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Tourism Whitsundays has launched its Heart of Events Calendar for 2023 with an array of events taking place from 30th April to 26th November including the Great Whitehaven Beach Run and Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Featured on sensational island locations are the Hamilton Island Endurance Series – held over multiple dates, White on Whitehaven Long Lunch by Fish D’vine – the event for those who prefer to sip champagne and eat oysters, and the world-renowned Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach Race Weeks – held in August, the waters are filled with colourful sails for two weeks.

Mainland locations will host a variety of events including the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival – featuring one of the most scenic certified marathons, Great Barrier Reef Festival – for a fully immersive celebration of the reef and all its inhabitants, Don River Dash – for an adrenalin spiking race through the dry Don River bed, and the music festival with the best views, Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive, Rick Hamilton believes the events held in The Whitsundays are a significant drawcard to the region and shares “Events can be the first impression some visitors have of The Whitsundays whether it’s through one of the many sporting events ranging in age from kids to adults or an event with fun for all the family such as the Great Barrier Reef Festival; The Whitsundays has something for everyone in events and holidays.

“In a region that relies on tourism for 1 in 3 jobs, it’s beneficial to the region to have these events drawing in thousands of visitors each year.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it was exciting that The Whitsundays was now being recognised nationally as the Heart of Events and added “The national and international exposure for our region from hallmark events like the White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, Don River Dash and Airlie Beach Festival of Music has lifted the profile of The Whitsundays as a must visit tourist destination.

“The wide variety of events across the year complement the incredible natural beauty, tropical islands and Great Barrier Reef experiences that the amazing Whitsundays offers.”

The Heart of Events Event Calendar is available to view here.

Image top: Great Whitehaven Beach Run; image centre: Airlie Beach Festival of Music.Credit Craig Wilson Swamphouse Photography; image above; Great Barrier Reef Festival Fireworks

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