North Stradbroke Island will stage its first-ever ‘pop-up’ dining experience as part of the Quandamooka Festival’s Yura Yalingbila (Welcome the Whales). The pop-up venue will be located in a spectacular clip-top position at Point Lookout, overlooking the ocean and the migrating whales. The alfresco venue will serve breakfast and lunch on the Saturday (July 29), culminating in the inaugural Welcome the Whales Gala Dinner, with the award-winning team from Whales Way Restaurant providing the on-site catering.

The bookings-only gala dinner will begin at five to watch the whales as the sun sets, with sparkling wine and canapés served on arrival and on sunset there will be a performance of traditional dances of the land, sea and ancient Quandamooka Aboriginal culture on the cliff top stage. Diners will enjoy a three course Australian traditional bush food inspired meal accompanied by quality wines and live music. Limited places at the Gala Dinner are available for $120 a head.

The Yura Yalingbila weekend will offer a complete weekend of entertainment and activities for visitors to North Stradbroke Island, starting with the official welcoming ceremony and festival on Saturday July 29 (11:00 am to 3:00 pm) at Headland Park at Point Lookout.