Welcome Whales – National Reconciliation Week 2025

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2025 at the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Saturday 31 May for the annual Welcome Whales event— an evening of culture, community and connection. Kicking off from 4:30pm, Yooribaya Cultural Experiences will be onsite hosting interactive kids' activities and collaborative cultural art creation. Guests will be welcomed with a traditional Welcome to Country, followed by a Smoking Ceremony and traditional dance performances that pay tribute to the custodians of this land. Learn about the incredible journey of the humpback whales as they return to the coastline, and cap off the evening by enjoying a free outdoor screening of the family favourite Free Willy on the big screen at 6:30pm. This is a free, family-friendly event open to everyone. Bring your picnic rugs, invite your friends and join them in celebrating culture, reconciliation and the arrival of these magnificent creatures.