Don't miss out on your tickets to Shore Leave Festival, the latest addition to the Western Australian events calendar coming to Geraldton in September 2021.
This signature festival will celebrate premium regional produce including the internationally-renowned Western rock lobster, as well as showcase stunning beaches and coastline, intriguing history, and a thriving regional city. Traditionally the name given to time off for naval workers, the Shore Leave Festival four day program will include a long-table dining experience on the Abrolhos Islands, seafood markets, walking tours, and a swag of family-friendly events in Geraldton.
A highlight of Australia's Coral Coast and officially named the 'Houtman Abrolhos Islands', this group of 122 coral cays is one of Western Australia's unique marine environments and is of global significance. Classified as a national park in 2019, the islands are often described as the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean, and there are few places in Australia with more biodiversity.
Supported by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Department of Regional Development, this event is sure to grow into an iconic 'must do' on any foodie or adventurer's bucket list.
For more information on Geraldton + Surrounds click here, or for accommodation click here.
Events
Abrolhos Islands Long Table Lunch
Join Shore Leave Festival for a once-in-a-lifetime premium dining experience on East Wallabi Island.
Turtle Bay on East Wallabi Island will provide the stunning background and location for this all inclusive, premium ticketed gourmet seafood experience. It is anticipated this highly aspirational long table lunch will provide the signature "Instagram moment" of the festival. You will be treated to a sumptuous feast of Western Australia's finest seafood, curated by the talented Brendan Pratt. This delectable menu will be accompanied with Vasse Felix wines and other Western Australian beverages. Whilst on the island, you'll be entertained by live music and other activities.
Guests can choose from three transfer options to the island:
- Boat transfer aboard MV2000, Abrolhos Adventures' catamaran ferry (leaving Geraldton at 08:30am and returning at 5:00pm)
- Plane transfer (leaving Geraldton at 09:40am and returning at 4:00om)
- Own method of transport - if you have your own boat and can make your own way to the Abrolhos Islands Long Table Lunch, you are welcome to do so.
When: Friday 24 September 2021, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Where: East Wallabi Island, Houtman Abrolhos Islands
The Helm
The Helm is the steering wheel of the festival home and heart of Shore Leave 2021.
Come and enjoy a sunset drink at the festival bar, take in the sounds of local musicians, take part in a workshop with local artists, or just sit back and enjoy the view overlooking the Foreshore. The Helm is open daily throughout Shore Leave, with detailed programming to be revealed in the coming weeks, to provide a vibrant central meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The helpful Shore Leave crew will be on hand to answer any questions, provide programs, maps and tickets. Come down to The Helm!
When: Friday 24 - Monday 27 September 2021, 10:00am - 10:00pm
Where: Geraldton Foreshore
This is a free event.
Ilgarijiri - Things Belonging to the Sky
Yamaji Art and Curtain University invite visitors and audiences to engage with an immersive virtual reality and outdoor experience that allows viewers to gain an insight into Yamaji culture and the unique stories that link the sky and the land. Be immersed in a virtual world and join us in watching a three minute preview (using Virtual Reality) of a Prospero/Last Pixel production, "Star Dreaming", due to be premiered at the CinefestOZ festival in September 2021. This viewing will be complemented by an intimate outdoor exhibition of works celebrating the Seven Sisters "Pleiades" star constellation and discussions with scientists and artists about how, together, they have both managed to learn and share their interpretation of the night sky.
When: Friday 24 - Monday 27 September 2021, 11:00am - 2:00pm and 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Geraldton Foreshore
This is a free event.
Bobs Ginstronomy
The art of pairing food with gin.
Locally renowned chef Portia Bodycoat from Verve Cartel is pairing decadent and delicious sophisticated luxe cuisine with the signature style and flavour of Heathcote gin. Mingle in the intimate atmosphere of Bob's Boutique Bar and relax as you are served canapes paired perfectly with a variety of gin tastings, cocktails and infusions. With live music and a guest appearance from mixologist Jess Arnott, come and experience a night like no other.
When: Friday 24 September 2021, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Where: Bob's Boutique Bar, ground floor of The Gerald Apartment Hotel
Cathedral by Candlelight
Come and enjoy a fabulous concert with the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra at the beautiful St Francis Xavier Cathedral with its great acoustics and architecture, intimately lit by candles.
