Entertainment
25 October, 2026
Out on Reef with pride
THE Great Barrier Reef served as the backdrop for a celebration of diversity and inclusion as Reef Magic hosted its inaugural Pride on the Pontoon event last weekend.
Held as part of the official Cairns Pride Festival, the event brought together local drag performers, DJs and guests for a day of entertainment, snorkelling, diving and other water-based activities.
Reef Magic’s pontoon was transformed into a stage for local drag performers Cosmic Sinn, Peaches and Claudia Izout, with DJs Benny, Just Andy and Glenn W.
The entertainment program featured pride-themed games, karaoke, dancing and lip-sync battles, with activities continuing well into the afternoon.
The event combined the reef experience with celebrations of love, connection and community, reflecting this year’s Cairns Pride Festival theme ‘Reflections’.
Guests could enjoy the entertainment while taking in the surrounding marine environment, bringing the festival celebrations to the Great Barrier Reef.
Beyond the event, Reef Magic has also strengthened its commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusion through staff training.
The company is among the first reef operators in Far North Queensland to join the welcome with pride program, with crew members undertaking LGBTQI+ inclusion training.
Experience Co. chief commercial officer Fiona Stillwell said the initiative was part of the company’s broader commitment to providing an inclusive experience for visitors.
“Supporting the LGBTQI+ community has been a priority for us and our Reef Magic team has undertaken the welcome with pride training program to ensure every guest feels welcome, not just during the festival, but on all our tours year-round,” she said.
The inaugural event was part of this year’s Cairns Pride Festival celebrations, bringing local performers and the LGBTQI+ community together in a reef setting. Reef Magic’s participation in Welcome with Pride will also support its ongoing efforts to provide an inclusive experience for guests beyond the festival, with the training intended to benefit visitors on tours throughout the year.
