Plan your holiday around these Great Barrier Reef events
List
By Isabella Quaid
Each year, two million people make the trip-of-a-lifetime to Queensland to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the events that surround it. Are you going to be one of them?
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, get your sea legs or just want to party, here are the Great Barrier Reef events that need to be on your radar.
Mackay
A trip to Mackay promises awe-inspiring scenery and natural encounters that make you feel like you’re chartering your own adventure. Take a leap and get involved in these diverse Mackay events.
Rumble on the Reef
Rumble on the Reef
When: 19 September - 1 October 2023
Where: Mackay
Why go? Celebrate the September holidays with action sports, music and the great outdoors. Rumble on the Reef brings two weeks of epic moments, and is the home of the BMD Rumble Skateboarding Championships, Rhythm and the Reef Music Festival, Wakeboarding titles and Hydrofoil Pro Tour.
Mackay Festival of Arts
When: 1 - 31 July 2023
Where: Mackay
Why go? See the city of Mackay transform in an iconic month-long showcase of culture and arts where your senses will come alive. From tantalising dining experiences, exciting new performances, and jam-packed fringe event program, the Festival is a triumph of local arts, music and comedy, theatre, dance and more. A favourite on Queensland's art calendar.
The Whitsundays
New to the Whitsundays? Get the lowdown on everything you need to know before you go - and time your visit for one of these festivities.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music
Photo credit: Airlie Beach Festival of Music
When: 10 - 12 November 2023
Where: Airlie Beach
Why go? What’s better than a tropical getaway? One where you also get to see your favourite band play live. Do both at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, which in its 11th year has well and truly earned its place as one of Australia's best regional music festivals. While 2023's lineup is still to be announced, expect some of the best musicians in the country. Past years have included Spiderbait, Jon Stevens, Rogue Traders, Ben Lee and The Angels - but you can also catch emerging talent thanks to the ‘Passport to Airlie’ national talent search final.
Hamilton Island Triathlon
When: 25 November 2023
Where: Hamilton Island
Why go? Take on the ultimate test of endurance in the ultimate location at the Hamilton Island Triathlon. This event rewards the body, mind and soul, with its 750-metre swim in Catseye Bay, a 20-kilometre ride around the island and airport runway, and five-kilometre run through the marina and resort side.
More of a swimmer? Dive in for the Ocean Swim instead, set for 26 November.
Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon
When: 30 April 2023
Where: Hamilton Island
Why go? Hamilton Island is best known as the place to relax, but it’s also the perfect destination to push yourself in paradise. The Hamilton Island Hilly Marathon includes a diverse terrain 21km route, with up and downhill sections and focus-distracting views.
Great Whitehaven Beach Run
Great Whitehaven Beach Run
When: 25 June 2023
Where: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Why go? You won’t find a better-looking run in the world than the Great Whitehaven Beach Run. Choose from a half marathon, 10km or 5km run along the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach as part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series - there's even a junior fun run, so the whole family can get involved.
Great Barrier Reef Festival
When: 3 - 6 August 2023
Where: Airlie Beach
Why go? Say hello to one of north Queensland's biggest parties: the Great Barrier Reef Festival. Airlie Beach’s famous Main Street closes for the weekend to make way for live entertainment, music, comedy gala, local food and culture and reef-focused environmental and art workshops. The region’s warm winter days provide a feel-good backdrop to special events like the reef-themed lantern parade, fireworks, free family activities and more.
Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing
Photo credit: Airlie Beach Race Week
When: 10-17 August.2023
Where: Airlie Beach
Why go? Every week of the year, Airlie Beach has its friendly, fun-in-the-sun vibes down pat - along with ideal sailing conditions - but during Airlie Beach Race Week they’re turned way up. This colourful fiesta of sailing all day and partying, with its non-stop entertainment program including headline musical acts, long leisurely lunches, and an overflowing social calendar, will have you smiling all week long.
Hamilton Island Race Week
When: 19 - 26 August 2023
Where: Hamilton Island
Why go? Directly after Airlie Beach Race Week, hop across the water for Hamilton Island Race Week where more sailing action, with a foodie and fashion edge, awaits. This is Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta, with lifelong memories to be made whether you're soaking it all in aboard a luxury yacht or from the Yacht Club champagne bar. There's no better opportunity to explore this immaculate island and its fringing reef.
Townsville
Whether your days are filled exploring by land or sea, Townsville provides a unique gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and its events host a treasure trove of activities.
