Great Barrier Reef City Info

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Great Barrier Reef ,Queensland, Australia » Entertainment » Festivals

The most popular among the festivals here is The Great Barrier Reef Festival. There are also many exciting events and festivals taking place around the year along the coastal towns.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival

The Great Barrier Reef Festival is started in 2000 and is getting better every year. The festival takes place on the first weekend of August every year. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this festival if you plan your trip in August. The festival’s heart is in the coastal town of Airlie Beach; it celebrates the Whitsundays’ lifestyle and the communities at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Rotary Street Parade is one of the most popular events, with spectators lining the streets to watch the colourful floats built by businesses, community groups and schools.

Ayr

Burdekin Water Festival

The Burdekin Water Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in Queensland. It’s been 50 years since the festival is being held to celebrate the abundance of water by organising various events such as dance performances, art competitions, parades, magic shows, and other family activities.

Address: Ayr, North Queensland, Australia

Cairns

Festival Cairns

Festivals Cairns is the most awaited moment in Cairns with celebrations going on for about a month from 27th August to 20th September. Various events are held in categories like food and wine, sport, music, family, visual arts and performing arts.

Address: Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia

Charter Towers

Charter Towers Country Music Festival

The Charter Towers Country Music Festival has been held in Queensland for 30 years to honour the Australian culture, mining, and agricultural heritage. About 800 participants participate in this music talent contest which attracts some of the biggest names from the music industry. Held for three days, visitors can become a part of the fun and festivities.

Address: P.O.Box 20, Charter Towers, QLD, 4820, Australia

Cooktown

Cooktown Discovery Festival

Cooktown Discovery Festival is held every year on the second weekend of June, in remembrance of James Cook landing on the banks of Endeavour River. The residents celebrate the festival by performing the scene of the Captain landing on the river. Men adorn naval and marine uniforms, and ‘Brown Bess’ musket mock-ups are fired in the sky along with a flag-raising ceremony. Wooden boats are used to transport the captain ashore.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas Carnivale

Port Douglas Carnivale, held from 18th to 25th May, was started in 1993 to celebrate the start of the tourist season. It was initiated to push the tourism industry of Port Douglas to increase the influx of both local and international visitors. The main attraction of this Carnivale is the Carnivale Masquerade Cocktail Party and the street party on Macrossan Street, which marks the start of the festival. Food & wine are offered to visitors.

Rockhampton

Big River Jazz Festival

Big River Jazz Festival is a three-day event where jazz concerts are held in many bars and restaurants in Rockhampton. Held in September, the festival commences on a Friday night with jazz evenings. On Saturday, a huge concert is held on the banks of Fitzroy River.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island Race Week

Hamilton Island Race Week has become Australia’s leading keelboat competition. The event was started by David Hutchen in 1983 along with his partner Keith Williams to generate tourism. At first, 93 boats contested which later grew slowly but surely. The fleet of boats sail down from the coast of Sydney to the Mooloolaba and then via Brisbane to Gladstone at Easter, finally making their way to Hamilton Island. The race was held in April for the first few years but later shifted to August in favour of good weather conditions.

Whitsunday Island

Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

The Whitsunday Triathlon Club organises the event. The club arranges many competitions such as Ergon Energy Junior Triathlon, Coral Sea Resort Open Water Swim, PRD Airlie Beach Triathlon Citibeach Beach Volleyball Challenge, Business Team Challenge, Sports Expo, and a High School Team Challenge. The main event is the PRD Airlie Beach Triathlon, a sprint distance race where triathletes of all ages and aptitudes can participate.