Tickets are now on sale for the Shore Leave Festival, which celebrates the maritime magic of Geraldton and the Mid-West region.
The festival has secured funding from the McGowan Government from 2022 to 2024 and pays homage to the area’s fresh seafood such as the Western Rock Lobster, as well as its land-based produce, arts, history, Aboriginal culture and some of the State’s best chefs.
Planned to be held each May, the four-day event is set to feature a mix of ticketed and free experiences, including a long-table dining event on the Abrolhos Islands, walking tours and seafood markets.
Each festival is expected to create about 200 jobs as well as offer opportunities for local tourism operators and volunteers to be involved.
Over the next three years, the event is expected to attract more than 2,480 attendees from outside the region and generate more than $2.7 million for the local economy.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
“From its fresh seafood and stunning coastline to its rich cultural heritage, the Shore Leave Festival will shine a light on the many appealing features of Geraldton and the Mid West region.
“As well as creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere in the region, the festival will also promote the area as a must-visit destination through media coverage.
“Funding events like the Shore Leave Festival is a fantastic example of how the McGowan Government is getting behind regional communities as they develop home-grown initiatives that will bring many benefits for the area in the years to come.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The inaugural Shore Leave Festival was a great example of government, industry and the community coming together to deliver an event that showed off the best the Mid-West has to offer.
“From that strong beginning, we’re proud to support the festival as it grows over the next three years, supporting local tourism and local primary producers.
“By supporting regional events, the McGowan Government is helping to build diversity into regional economies, create local jobs and support local communities.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“I’m delighted to hear that the McGowan Government will be funding the Shore Leave Festival for the next three years.
“The event this year was a fabulous success, bringing many new visitors to Geraldton and boosting our economy, as well as providing some great employment opportunity and experiences.
“We look forward to this new festival putting Geraldton and the Mid-West on the map as a food and cultural tourism destination.”
