Exhibitor Information

BUMP-IN

Exhibitors may commence bump-in on:

• Monday, 12 July: 9.00am–5.00pm
• Tuesday, 13 July: 9.00am–9.00pm

Exhibitors with large, complex or specialised site builds who require additional access are encouraged to take advantage of early bump-in where possible. Early access must be arranged in advance, with a written request submitted to the Site Coordinator or Head Steward for approval prior to the event.

All vehicles entering the Showgrounds during bump-in must comply with the Showgrounds traffic management plan, speed limits and directions provided by staff or traffic controllers.

BUMP-OUT

Bump-out will commence from Saturday, 17 July 2027.

There are strictly no exhibitor bump-outs permitted on Friday evening unless prior approval has been granted by the Site Coordinator or Head Steward.

For safety reasons, no vehicles are permitted to move within the Showgrounds until the public has been fully cleared and vehicle movement has been authorised by Show staff or security.

Exhibitors are responsible for removing all stock, equipment, displays and shipping containers within the approved bump-out period.

The Cairns Show Association accepts no responsibility for equipment, stock or other property left on the Showgrounds following the approved bump-out period.

SITE BOUNDARIES

Each exhibitor site has a clearly allocated boundary and all displays, stock, signage and equipment must remain within the approved site area.

Exhibitors who exceed their allocated boundary may be required to immediately rectify the issue and additional site charges may apply.

Site boundary requirements apply to all exhibitors, including outside sites and sites within the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre.

DELIVERY OF STOCK PRIOR TO THE SHOW

The Cairns Show Association is unable to receive, hold or store exhibitor parcels or deliveries at the Show Office.

Exhibitors must make their own arrangements for the delivery and collection of stock and ensure a representative is available to receive deliveries where required.

Parcels sent to the Show Office may be redirected to a collection point or returned to the sender.

The Cairns Show Association accepts no responsibility for uncollected, misplaced or incorrectly addressed deliveries.

STOCK DELIVERIES & REPLENISHMENT DURING SHOWTIME

Stock deliveries and replenishment during the Show must enter via Gate 4, Severin Street.

Vehicle access is permitted between 6.00am and 8.30am only, and all vehicles must be off the Showgrounds by 8.45am.

Vehicle entry for stock deliveries or replenishment will not be permitted after 8.30am.

Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their staff, suppliers and delivery drivers are aware of the designated entry point, operating times and traffic requirements before arriving onsite.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT & SPEED LIMIT

A strict one-way traffic management plan operates throughout the Cairns Showgrounds during bump-in, Show days, stock replenishment and bump-out.

All vehicles must follow the designated one-way route, traffic signage and directions provided by Show staff, traffic controllers or security personnel.

Vehicles must not travel against the designated traffic flow unless specifically directed by an authorised traffic controller.

The speed limit throughout the Cairns Showgrounds is strictly 10 km/h.

Riding on trailers, ute trays, tow bars or any other part of a vehicle not designed for passenger transport is strictly prohibited.

All passengers must travel safely within the vehicle and all stock, equipment and loads must be properly secured before the vehicle is moved.

Failure to comply with traffic management or safety requirements may result in vehicle access to the Showgrounds being restricted or withdrawn.

AUTHORISED PARKING ZONES DURING SHOWTIME

Parking restrictions apply on Severin Street and Mulgrave Road during the Cairns Show.

Exhibitors and staff should carefully check all street signage before parking, as designated areas may be restricted to authorised vehicles and permit holders.

Parking restrictions are enforced during Show days and vehicles parked contrary to posted signage may be subject to penalties.

EXHIBITOR CAR PARKING AT THE CAIRNS SHOW

Limited exhibitor parking is available in the Youth Centre car park behind the Horticulture Pavilion at an additional cost.

• Access: Via Mulgrave Road near the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre.
• Allocation: A maximum of two car park passes may be purchased per exhibitor site, subject to availability.
• Cost: $15 per vehicle, per day.
• Conditions: Car park passes are non-transferable and must be pre-purchased.
• Booking: Parking may be selected during the exhibitor application process and paid for with your site fees.

Additional parking spaces may become available subject to capacity.

