Find things to do in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.
Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
Explore the region
Discover Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and the surrounding mainland. Proserpine, Bowen and the Whitsunday Islands are separate nearby destinations; island access may require a ferry or tour.
Listings across Airlie Beach, Bowen, Cannonvale, Hamilton Island, Proserpine.
Upcoming events
19 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.
Trading traditional festival grounds for a tropical village vibe, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is the ultimate music holiday and definitive party in paradise.
Held annually during the weekend after the Melbourne Cup, the festival transforms the picturesque town of Airlie Beach into a live-music-lovers' playground in the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Now in its 14th year, the event encompasses 60-plus acts across 15 venues and a main stage on the water's edge at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. With only a short distance between each of these hubs, the atmosphere is electric.
Thanks to its winning mix of jaw-dropping views, intimate gigs in beachside bars and world-class headliners in the big-top-tent, ticketholders are guaranteed a bucket-list musical getaway, complemented by access to all the amenities of one of Queensland's premier holiday hotspots.
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has played host to some of Australia's all-time favourite artists as well as a number of iconic overseas acts. Artists already announced for 2026, include Xavier Rudd, Mental As Anything, The Whitlams and more.
Through its national Passport to Airlie competition the festival supports both established musicians and emerging talent, providing something for every patron's musical tastes.
Entry to the opening and after parties are included in a standard three-day pass.
Quirky, Simple & Fun. Unleash your inner creativity with this Art Class by True Heart Connections, located at Ocean Club, Coral Sea Marina.
Capture moments of joy from your day and then using materials provided you will be able to create a colourful picture of the things that made you smile, a creative way to lift your spirits and connect your mind, body, and soul.
All materials provided, no experience necessary. Suitable for all ages!
Course fee AUD50 per person. Meet artist at 9am at The Garden Bar Bistro.
About True Heart Connections: Jacqui Henderson, local Whitsunday Artist, and founder of True Heart Connections. "My inspiration comes when connected through Heart, capturing moments of joy, and creating artwork. This can be a simple Quirky ink drawing with some watercolour or realistic pastel portraits with a few words presented in a book for children. Wall Art for babies' nurseries, portraits of beloved pets, paintings, cards, and postcards of our beautiful area".
Mediums: Acrylics, Soft pastels, and Water Colour & ink.
Pristine white beaches. Crystal clear waters. A breathtaking mountainous interior. Hamilton Island is best known as a place to relax. But it is also the perfect place to push yourself in paradise.
The Hamilton Island Endurance series spans four endurance events. The Hamilton Hilly Half Marathon, Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Hamilton Island Triathlon and the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim will test athletes on every level. Do them all or just do one. Race Hard. Recover Harder.
Take on the ultimate test of endurance in the ultimate location, with the Hamilton Island Triathlon. This rewarding event includes a 750 metre swim in Catseye Bay, a 20 kilometre ride around the island and airport runway, plus a 5 kilometre run through the marina and resort side.
Pristine white beaches. Crystal clear waters. A breathtaking mountainous interior. Hamilton Island is best known as a place to relax. But it is also the perfect place to push yourself in paradise.
The Hamilton Island Endurance series spans four endurance events. The Hamilton Hilly Half Marathon, Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Hamilton Island Triathlon and Hamilton Island Ocean Swim will test athletes on every level. Do them all or just do one—race Hard. Recover Harder.
Located on beautiful Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, the annual event includes a 2 kilometre, 750 metres 750 Anything Goes and a 350-metre junior swim meet.
Welsh born frontman Rhydian Lewis, leads his amazing 4 peice band "The Residuals", to bring you Australia's finest tribute to this musical senstation - Micheal Buble.
Playing the part of Micheal Buble is Welsh born Rydian Lewis who now has a firm hold of the crown to Australia's search for its very own Micheal Buble and Frank Sinatra.
With over 10 years of Queensland ad NSW tours under his belt, this charismatic show and Rhydian's natural stage confidence help makes this a wonderful musical tribute to the pop swing icon.
The show includes a stellar line up of Buble's biggest hits including "The Way You Look Tonight' "Home" "Everything" "Sway" " Save The Last Dance For Me" "Haven't Met You Yet" "Feeling Good" "It's a Beautiful Day" and many more.
Come, listen, laugh and be moved by some of Michael Buble real life stories.
This show contains some of the worlds most popular and touching songs, performed by one of Australia's finest collection of big band musicians "the Residuals".
This show also includes some of Micheal Buble's finest Christmas songs, including, The Christmas Song, A Holly Jolly Christmas, It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas, White Christmas and Winter Wonderland.
Come along and enjoy this heartwarming and truly touching show for Buble and music lovers everywhere. Happy Christmas Everyone.
Get a work crew, sporting club, family or friends together for Airlie Beach Hotel's ready-made Christmas party, fully decorated, with a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and a spectacular live show.
Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey Tribute, starring Rhydian Lewis and Jodie-Joy, two acclaimed international performers who have entertained audiences across Australia, the USA and beyond.
