ABOUT 1000 people attended Quandamooka Festival events on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) on the weekend.
Saturday signalled the opening of the three-month festival with the Yura opening event at Goompi (Dunwich).
This was followed by Yura Yalingbila Yalingbila, or the Welcome the Whales ceremony on Sunday at Mooloomba (Point Lookout).
The Quandamooka Festival, in its fifth year, attracts thousands of visitors to Straddie during winter.
This year's festival includes whale watching, cultural tours, Kunjiel (corroborees), music, eco boat tours, art exhibitions, fibre art and weaving workshops, bush tucker dining, arts and cultural talks.
The next main event will be Buangan Biyigi or Dolphin Day at Pulan Pulan (Amity) on Saturday, July 6 from 10am to 2pm. There is no charge to attend.
The festival will culminate on August 31 with Australian rock superstars Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sulton taking to the stage after the closing event.
Visit quandamookafestival.com.au for more details.