AIRLIE Beach is a festival haven, so it makes perfect sense this Australia Day for the region to host its very first Great Australian Bites food and music festival.

Taking place on the Sunday prior to Australia Day, Great Australian Bites is an initiative of the Queensland Government, aimed at showcasing great local cuisine prepared by award-winning restaurants, accompanied by a line-up of local musicians.

Mayor Jennifer Whitney said Great Australian Bites had proved to be hugely popular in Brisbane and she was thrilled that Airlie Beach had been selected alongside Port Douglas as one of the first regional venues to host the event.

"We'll be holding the event on the Airlie Beach foreshore, which will provide guests with a terrific venue to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere which the event is promising to deliver," she said.

"The event is family friendly and free to enter, with guests able to buy some amazing food from one of the various pop-up food stalls on the day."

Some of the stalls participating in the event include Fish D'Vine, Capers, Cactus Jacks, the Clipper Restaurant (Coral Sea Resort) and Denman Cellars.

Airlie Beach Hotel will also be hosting a drinks tent on the day.

Fish D'Vine owner Kevin Collins said he and the other food vendors were looking forward to sharing a sample of their menus with the community.

"There will be lots of samples, plenty of great Australian food, Australian music and cooking demonstrations. Why wouldn't you want to come down?" he said.

The team from Airlie Beach Music will be co-ordinating the live entertainment line-up, with local favourites Meryn Hall, Cactus, Patch and Fiona and the Sweepers all performing on the day.

More information on the event can be found at www.qld.australiaday.org.au/whats-on/greataustralianbitesregions/.

AUSSIE FESTIVAL

What: Great Australian Bites

When: Sunday, January, 24, from 11am

Where: Airlie Beach Esplanade

Cost: Free