If there’s one thing Shore Leave Festival 2025 proved, it’s that Geraldton knows how to throw a coastal party. From island-hopping adventures to sunset sessions on the foreshore, the four-day celebration brought together locals, travellers, chefs, fishers, families, and sun-chasers in one irresistible mix of seafood, storytelling, and sunshine.
Now in its latest edition, Shore Leave has firmly staked its place on Western Australia’s festival calendar. I was lucky enough to be there this April to experience this first hand.
Island Adventures Worth the Wake-Up Call
The highlight for many was the festival’s Abrolhos Island experiences, which sold out early and delivered the kind of memory-making day that lingers long after the tan fades.
The journey began with a choice: a leisurely yacht ride or a 40-minute scenic flight to a remote island off Geraldton’s coast. We went with the latter, coffee in hand, hearts brimming with anticipation.
Just over an hour later, we touched down on a coral-fringed runway in the Abrolhos Islands. A surreal chain of turquoise lagoons and reef-ringed atolls that feel more like the Maldives than Western Australia’s Mid West. Hidden in plain sight, this was already shaping up to be something extraordinary.
Touching down felt like entering another rhythm, one where time slowed and the senses sharpened. Guests kicked off their shoes and wandered the soft sands, soaking in the raw, untouched beauty of the Abrolhos. A beachside pop-up, created just for this moment, stood like a mirage, but the real magic was unfolding behind the flames.
An open-air kitchen buzzed with energy as chefs transformed the morning’s catch into an unforgettable feast. Western Australian rock lobsters, charred to perfection, rich with buttery sweetness and kissed by smoke.
No Wi-Fi. No reception. No noise. Just sea breeze, salt air, and a seafood lunch so good, it ruins you for everything that comes after.
As the wines kept flowing and the ocean breeze worked its magic, everyone eased into that perfect rhythm. Laughter got louder, conversations deeper, and yes, there was even a bit of dancing on the sand. Time, of course, slipped by far too quickly. Just before the sun began its descent, casting that golden-hour glow across the islands, we boarded our flight back to Geraldton. It wasn’t just a long lunch. It was one of those days. The kind that stays with you.
Foreshore Feasts and Community Buzz
Back on dry land, Geraldton’s Foreshore Festival Zone became the heartbeat of Shore Leave. Over the course of the weekend, the town’s waterfront transformed into a buzzing hub of music, food, markets and ocean-loving energy.
Along the foreshore, families strolled between stalls showcasing handmade ceramics, jewellery, artworks and preserves. There were a pop-up bar slinging local brews, and live bands that kept toes tapping well into the golden hour. One of those perfect WA evenings unfolded with warm air, glowing light, and a community gathered by the water, just enjoying the moment.
What made it all feel so genuine was the sense that Geraldton itself was part of the show, not just the host, but a character in the story.
A Town That Grows on You Fast
Nestled about 4.5 hours north of Perth, Geraldton has long been a waypoint town, a stopover on the way to Kalbarri or Coral Bay. But Shore Leave reminded everyone that Geraldton is very much a destination in its own right.
It’s not flashy or fast-paced, and that’s its charm. Here, the ocean’s never far from view. The pace is gentle. The people are friendly without fanfare. You can start your day with a swim, chat with a fisherman over coffee, and watch the sun set into the sea with a cold beer and some fresh seafood on your plate. No rush, no crowd, no filters needed.
The festival brought out the best in the town — its producers, creatives, chefs, musicians, and everyday locals who just love their patch of coast. And it gave visitors the rare pleasure of feeling not like tourists, but welcomed guests.
Already Thinking About 2026?
If you missed this year’s Shore Leave, don’t worry. There’s always next year. And if you were there, chances are you’re already marking off dates in April 2026.
Because this festival isn’t just about events or activities, it’s about the way it makes you feel. The sea air, the open skies, the sense of community. The thrill of being on a boat, miles from anywhere, biting into the freshest lobsters you’ve ever had. The way a local band sounds when the sun’s going down and kids are dancing barefoot in the grass. It’s that rare kind of festival that manages to be both big-hearted and small-town, intimate yet full of adventure.
So start planning now. Take that road trip. Book the ferry. Bring your appetite and your camera. Whether you’re island-hopping, foreshore-feasting, or just soaking it all in, Shore Leave in Geraldton is a coastal escape with soul.
And next year? It’s going to be even better.