Fully decorated. Christmas lunch. Live entertainment. Santa and his helpers. And maybe even The Grinch. The dishes are even done.
Free entertainment.
Don't organise a Christmas party, just book one.
Terms and conditions apply. 18+ only. The venue promotes the responsible service of alcohol, drink responsibly.
Dust off your Santa hat, round up your mates and get ready for a festive pub crawl through Airlie Beach!
Clause for a Cause is bringing the Christmas cheer, good times and plenty of reasons to raise a glass, with a day of pub hopping, Santa-inspired outfits and fundraising fun.
Get into the spirit of the silly season, visit participating venues and enjoy a great day out with friends. There are prizes up for grabs too, including entry into the Wheelbarrow of Prizes raffle, featuring more than $10,000 worth of prizes, plus entry into the BOOM raffle.
More than just a festive day out, Clause for a Cause raises funds to support the fundraising efforts of Dr. Spiderman, bringing the community together for a fun-filled event with a meaningful purpose.
Whether you're going all out with your Santa suit or keeping it simple with a Christmas hat, get your crew together and make this one a date on the festive calendar.
Tee off beside the Whitsundays at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, one of the world's premier golfing destinations. The course is adjacent to Hamilton Island on its own patch of paradise, Dent Island.
Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, it is the only championship course in Australia on its own island. The par 71, 18-hole course is on par with Australia's top golfing destinations for its design, location and facilities. The course boasts a variety of obstacles for those willing to take on the challenge – wicked winds; impenetrable bushland; people have even called the 14th hole, the ‘Valley of Death’.
Spectacularly located with panoramic Whitsundays views, the Hamilton Island course will challenge and delight weekend golfers and professionals alike. Plus, the contemporary Clubhouse is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal after an unforgettable golfing experience.
Hamilton Island Yacht Club is an exclusive port of call for visitors docking in the Hamilton Island Marina. The state-of-the-art yacht club features recreational and business facilities including a contemporary restaurant and bar which overlooks the marina, a private dining room, conference and function rooms overlooking Dent Passage and an inspiring central atrium space for events.
Located nearby are the Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas offering three or four bedroom luxury accommodation ideal for families or groups. Each villa has spectacular views of Dent Passage, Whitsunday Passage, and the mainland. All include a spacious, open plan living, designer kitchen, and golf buggy to get around.
Hill Inlet in the Whitsundays is a stunning inlet located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. As the tide shifts, the white sand and blue hues of the inlet blend seamlessly to create a breathtaking mosaic.
Hill Inlet is best viewed from the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island. Most people moor their boats in Tongue Bay, take a dingy ashore and make the short uphill walk to the lookout for breathtaking views. If possible, try to reach the lookout when the tide is low to fully experience the beautiful fusion of colours that emerge.
There are several ways to experience the beauty of Hill Inlet. Many companies offer day trips to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet by ferry, power boat or luxury yacht. Most overnight sailing trips also stop here. Another amazing way to grasp the view of Hill Inlet is on a scenic flight.
Not all operators visit Hill Inlet and the Tongue Point lookout on a Whitehaven Beach visit, so be sure to check before you book if you'd like to go to the lookout.
Experience the serenity of Lake Proserpine, just 30 minutes inland from Proserpine town in the Whitsundays. Lake Proserpine (Peter Faust Dam) is an ideal spot for camping, watersports and freshwater fishing. Watch the sunset over the lake, observe the cattle grazing and cast a line to try your hand at landing the metre barramundi.
Lake Proserpine offers well-maintained unpowered sites for tents and self-contained caravans. Visitors can take advantage of the pontoons, a boat ramp and a jetty. There are also BBQ and picnic areas for day visitors.
If you would like to extend your stay and relax lakeside, take advantage of the upgraded recreational facilities, including the toilet blocks and shower amenities. Visitors can stay for up to seven nights, a small camping fee will apply.
Lake Proserpine is renowned as home to more one metre plus barramundi than any other impoundment in Australia! The submerged branches and structure surrounding the lake make it the ideal spot for other species like sooty grunter, sleepy cod, and Saratoga.
You will need to purchase a Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) permit prior to arriving at the Lake for fishing. Bring your crab pots too because redclaw and freshwater crayfish also inhabit the lake.
Flagstaff Hill offers some of the best coastal views you will ever see with a 360-degree panorama of the whole Bowen region, and you won’t have to walk up a hill!
The views encompass the Whitsunday Islands of Gloucester, Middle, Stone, Holbourne and close to shore, North Head Island and it's historic lighthouse.
The expanse of Kings Beach is best viewed from the top, stretching to Rose Bay and the pendulous boulder of Mother Beddock Lookout on Cape Edgecumbe. The township of Bowen, rich harbour, marina and jetty lie to the inland, while to the west the Whitsunday hinterland comes alive at sunset with golden hues.