Street parking is also available in surrounding areas where permitted. Exhibitors are responsible for checking signage and complying with all parking restrictions during Show days.

FOOD LICENCE AND GAS SYSTEM COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD VENDORS

All food vendors using LP gas for cooking must ensure their gas systems have been inspected by a licensed gas work professional within the past 12 months and hold a valid Gas System Compliance Certificate.

Additionally, inspections by the Cairns Regional Council will occur before and during the Show to verify appropriate food licensing and food handling compliance. More information can be found here. 

 

ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF COOKING OIL AND OTHER WASTE — FINES APPLICABLE

The Cairns Regional Council will have inspectors on-site and may issue on-the-spot fines for non-compliance with EPA regulations. Fines for improper disposal of cooking oil or waste can reach up to $10,000.

By law, all exhibitors must responsibly dispose of cooking oils and trade waste:

• Cooking Oils: Must not be left on the grounds.
• Trade Waste Water: Must be discharged only at designated cleaners’ sinks.
  • Locations: Behind Blackies Toilet Block and the Severin Street Amenities Block.

 

ELECTRICAL USAGE FROM POINT OF SUPPLY

All exhibitors, amusement operators, and commercial activity participants must comply with electrical safety requirements as outlined in the Electrical Safety Act 2002.

Key requirements:

1. Use of an electrical safety switch at the point of supply.
2. All electrical leads must be tested and tagged at the exhibitor’s expense.
3. Double adaptors or piggyback leads are strictly prohibited.
4. Electrical leads must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle flow.

Electrical compliance will be checked during the event, and non-compliance may result in restrictions.

 

FIRE REGULATIONS

All fuel-burning appliances using liquid or solid fuel, as well as LPG gas for cooking or demonstrations, must comply with regulations provided by the relevant authorities.

Fire safety measures:

• Fire extinguishers and hose reels are strategically located throughout the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre and the Showgrounds.
• Fire equipment is inspected every six months for compliance.

 

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE EXHIBITORS CAMPING

Campers are required to prevent contamination of waterways, roadside gutters, and stormwater drainage in accordance with the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.

Laundry Wastewater:

• May be discharged to the ground ONLY if a filter sock (50-100 microns) is securely attached to prevent pollution.
• Note: Feet socks or stockings are not permitted.
• Filter socks are available for purchase at the Cairns Show Office for $11 each.

Additional notes:

• A comprehensive list of prescribed water contaminants can be found on the Cairns Regional Council’s website [here].
• Non-compliance may result in fines issued by EPA Inspectors, and exhibitor details may be passed on to the Cairns Regional Council for follow-up.

NOTICE: NEW FOOD VENDORS

At this time, we ARE NOT accepting new food vendors. Current exhibitors have the first right to renew their sites before any remaining sites are made available to the general public.

All new food vendor applications will be placed on a waitlist for consideration should spaces become available.

 

FOOD VENDORS: LICENSING, GAS COMPLIANCE, AND WASTE DISPOSAL

Food Business License
All food vendors operating at the Cairns Show must hold a valid Food Business License certificate. Applications for temporary food permits must be submitted to the Cairns Regional Council at least 30 days prior to the Show.

Gas Compliance
All hot food exhibitors are required to have their gas systems inspected and certified by a licensed gas professional. A valid compliance certificate, meeting AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installation Safety Standards, must be submitted at the time of application.

Trade Waste Disposal

• Cooking oil, wastewater, and other trade waste must be disposed of responsibly in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000.
• Illegal dumping or leaving waste on the Showgrounds is strictly prohibited.
• Fines of up to $10,000 may be issued by Cairns Regional Council inspectors or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for non-compliance.

For more information:

• Temporary Food Licenses & Trade Waste: Visit the Cairns Regional Council Website.
• Gas Compliance: Visit the Resources Safety & Health Queensland Website.

 

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS

As of 1st September 2021, the following single-use plastic items are banned in Queensland:

• Straws, stirrers, swizzle sticks, and cutlery (e.g., forks, spoons, knives, splayds, chopsticks, and food picks).
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway containers and cups.
• Unenclosed plastic plates and bowls.

For more details on the ban:

• Visit the Queensland Single-Use Plastic Items Ban Website.
• Contact the hotline at 1800 844 946.