Gold Coast Show

The Gold Coast Show is an iconic annual agricultural event held every August on the Gold Coast, Australia. Running for over 50 years, it is one of Australia’s largest and longest running regional shows. Held at the Carrara Precinct over four action-packed days, it attracts over 150,000 visitors each year to enjoy rural exhibition, carnival rides, live entertainment and country atmosphere.

Highlights and what to expect:
The show promotes all aspects of the Gold Coast’s agricultural, horticultural and cultural community. Highlights include cattle and horses shows, woodchopping and showbag displays. Patrons can enjoy performances, fireworks, thrill rides, amusement park, dog and pony club competitions. There are food stalls galore selling country snacks like showbags, lamingtons, fairy floss and showbiz pies. Visitors can also learn about farming and crafts through workshops and displays. With so much to see and do, there is entertainment for the entire family.

Getting There

we recommend public transport as traffic can be chaotic.

Public Transport

Light Rail Services
Light rail services are available on each Show Day (9am to 9pm) at regular G:Link travel costs. The best light rail stop to disembark for the Show is Broadwater Parklands.

Parkwood Light Rail Station

This is a designated park’n’ride location for the light rail service. Parking is free-of-charge with standard G:Link travel costs applicable. For journey planning (bus and rail) visit Translink.

Parking at Broadwater Parklands

Carey Car Park
Parking is available at Carey Car Park, accessed via Marine Parade, Southport. The car parking rate is $10 per vehicle per visit – cash payment preferred. Accessible parking is also available at no charge to users (PWD / Accessible stickers must be displayed on vehicles to permit access).

Australia Fair
Parking is available at Australia Fair, as per standard car park rates. Accessible parking is also available at Australia Fair.

Event Background

The Gold Coast Show began in 1969 with a small exhibition staged by local farmers. Held at Southport Showgrounds, its debut year attracted 5,000 people. Since then, it has experienced steady growth in both size and popularity to become the major annual community event it is today.

In 2005, it relocated to the modern Carrara Precinct with expanded facilities. In 2018 it relocated again to the then newly redeveloped Broadwater Parklands area of Southport where it continues till this day.

Continuing a focus on agriculture and rural traditions, the show preserves Queensland’s country culture and heritage while also embracing new activities. After over fifty years, it remains passionately supported by locals and is big a highlight on the Gold Coast events calendar.