A music festival held on the shores of the Great Barrier Reef, it seemed impossible, yet 10 hugely successful events later, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music returns for an 11th year. The festival delivers a stellar line up of acts each year and has featured some of the biggest names nationally and internationally on the seaside stage.
Returning to the Whitsunday Sailing Club in 2023, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be under the big tent from 9-12 November. Tickets are on sale now, starting at only $300 for a three-day pass. It is widely acknowledged the festival has transformed what was once Airlie Beach’s quietest weekend into the busiest, with the calendar re-set for each November on the weekend after the Melbourne Cup.
The first announcement for 2023 sees the festival bringing Ian Moss, Frenzal Rhomb, The Superjesus and Pierce Brothers to The Whitsundays!
Respected as one of Australia’s iconic musicians, Ian Moss delivers an unforgettable sound – a talented soloist on guitar and a silken voice, ringing with clarity and resonating with pure soul.
Forming in the early nineties, Frenzal Rhomb have gone on to bless stages everywhere over countless world tours and sharing stages with the likes of NOFX and Nickleback. The band are gearing up for the release of their 10th album, The Cup of Pestilence, which is due to come out on April 7.
For years now twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce’s high-energy duo Pierce Brothers has been a staple of the Australian indie-folk/blues and roots scene, captivating festival goers and headlining sold-out venues the world over, including most recently a sold-out European and UK tour in 2022. After becoming festival favourites from their incredible 2018 performance, Pierce Brothers are excited for their return to the festival in 2023!
The Superjesus are one of Australia’s most respected rock outfits, remaining a staple on Aussie rock radio. Hailing from Adelaide in the late 90’s they won three ARIA Awards and released three platinum albums; Sumo, Jet Age and Rock Music. The band are gearing up for the release of their fourth studio album.
The Superjesus front-woman Sarah Mcleod is excited to be returning as the festival ambassador for a second year running – armed with a healthy zest for all things tropical and The Superjesus with a new record and a new lineup!
Australia’s undeniable queen of honky tonk Wanita joins the lineup in 2023. Her latest album I’m Wanita hosts a mix of Honky Tonk, Rockabilly, Rock’n’roll and Country Music and came alongside the release of her documentary of the same name. Wanita will be boot-scooting on the stage this November.
Completing the first lineup announcement for 2023 are festival-favourite Matty Rogers, last year’s Passport to Airlie winners Perry Street Park and Buskers by the Lake winner Tanya George.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton is excited to see the town come alive with music again in November.
“The music festival brings people here from all over Australia and the world, Gavin and his team have turned one of our quietest weekends into one busy enough to rival school holiday numbers.
“This truly is a music festival for everyone; there’s plenty of music to see on the main stage and in the local venues and for those looking to fill their days with activities, there’s plenty to experience on the water or the land with our many tourism operators,” said Mr Hamilton.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a unique festival experience hosted in one of the most sought-after destinations, The Whitsundays. With the music spread throughout multiple venues, the atmosphere is electric. Everything is easy to get to and fully equipped – no need to bring camping chairs. The festival hosts a variety of both big name acts and new talent waiting to be discovered – there is truly something for every musical taste.
The 4-day festival in paradise is an extremely popular attraction Australia-wide and accommodation is bound to sell out quickly, so make sure you book yours right away. From 5-star resorts to budget-friendly backpackers to camping at beautiful caravan parks, Airlie Beach has an accommodation option for everyone. Buses running to and from the festival get everyone home safely.