Enjoy Mozart's "Eine klein Nachtmusik" and charming Divertimento No 1, Bach's eternal Air on G and the love-duet Largo from his Double Concerto as well as excerpts of Vivaldi's evocative "Four Seasons" - these are just some of the works that will delight, touch your heart and appeal to you even if you have never been to a concert of classical music. You'll also experience the stereophonic sound of the carillon and organ; Fremantle Chamber Orchestra in collaboration with acclaimed organist Jacinta Jakovcevic make this an event not to be missed. Join us for a musical feast of the most beautiful melodies at the magnificent St Francis Xavier Cathedral, preceded by light refreshments in the Cathedral Forecourt.
When: Friday 24 September 2021, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: St Francis Xavier Cathedral
St Francis Xavier Cathedral Tours
Discover the story of Monsignor John Hawes and be guided through the historic Cathedral.
When: Friday 24 September 2021, 4:00pm; Sunday 26 September 2021, 2:30pm
Where: Tours commence at the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre
Tickets are $5.00 per person. Bookings not required. Click here for more information.
Midwest Paddock to Plate
Paddock to Plate will see well-known Western Australian chefs, Brendan Pratt, Jessica Arnott, Stephen Watson and Derek Lau all coming together to create four courses that celebrate the fantastic product of the Midwest region. With paired wines and beverages served with each course, live food demonstrations and interviews with each chef, this is an event not to be missed!
When: Saturday 25 September 2021, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: Geraldton Foreshore
Little Mingenew Stargazing
Join in an evening of local Indigenous history, captivating yarns and scintillating stargazing.
Wattandee elders, who grew up on Mingenew's Littlewell Reserve, will share stories of life on the Reserve and take you on a journey through the heavens. The event will include a traditional Welcome to County on the Reserve, followed by an evening of guided stargazing and storytelling. Join us for a glimpse into the world's oldest living culture and their unique relationship with the night sky.
When: Sunday 26 September 2021, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Littlewell Reserve, Mingenew
Foreshore Feast
Enjoy a seafood feast hosted by renowned mixologist Jessica Arnott.
The beautiful Geraldton Foreshore will celebrate the abundant and delicious fresh regional seafood and produce with a ticket price that includes substantial tastings of a vast array of regional seafood delights and a signature festival cocktail on arrival. Live music and street performers will keep guests entertained for the evening as they enjoy local and Western Australian beverages from a cash bar.
Our resident celebrity drink slinger, Jessica Arnott, will host the evening along with visiting chefs.
When: Sunday 26 September 2021, 5:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: Geraldton Foreshore
COVE
The Batavia Coast Marina and Museum of Geraldton will be the canvas for beautiful nighttime projections from VJzoo.
Take a stroll along the Boardwalk and witness a sea of local Yamaji artwork at a grand scale. This experience is brought to you by the City of Greater Geraldton in collaboration with VJzoo, Pollinators and Yamaji artists. Made possible thanks to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and MidWest Development Commission Regional Economic Development Scheme.
When: Sunday 26 September 2021, 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Where: Batavia Coast Marina + Museum of Geraldton
This is a free event.
Beach Price Fish Market
A vibrant seafood market with free cooking demonstrations and competitions.
Central to the focus of the festival is establishing Geraldton as Western Australia's premier seafood destination; the excitement and vibrancy of a bustling seafood market will provide an opportunity to feature a diverse range of fresh seafood straight off the boat. Join us for the Western Rock Lobster Back of Boat lobsters sales on both Saturday and Sunday. The market will also offer educational workshops and activations, cooking and seafood preparation demonstrations with profile chefs and fishers, and complimentary industry activities and tours. Purchase some of the best local seafood in the WAFIC fresh seafood marquee, and enjoy free entertainment, a pop up Wharf Bar and market stalls which will ensure this is a vibrant and engaging, free signature event catering for both families and industry professionals.
When: Sunday 26 September 2021, 08:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Geraldton Fisherman's Wharf
This is a free event.
Platform Markets
Head down to Geraldton's market hotspot, the vibrant Platform Markets, to enjoy unique products, local produce, gourmet food and family fun.
When: Sunday 26 September 2021, 08:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Old Railway Station
This is a free event.
