• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Great Barrier Reef Festival

Great Barrier Reef Festival

Be a part of something Great

  • Events
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer Registration
    • Sponsors
    • Registrations
    • Donations
    • Festival Raffle Tickets
  • Immerse
  • Gallery
  • The Whitsundays
    • Stay in the heart of the Whitsundays
    • Play in Paradise – Discover the Best of the Whitsundays
    • Getting Here
  • Contact
  • Blog

Play in Paradise – Discover the Best of the Whitsundays

While you’re in town for the Great Barrier Reef Festival, why not extend the adventure and explore all the Whitsundays has to offer?

Take a tour with one of our festival sponsors and discover a world of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable island escapes. Whether you’re into snorkelling, sailing, or simply soaking up the views, the Whitsundays delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With most of the Whitsunday Islands protected as uninhabited national park islands, the region offers raw, untouched beauty just waiting to be explored. There are also four island resorts offering world-class accommodation if you’re after something a little more luxe.

No visit is complete without a trip to the iconic Whitehaven Beach — famous for its powdery white silica sand and stunning swirling shoreline, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Pair your festival experience with a reef or island adventure, and make your time in Airlie Beach truly unforgettable.

The Whitsundays is consistently ranked among the top travel destinations in Australia — and the world. Come and see why.

Cruise Whitsundays – Great Barrier Reef Festival Naming Rights Sponsor

TWIN TOUR DISCOUNT – Book 2 Cruises direct and get 10% off!

Award-winning Cruise Whitsundays is the region’s largest and most experienced marine-operator, offering a wide range of day cruises and Island Resort connections on luxurious, stable, air-conditioned vessels. Cruises visit the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands. Our permanently moored pontoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Reefworld, is home to Australia’s most unique accommodations: Reefsuites, luxury underwater suites, and Reefsleep, glamping under the stars. 

Book any two selected day tours and receive Cruise Whitsundays Twin Tour Discount.

Stay up to date with the latest information from Cruise Whitsundays on Facebook

BOOK NOW

Ocean Rafting

Multi award-winning Ocean Rafting offers two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly and Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, a range of packages and private charter options. The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels are super-fast, allowing guests to experience an adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays.

32 passengers at most allows for personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.  Ranked in the top 1% of tourism businesses worldwide in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards and as a multi-Australian, Queensland and Whitsundays Tourism Award winner, Ocean Rafting offers personalised service while exploring amazing Whitsunday destinations.

REEF FESTIVAL SPECIAL – Receive 10% OFF Ocean Rafting, Fly Raft Package and 60-minute Scenic Flights over HEART Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands!

Click on the website below and use the promo code “GBRF25” on check out to receive your discount, only available ONLINE only.  Standard terms and conditions apply. Promo valid till 31st of August 2025.

Stay up to date with the latest information from Ocean Rafting on Facebook

BOOK NOW

 
Skydive Australia

Experience the thrill of skydiving over stunning Airlie Beach with Skydive Australia! Feel the rush as you freefall above the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. With 14 locations in Australia, your next thrilling jump awaits! Use promo code GBRFESTIVAL for 10% off your unforgettable adventure.

Stay up to date with the latest information from Skydive Australia on facebook

BOOK NOW

Whitsunday Escape

Is it time for your next holiday? Come explore the tropical Whitsunday islands and spend the week relaxing and exploring on your own private boat. With a little boating experience, you’ll soon be enjoying your bareboat holiday.

Whitsunday Escape offer a most unique holiday experience in paradise with ‘Skipper Yourself Bareboat Charters’, the ultimate way to explore the Whitsunday’s from the comfort of your own fully self-contained floating accommodation. Our fleet of almost 40 boats consists of Power Boats, Sailing Catamarans and Sailing Yachts ranging in size from 38 to 50 ft, with all the mod-cons of home and can accommodate between 2 to 12 people. The average bareboat charter length is seven nights!

Stay up to date with the latest information from Whitsunday Escape on facebook

BOOK NOW

Sealink

SeaLink’s Big Island Day Tour is a one-of-a-kind, luxurious, air-conditioned scenic cruise to Whitehaven Beach that takes guests through places not seen on any other Whitsunday Islands tour. 

Explore the beautiful Whitsundays on our fully licensed catamaran, with premium lounge seating, air-conditioned comfort, a rooftop viewing deck, and enjoy gourmet catering onboard. Cruise through the region, stopping at Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, where our guides will take you on informative walks and you can enjoy the pure white silica sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Stay up to date with the latest information from Sealink on facebook

BOOK NOW

Airlie Events Logo
Tourism & Events Queensland Logo
Whitsunday Regional Council

Footer

Subscribe

* indicates required
/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Intuit Mailchimp

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube