The 2023 Milbi Festival kicks off this Friday for 10 days of celebrating arts, culture and environment and it’s not too late to secure tickets for some of the program highlights.
While some experiences have already sold out, we’ve put together a list of events with spaces remaining for those wanting to join the fun.
Reef explorers can either stay close to shore and enjoy a guided rock pool ramble at Nielson Park Beach or head out to Lady Elliot Island to see what it’s like to be a marine biologist for the day, including snorkelling with turtles and helping contribute to citizen science and data collection.
Future scientists can also dive into the world beneath the waves at the Coral Conversations presentation at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre or join the Tangaroa Blue Beach Clean Up in Bargara to help make a positive difference to our coastal habitats.
Those looking for a relaxing experience on the water can enjoy a cruise down the Burnett River onboard the iconic Bundy Belle or take up the ultimate fusion of environment, culture, live performance and food with Reefside Sounds – a unique Milbi Festival experience where guests can enjoy live music while soaking up the sights and sounds of the reef and enjoying a cold drink and gourmet buffet lunch.
It's not too late to book a space for a range of free and ticketed events still available, to consult the full program click here to see what’s on offer between 27 October and 5 November.
Get your Milbi Festival tickets:
Rock Pool Ramble
Discover the secret lives of curious marine creatures that live in our local rockpools at Nielson Park Beach and enjoy an afternoon tea snack pack.
When: Saturday 28 October 1:15 – 2.30 pm and 2 – 3.15 pm
Where: Nielson Park Beach (North)
Cost: $15 per person | Includes snack pack
Coral Conversations
Dive into the mesmerising world beneath the waves as we explore the intricate balance of life in our oceans.
When: Wednesday 1 November 11 am – 12.30 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: Free | Bookings required
Tangaroa Blue Beach Clean Up
Join the Tangaroa Blue for their annual beach clean up to help prevent marine debris entering the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
When: Thursday 2 November, 10 am – Noon
Where: Turtle Park, The Esplanade, Bargara
Lady Elliot Island: Marine Biologist for a Day
Head on out to Lady Elliot Island and spend the day with a qualified Master Reef Guide, snorkel with turtles, contribute to citizen science and data collection, and learn about the marine life that inhabits the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
When: Thursday 2 November – Saturday 4 November 8 am – 5 pm daily
Where: Lady Elliot Island
Cost: $620 Adult | $480 Child (3 – 12 yrs)
Bundy Belle River Cruise
As you wind your way down the Burnett River enjoy historic commentary including the local indigenous stories as told by the Taribelang Bunda peoples regarding the river’s colourful history.
When: 9.30 – 11 am | Sunday 29 October, 3.30 – 5 pm | Wednesday 1 November
Where: Riverside Parklands Pontoon 3, Quay Street
Cost: $40 per person
Reefside Sounds
This intimate live music session includes return transfers to Lady Musgrave HQ, buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment hire, live music, Master Reef Guide presentation, cultural performance and talk and grazing tables for morning and afternoon tea.
When: Sunday 5 November, 7 am – 5.30 pm
Where: Bundaberg Port Marina, Burnett Heads
Cost: GA $285 per person | VIP $385 per person (inclusions outlined on booking page)
Turtle Encounter Tour
Hear tales from the beach and discover what occurs under the stars during nesting season in this guided discussion by a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger.
Sunday 5 November
11 – 11.30 am and 12 – 12.30 pm
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Free | Bookings required
Stories from the Beach and Tales of Dark Skies Tour
Join the Sea Turtle Alliance to delve into the world of turtles and how you can help save the species.
Sunday 5 November
9.30 – 10 am and 1.15 – 1.45 pm
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Free | Bookings required
Other news: Meet a new story at Milbi’s Living Anthology
