we’ve got plenty of options to get you to Whitehaven.
Make this long weekend one to remember by spending the day exploring the beach, hiking up to the Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkelling on the tropical coral reef, paddle boarding, sunbathing, sipping on refreshing bevvies and feasting on gourmet lunches!
What's on in Airlie Beach this Long Weekend?
Australia Day Backyard Party at the Sailing Club
Time: 9:20am - Late
Price: $20 for Club Calita
The Whitsunday Sailing Club is hosting a day full of events at their Australia Day Backyard Party, kicking off at 9.20am when they welcome their fleet to the 2025 year of sailing.
At 10.30am, the club will host a 'Discover Sailing' morning for all ages who might be interested in taking up the fun-filled activity. Be sure to stick around at 12.00pm for the Kid's Backyard Olympics and a free jumping castle! And for the adults, there's a 'Big Kids' Backyard Olympics from 2.00pm.
The party kicks off at 3.00pm when Club Calita, a lively DJ set that goes until late, gets started at the Bali Hut! To come along to the party, tickets are $20.
Australia Day on the Airlie Beach Foreshore
Time: 4pm - 8pm
Price: Free
Just parallel to Airlie Beach's main street, you'll find the sandy foreshore, where locals and visitors kick their shoes off and sit back to watch the boats go by. On Sunday, the foreshore will be flooded with family-friendly fun, live music, food stalls, and games, complete with a fireworks display at 8pm.
Live Music at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Price: Free
The Pub at Airlie Beach Hotel will be pumping out electrifying live music from midday into the evening on Sunday, with performances from Reckless and Soul Chisel. From 12pm to 3pm you can catch Reckless, an Australian Crawl tribute act. They'll be followed by 8-piece Aussie brass band Soul Chisel from 3pm to 6pm. Entry is free but this event is going to be busy, so Airlie Beach Hotel recommends booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Australia Day 2025 at Northerlies
Time: 12pm to 9pm
Price: Free
Over at their beautiful beachside bar and grill, Northerlies are hosting a heap of events on 26th of January, from an Aussie Wildlife exhibition with snakes and baby crocs to face painting to live music. It's free to come along, but if you're planning to stay for some food or a drink, we recommend booking a table in advance!
