Year in Review – 2025

Highlights from the Cairns Show

This year’s Cairns Show was truly one to remember as we celebrated our 120th anniversary in spectacular fashion!

Over 70,000 people came through the gates across the three days – that’s more than half of Cairns’ population joining in the festivities. The energy, excitement, and community spirit were simply unmatched.

One of the standout moments of the Show was welcoming the Melbourne Cup, which made a special appearance in the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre – a rare and exciting experience for our visitors.

For the first time in many years, our Equestrian Events were completely full, showcasing incredible local talent and passion. The Main Arena also came alive with new entertainment acts, thrilling performances, and a vibrant atmosphere that delighted crowds of all ages.

Our exhibitors and stallholders enjoyed strong sales and engagement throughout the weekend, with many visitors eager to explore, shop, and sample the best that our region has to offer.

The 2025 Cairns Show was a fitting celebration of 120 years of tradition, community, and joy – and a true reflection of what makes the Cairns Show such a special part of our region’s history.

 

Highlights from the Cairns Show Wine Awards

The 33rd Cairns Show Wine Awards celebrated another year of excellence in Australian winemaking, showcasing the finest wines in the heart of tropical North Queensland.

This year, over 100 wines were judged by a panel that included many new faces, with several local judges bringing fresh perspectives to the table. The introduction of Show Runner, a new digital judging system, made the process smoother and more efficient than ever.

Over 300 wine enthusiasts attended the Public Tasting, enjoying the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines and hear the stories behind each bottle. With 20+ wineries represented, the Awards highlighted the diversity, innovation, and craftsmanship that make Australia’s wine industry truly world-class.

The Cairns Show Wine Awards was a perfect blend of tradition and new experiences – a celebration of skill, passion, and the vibrant wine community that comes together year after year.

Here’s to continuing the legacy and looking forward to the 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards from June 17th to 20th, as we raise our glasses to another year of viticultural excellence!

Your Showgrounds, Our Improvements

Cairns Showgrounds, the Heart of Cairns

• Main Arena: Cairns Regional Council Go-Club submission was successful. The oval has been aerated, and sand will be used to top dress and level the area.
• De Jarlais Function Centre: Pole damaged caused by Hirer has been replaced and repainted by PykeCo, Rodgers Consulting Engineers and the groundcrew. 
• Fred Moule Pavilion: heavy rainfall has caused leaking to occur. Once weather clears, leaks will be sealed. Extractor Fans will be decommissioned, with replacement of large Fans.
• Choice Australian Management: Work for the Dole project has commenced at the stables. Participants have cleaned and repainted stables, and are responsible for the maintenance of the area. 
• Les Plath Goat Pavilion: Les Plath has created a wonderful garden display at the Goat Pavilion, utilising old toilet systems, peanut butter jars and vases. Les has also starting turning and preparing the soil in preparation for his Sunflower Display at the Cairns Show. Les is seeking hanging plants and cuttings for his baskets, give the office a call if you have any. 
• Ag-Venture: Tony Matchett, Amanda Hunter and Bill Smith have started preparing garden beds for the Ag-Venture display at the old cattle yards. They recently moved 26 cubic metres of top soil into the area, which will be dug, mulched and planted in readiness for the Cairns Show. 
• Weather: Wet weather has caused conditions at the Showgrounds to change. Visitors are advised to proceed with caution and stick to roads and pavements. Thank you to Ian Allen for mowing the grounds, and Carol Allen for maintaining the gardens.
• Break In: Unwelcomed visitors have kicked in the doors of the Scott Street Ticket box. Doors will now need to be replaced.

Follow the Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association on LinkedIn

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Are you associated with the Cairns Show Association? Perhaps you are a part of our Committee, an Ambassador, a Stakeholder, or an active Member or Volunteer; follow us on LinkedIn and establish your professional connection.

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