Major events deliver $29.9 million boost for Cairns

An exciting combination of iconic sporting events and world-class cultural entertainment has strengthened Cairns’ reputation as a premier destination for major events.

A report completed for Council highlighted strong out-of-region visitation, with over 27,400 individuals travelling to Cairns for the 12 events, generating more than 93,650 visitor nights, and injecting more than $29.9m into the local economy.

Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns, 7Cairns Marathon Festival, Cairns Super Carnival, and Shine on Gimuy all recorded significant increases in out-of-region visitation, demonstrating popularity both for the events and Cairns as a destination.

The calendar also showcased iconic community-based events including the Cairns Italian Festival and Cairns Fashion Week. The AFLW Northern Nest brought elite women’s sport to Cairns, Dream Aloud celebrated First Nations voices and culture, and Gran Fondo showcased Cairns’ spectacular tropical landscape.

The 2025/26 Major Events season also welcomed new events to Tropical North Queensland, including the Cairns Rainforest Rumble, Be Social Festival, and two Men’s International Cricket Matches.

Looking towards the Green and Gold Runway

Mayor Amy Eden said the capability of hosting major sporting events in Cairns is growing.

“Cairns is the perfect place to host major outdoor events”, Cr Eden said. “Major events bring vibrancy to our city, support local jobs and let visitors have a tropical slice of paradise in the Far North.”

Cairns is proud to have been named a Co-Host City for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, having been identified to host Olympic sports at multiple venues throughout the region.

“We can’t wait to introduce Cairns to the world in 2032. This once-in-a-generation opportunity will put Cairns on the map, enrich our community, and accelerate investment in critical infrastructure. Major development is underway at Barlow Park, with a new grandstand and more seating, making sure we are ready to welcome the Games”, Cr Eden said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said June and October had been bumper months in the region’s events calendar helping to spread visitation more evenly throughout the year.

“Events are often the excuse people need to take a holiday and the addition of new ones like the Australian Festival of Chamber Music may just be the catalyst needed for first-time visitors to become annual guests in Tropical North Queensland,” he said.

“The portfolio of events achieved through our partnership with Cairns Regional Council achieved $51 million in overnight visitor expenditure and $14.5 million worth of publicity in 2025-26.”

The 2026/27 major events calendar is already shaping up strongly, with Cairns having welcomed the internationally acclaimed Australian Festival of Chamber Music in July/August 2026, and Cazalys Stadium set to host Australia’s newest ‘sportainment’ event, the T20 Gold Clash, on Sunday 22 November 2026.