Great Barrier Reef Festival at Airlie Beach a hit with international visitors

Airlie Beach was awash with a kaleidoscope of colours as four action-packed days of festival fun lured in revellers from near and afar.

Airlie Beach was awash with a kaleidoscope of colours as four action-packed days of festival fun lured in revellers from near and international.

Cruise Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef Festival chairwoman Margie Murphy said about 10,000 people partook in the events from August 4 to 8 with the town’s accommodation booked out.

Ms Murphy said a highlight was the ‘Immerse’ art installation featuring large-scale marine creatures made by regional artists, thanks to funding from Festivals Australia.

“The kids just (couldn’t) believe there was whales and turtles hanging in their favourite tree,” Ms Murphy said.

“It was just an underwater wonderland.”

Festival attendees, of which about 15 per cent were international visitors, were also treated to Master Reef Guide tours and educational activities out on the Great Barrier Reef.

Heart to heart: 120+ faces at Airlie’s reef festival

VIEW GALLERY

This included snorkel safaris, in-water photography and videography sessions, and semi-submersible adventures.

GBR Marine Park Authority Reef Stewardship assistant director Fiona Merida said they hoped guests left the experience as “ambassadors for Australia’s greatest natural treasure”.

The entertainment program also featured a Comedy Gala, fireworks on the foreshore, a twilight cruise, live music, a 1950s-inspired car show and pin-up competition, and a regatta requiring competitors to make boats from recyclable materials.

The festival, in its 21st year, was anticipated to have injected $1.5 million into the Whitsunday region’s economy.

“Having tourists back was incredible,” Ms Murphy said.

“They loved (the festival), they couldn’t believe how much fun Airlie Beach is.”

Ms Murphy thanked the support of “passionate” volunteers, committee members, and sponsors “big and small” who made the event possible.