Professional Bull Riding Grand Final
When: 3 - 4 November 2023
Where: Townsville
Why go? You'll be on the edge of your seat as 22 of the best cowboys in the biz take on the toughest bucking bulls in three hours of extreme action for PBR's national title. Prepare to witness the rides of your life at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
McDonalds Townsville Running Festival
When: 6 August 2023
Where: Townsville
Why go? This iconic event is the pinnacle of Townsville's running community calendar and the largest regional marathon in Queensland. More than a run, it's an experience - and the course from HQ at Jezzanine Barracks winds its way beside icons like Castle Hill, with views of the Coral Sea across to Magnetic island.
Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
When: 31 August - 6 September 2023
Where: Magnetic Island
Why go? Queensland's sailing season culminates in North Queensland with a week-long event combining offshore sailing regattas and onshore community entertainment. Who could resist? With top-notch racing, live bands and plenty of partying, the shoreside program of this annual regatta is sure to lure you back year after year.
Cairns and Great Barrier Reef
With the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest on its doorstep, it’s safe to say a visit to Cairns is always eventful. Check out the major events below, then check out this guide to planning the perfect trip.
7 Cairns Marathon
When: 15 - 16 September 2023
Where: Cairns
Why go? Join 3000 athletes from around the country in a festival of fun and fitness in the bustling heart of Cairns. Before you jump off to explore the reef, you can compete in a race to suit your level: there's a full marathon, half marathon, plus 2km, 5km and 10km events.
Port Shorts Film Festival
When: 13 - 14 October 2023
Where: Port Douglas
Why go? Film buff? Make your way to Port Douglas for a tropical take on a short film festival. Showcasing the beautiful Daintree and Great Barrier Reef region, meet up and coming filmakers while watching the best in film.
This year, Wolf Creek and Rogue producer Matt Hearn, inspiring Yolngu actress Rarriwuy Hick and acclaimed actor Stephen Curry are Port Shorts' official festival ambassadors and judges, with Steve also MC on both nights of the festival.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
When: 13 - 16 July 2023
Where: Cairns
Why go? With its mission to bring visual and performance artists of Torres Strait and Aboriginal heritage to wider audience acclaim, this festival is a striking example of the power of storytelling in all forms, from one of the world’s oldest cultures. At CIAF, rich Indigenous culture is brought to life through colours and visual arts, depicting the diversity and beauty of Queensland’s landscapes, from the reef to the rainforests and mountains.
Looking for other Indigenous events in Queensland? Check out this guide, or mark your calendar for the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival, set for 7 - 9 July.
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns
When: 18 June 2023
Where: Cairns
Why go? One of the most spectacular courses in the world sets the scene for one of the most gruelling races. With the Great Barrier Reef on one side and the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest on the other, IRONMAN competitors complete a huge course that ends in the heart of Cairns.
The 2023 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship will have qualifying slots to the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Taste Port Douglas
Photo by @tasteportdouglas
When: 10 – 13 August 2023
Where: Port Douglas
Why go? The flavours are always top-notch in Port Douglas, thanks to the village’s exquisite lineup of cafes and restaurants. But the gourmet bar raises even higher for Taste – a four-day food festival that celebrates the bounty of the tropics. Prepare to be inspired by exceptional cooking, unforgettable dining experiences and the opportunity to learn from some of the food & beverage industry’s most talented experts.
Crocodile Trophy
When: 5 - 11 November 2023
Where: Cairns to Port Douglas
Why go? If you're up for the biggest challenge of your lifetime, Crocodile Trophy is the event that'll make you sweat - and be one of the most rewarding experiences while you do. This ultra-endurance stage race may kick off in Cairns, but you'll then traverse 700km through the Atherton Tablelands and into the outback, camping on cattle stations and in historic mining villages as you go. It all ends in Port Douglas, so you can settle in for some well deserved recovery afterwards.
No quite ready for this ride? There's plenty of other mountain biking events across Cairns to get you started.
Southern Great Barrier Reef
The southern end of the world's largest reef brings its own when it comes to events - mark your calendars for these community moments.
Country on Keppel
When: 14 – 16 July 2023
Where: Great Keppel Island, Capricorn
Why go? The country comes to the sands of a spectacular Southern Great Barrier Reef island this winter, for a music festival unlike any other. Settle in for tunes from one of Australia’s biggest country stars, Adam Brand, along with a talented line-up including James Blundell, Matt Cornell, Danny Phegan, Lyn Bowtell, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Zac Cross, Melanie Dyer.
Entertainment kicks off on Friday afternoon and runs through the weekend, so book your accommodation and ferry packages quickly.
Rainbow on the Reef PRIDE Festival
When: 9 – 11 June 2023
Where: Gladstone
Why go? Celebrate Pride and diversity over one fabulous, colourful weekend in Gladstone. Rainbow on the Reef even more entertainment in 2023, including live music, Drag Queens, entertainment and more. Pack the glitter, and get ready to party. Then stay a little longer to explore some truly special spots just a hop away: Heron Island and Agnes Water.
