The beating heart of the Shore Leave Festival, The Helm is your go-to destination for fun, flavour, and family vibes all weekend long. Set against Geraldton’s stunning Foreshore, The Helm brings the community together with live entertainment, hands-on kids’ activities, and mouth-watering local food.

🍽️ The Helm Kitchen – A Culinary Showcase

Get ready for a flavour-filled adventure at The Helm Kitchen, where local chefs, producers, and passionate foodies come together for cooking demos, tastings, and engaging conversations.

Watch live demonstrations, meet the people behind the produce, and get inspired by the best of Mid West cuisine.

Proudly sponsored by Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative, global leaders in Western Rock Lobster export and sustainability.

🍴 Delicious Food & Local Flavour

Come hungry! The Helm will be bursting with flavour thanks to a lineup of amazing local food vendors:

• Burnt Barrel – Low and slow BBQ favourites

• Skeetas – Local seafood with waterfront flair

• Jose BBQ – Flame-grilled goodness

• JB Cuisine – Gourmet eats with a twist

• Western Rock Lobster BBQ – Fresh-caught local hero

• Have a Delicious Day – Healthy, wholesome street food

• Casa Dolce – Italian-inspired sweets and coffee

• The Provincial – Regional eats, refined flavours

• Wicked Waffles – Sweet, crispy treats

• Lickety Sticks – Cool and colourful ice pops

🔥 Back of the Boat BBQs

Presented by Western Rock Lobster

Don’t miss this crowd favourite at The Helm! Every evening of the Shore Leave Festival, the BBQs fire up for a delicious Back of Boat BBQ experience.

Enjoy freshly cooked Western Rock Lobster, straight from the ocean and onto your plate, prepared by talented local chefs and served with mouth-watering garlic butter.

📅 Date: Every night during the festival
🕔 Time: 5pm – 8pm
💰 Cost: $30 per cray

Grab your crew, catch the sunset, and dig in!

🍹 Drinks by the Water

Kick back at the bar with a refreshing drink and watch the sunset over the ocean. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp local wine, an ice-cold craft beer, or a festival-inspired cocktail, there’s something chilled and delicious waiting for you.

🎶 Live Music – Regional Sounds Stage

Soak up the sounds of the Mid West with a stellar lineup of local artists.
Catch live performances across the weekend, including:

Coterie – Toby – Alexia Parenzee – The Melodics – Leon Tioke – BMP –  Darcy Hay – Beth Chia – Pop – C4 – DJ Andrea – Jess Swift – Karloo Rockers – WORF – Josh Crothers Collective – Feel Estate – DJ Ryza – Hippy Campers – Real Good Question – Xhalise – Alida Sue and the Special Brew – Menma – DJ Shiggins

🎵 Sunday 27 April – Live & Local, proudly supported by Rigters IGA

🎉 Free Kids’ Activities All Weekend!

There’s non-stop fun for the little ones at The Helm with a stacked program of free activities:

• 🏖️ Sand Sculpture Carving & Sandcastle Workshops (presented by Iluka Resources)

• 🧸 Plush Play Park

• 💎 Beading with Lizzy

• ✂️ Papercraft Palace

• 🐍 Wildlife Animal Displays

• 🎨 Face Painting

• 💫 Braids by Zem

• 🎧 Silent Disco

• 🎬 Outdoor Movies

💙 Celebrate the Mid West by the Sea

The Helm is the ultimate festival hangout – a place to relax, explore, and celebrate everything that makes Geraldton and the Mid West extraordinary. Bring the whole family and make the most of this vibrant, seaside celebration!