The lookout is an easy short drive from the main business centre and has ample parking, making it highly accessible for all visitors.
Use the binoculars to see even more, from the Whitsundays hinterland and mountains, to Abbot Point and Bowen’s rich farming land, and northern Whitsunday islands.
During winter this is an ideal land-based whale watching location.
This sandy beach offers lovely views of Gloucester Island and Mother Beddock.
The adjoining public park area is perfect for families and groups with free barbecues, picnic tables and playground. Laze under the shade of the palms or snorkel the fringing reef.
Rose Bay is a beautiful little bay with an unbeatable aspect. It has views that reach across to the magnificent peaks of Gloucester Island.
With plenty of space, Rose Bay beach is a great place for the kids to explore the rock pools at low tide, while family and friends can relax and make use of the barbecues and picnic tables.
The northern end of the beach is an ideal launch point for kayakers and paddle boarders, whilst divers and snorkellers can enjoy the fringing reef that hugs the shoreline.
Beachfront accommodation is available, and a scenic hike from Rose Bay to Horseshoe Bay has an access point behind the beach.
The 10-metre high Big Mango represents the delicious fruit which carries the name sake of the town 'Bowen Mango'.
Situated on the A1 Bruce Highway with sweeping views of the Whitsunday coast it’s the perfect pull over during the epic East Coast Australian Roadtrip.
The Big Mango is located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, 4 kilometres south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway. Stop by the top of the Whitsundays to get your photo with the Big Mango! While you're there, drop into the Information Centre and try some delicious local mango sorbet.
Located in the Big Mango grounds you will find public artwork displays from local sculptural artists. There is ample parking space for all size vehicles, the Big Mango is pet friendly and includes a off-lead dog park area.
Located between Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay, Murray Bay is a beautiful tropical beach complete with coconut trees and fringing reef.
Access to the secluded beach is solely down a narrow track or via the Cape Edgecumbe walking trail. It is a great beach for those looking for a quiet, private place to enjoy the tropical climate and impressive island views.
With views of the Cape's impressive granite boulders and offshore islands, the outlook is incredible and is also a prime spot for whale watching during Winter.
Murray Bay is a favourite for photographers and provides excellent snorkelling, diving and fishing.
The beach is pet friendly and perfect for families.
Horseshoe Bay is Bowen's most iconic beach and a favourite for locals and visitors alike, regularly topping best beaches lists. The beach is framed by two granite outcrops which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach. The bay's fringing reef is a top spot for divers and snorkellers and for a small fee, snorkelling equipment can be hired from the Horseshoe Bay Resort.
New to the bay in 2019, Bywa is an inter-tidal sculpture installed as part of the Whitsunday Reef Recovery and Public Art Project. Bywa was created by artist Brian Robinson and tells the story of reef, creation and marine life.
Horseshoe Bay also has an entry point to the Rotary Lookout and Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail, which links the fringing reef beaches of Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays. The whole trail will take approximately one hour return, however a short 10 minute hike takes you to the Rotary scenic lookout over Horseshoe Bay.
To round off a wonderfully relaxing day exploring the bay, treat yourself to a meal at the fully licenced beachfront cafe.
One of the most picturesque bays in Queensland is Grays Bay, one of the few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.
It really is a treat, especially when the stand up paddleboarders are silhouetted against the darkening sky. When the tide is in, the water laps less than a metre from the road, and with its azure water, white sand and rocky outcrops, it is truly spectacular.
There’s ample parking, a boat ramp providing easy access to offshore mackerel fishing, free barbecues and a playground situated under big shady trees. Find your perfect spot to sit and enjoy, or bring your SUP, kayak or canoe for coastal adventuring.
Bowen Golf Club was established in 1928 and over the years has earned the reputation of being a "hidden golfing gem". Nestled along the Whitsunday coast and waiting to be discovered by golfing enthusiasts and visitors alike, Bowen Golf Club is renowned as the "Friendly Club". The clubhouse and deck provide the ideal surroundings and unbeatable views across the ocean for the relaxation and enjoyment of members and guests.
Bowen Golf course is a fantastic 9-hole, 18 tee, links style seaside course that is both rewarding and challenging to golfers of all levels. The reward is just walking around this beautiful course, while the challenges come with mother nature and the strong winds she provides to this area.
The 18 tees have been located giving a totally different approach to the previously played 1-9 creating a truly challenging 18 holes of golf.
Bowen has many creek systems, which hold healthy numbers of Mangrove-jack, Bream, Whiting and Barramundi (closed season November to February). South of Bowen, you’ll find Adelaide and Duck Creeks, which can be accessed by sea around the top of the tide only, via beach ramps. To the north of Bowen, try the Bob Moses, Boat and Meatwork Creeks which can also be accessed by sea, around the top of the high tide, from the Don River Boat Ramp.
It is important to keep in mind that access to all of the creeks are limited. All may be entered by sea at high tide, but many become landlocked by the tidal flats at low tide.
