The Great Barrier Reef Festival Street Parade is back—bigger, brighter and more vibrant than ever! This year, we invite you to step into the enchanting world of the Coral Kingdom, as Airlie Beach Main Street comes alive with a tide of colour, creativity and community spirit.
Locals and visitors of all ages line the streets to witness this beloved spectacle, where businesses, schools, and community groups transform into reef royalty, mythical sea creatures, and underwater wonders. It’s a dazzling celebration of the Whitsundays, both above and below the surface.
Now’s your chance to be part of the magic. Gather your team, bring your imagination, and showcase your group with a walking entry, a vehicle float—or both! Whether you’re a small crew or a big splash, it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate who you are, share your message, and light up the town.
Dive in, get creative, and most importantly—have fun! Parade entries are open now.
Prizes (and bragging rights) will be given for:
- Best Business
- Best not-for-profit
- Most Creative & Wacky Design
Entries Close Wednesday July 30
- Not for Profits and Sponsors – Free entry
- Business Entries – $50 fee (below)
Register Here:
PREPARE FOR THE PARADE
- Get your entry form in ON TIME (closing date Wednesday July 30th):
- Entry Description: On the entry form, under the heading ‘Entry Description’ please write a description / announcement to promote your business / organisation and describe your entry as it passes the center stage, i.e.
’Rotary club of Airlie Beach is a group of dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back’. Our entry… ‘
- Trucks cannot be over 12.5 meters.
- Maximum vehicles sizes are enforced by Whitsunday Regional Council.
- Plan your entry round the theme: If you are looking for inspiration, start thinking of ideas which will support the theme ‘Coral Kingdom‘ and of course we want to make the parade as colourful and creative as we can!
- Look out for an email. The GBRF team will contact you the week of the festival with details of assembly time, place, your sequence in the parade.
- Please – No Balloons, we also encourage entrants to use sustainable and recyclable products.
- Please keep in mind our safety requirements when planning your entry
- We want everyone to have fun AND be safe, including spectators. Therefore please assist with implementing these safety requirements:
- No Throwing. No objects to be thrown during the parade, including lollies – to minimise the risk of spectators and participants from moving in front of vehicles and getting hurt. Distributing lollies can be done by walking close to the crowd and handing to the children
- All vehicles e.g. truck, bus, car/ute/4WD with trailer MUST HAVE two walkers along side / in front of vehicles (preferably wearing high-vis vests/shirts) to assist with safety of walking participants and spectators. This will be checked at the assembly point
- Dont forget the theme – vehicles or entrants must be dressed using the reef theme to take part