This year, Between the Tides stepped into a new chapter and moved to its new beachfront home on Ngaro Country at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

From the moment people arrived, the foreshore was transformed into a space for storytelling and connection, with Warrangu, Kaanju and Kaurareg artist Leon Namai creating an impressive 80-metre sand artwork inspired by Whale Dreaming. The artwork became a living canvas for audiences to experience throughout the day.

As the sun set over the Whitsunday Islands, Robert Congoo and Yooribaya Cultural Experiences welcomed everyone with a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and cultural dances on the sand. Families also connected through rock art painting and artefact storytelling workshops, creating opportunities to learn and share culture together.

The music carried that same energy throughout the evening, with Georgia Corowa (Bundjalung, Innigai and South Sea Islander), Tjaka (Jabirr Jabirr) and Jem Cassar-Daley (Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung) bringing their own stories and sounds to the stage. Andrea Kirwin (Australian-Fijian) and Miss Katalyna (Samoan, Tongan and Niuean) also added to the celebration through workshops and DJ sets, creating a space where everyone could join in.

It was also special to celebrate the diversity of the region, with First Nations artists sharing the program alongside artists with South Sea Islander and Pacific heritage, reflecting the many communities and cultures that are connected across North Queensland.

Overall, the move to the foreshore felt like a natural next step for Between the Tides, keeping it true to what it’s always been about – culture, community, and creativity coming together on Country. And there’s plenty more to come, with a much bigger Reef Trail planned for 2027.

For more information on First Nations inclusions at our events, please reach out to [email protected].