WELCOME TO THE CAIRNS SHOW AUTO SPECTACULAR
Presented by BIG Electrics
ABOUT
High Octane Action and Mayhem!
The Cairns Show Auto Spectacular (Auto Spec) held by the Cairns Show Association, first took place in 2004 and ran annually until 2016, before being brought back in 2022 after COVID. The Auto Spec is the ultimate celebration of all things automotive, the event features competitions like the classic Show N’ Shine, and DYNO runs. With stunning vehicle displays, family-friendly entertainment and giveaways, trade exhibits, and a charity auction, the Auto Spec promises action-packed fun for car enthusiasts and visitors alike!
Dates: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026.
Operational Times: Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm & Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Cairns Showgrounds. Public entrance via Mulgrave Rd Ticket Box in front of the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre. Vehicle entrance via Scott St across from Barlow Park.
Tickets: See information below.
Parking: All day parking available within the Showgrounds on the Main Arena for $5. Public Vehicle Entrance via Scott Street across from Barlow Park.
Camping: available from Friday 16th to Monday 19th within the Cairns Showgrounds at a fee of $25/night. If you would like to book, please complete a camping form. and send it back to [email protected]
Show N’ Shine
ALL vehicles entered in the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular are automatically judged for trophies – you don’t need to nominate for a trophy category. Our judge will score every vehicle and consider it across all categories.
Our experienced judges assess each vehicle across a range of categories, including:
- Bodywork
- Paintwork
- Engine Bay
- Undercarriage & Engineering
- Interior
- Overall Presentation, Impact & Innovation
Each vehicle receives an individual score, with the highest-scoring entries competing for a range of prestigious trophies and awards. Whether your vehicle is a meticulously restored classic, a custom-built showpiece or a modern performance machine, every entrant has the opportunity to showcase the quality, craftsmanship and passion behind their pride and joy.
DYNO
Think your vehicle has what it takes? The Dyno Challenge, proudly run by Hunter Automotive, gives competitors the opportunity to put their vehicle’s performance to the test.
Overseen by Glen and Cliff Hunter, the dynamometer (dyno) measures your engine’s horsepower, torque and other key performance data by simulating real-world driving conditions.
Whether you’re chasing bragging rights or simply curious to see what your vehicle can produce, the Dyno Challenge is always a crowd favourite.
Go-To-Whoa
Think you’ve got the fastest reactions and the best control behind the wheel? Put your driving skills to the test in the Go-To-Whoa Challenge!
Competitors race from a standing start before braking as accurately as possible within the designated stopping zone.
It’s not only about who can go the fastest – it’s about precision, control and consistency.
Whether you’re competing or watching from the sidelines, the Go-To-Whoa Challenge is guaranteed to keep the adrenaline pumping.
COMPETITION PRICES
General Vehicle Entry: $35
- Includes 1 weekend admission pass + 1 weekend car park.
DYNO: $75 / test
Go-To-Whoa: $40 / entry
Entry Package 1: $85
- Includes General Vehicle Entry + Go-To-Whoa + Extra Pass.
Entry Package 2: $110
- Includes General Vehicle Entry + DYNO + Extra Pass.
Entry Package 3: $150
- Includes General Vehicle Entry + Go-To-Whoa + DYNO + Extra Pass.
Extra Pass: $15
- Available to competitors only. Max 2 Extra Passes per competitor.
TICKETS
Purchasing Tickets: Available on the day at the Mulgrave Rd and Scott St Ticket Boxes, or online via our Square.
Online Tickets: Don’t forget to screenshot your confirmation! You’ll need it as your ticket on the day.
Entrances: Public Entrance via Mulgrave Rd Ticket Box in front of the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre, or via Scott Street across from Barlow Park.
Parking: All day parking available within the Showgrounds for $5. Public Vehicle Entrance via Scott Street across from Barlow Park.
Camping: Available from Friday 16th to Monday 19th within the Cairns Showgrounds at a fee of $25/night. If you would like to book, please complete a camping form and send it back to [email protected]
Ticketing Prices:
One Day (any day) Pass:
-
- Adult: $15
- Child (10 to under 14 years): $10
- Child (under 10): FREE
- Concession/Pension: $10
- Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $40
ENTERTAINMENT
CHECK OUT THE TRADE DISPLAYS!
There’s more than just incredible cars to check out at the 2026 Cairns Show Auto Spectacular!
We’ve got some fantastic businesses joining us across the weekend, with trade displays both inside and outside for you to explore.
INSIDE – Fred Moule Exhibition Centre
- Marino’s Auto Upholstery
- Gray’s Mechanical
- Street Printz
OUTSIDE
- Minty Co.
Come along, check out what they have on display, have a chat with the teams and support the businesses getting behind this year’s Auto Spectacular!
And we’re not finished yet… more trade displays are still to be announced!
Cars. Trade Displays. Entertainment. Family Fun!
CHARITY AUCTION
Charity Auction – Supporting the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
At this year’s Cairns Show Auto Spectacular, we’ll once again be bringing the community together for our Charity Auction, with funds raised supporting the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
The Foundation works to improve healthcare across Far North Queensland, helping fund vital equipment, facilities, training, research and support services for patients, families and healthcare staff throughout our region.
Come along, get involved in the bidding and help us raise as much as we can for an organisation making a real difference right here in FNQ!
Location: Bar Area, Fred Moule Exhibition Centre
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Time: From approximately 5:30pm
Every bid counts – so get those wallets ready and help us support better healthcare for our community!
Learn more about the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
CONTACT
Cairns Show Office
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Enter through the Main Gates on the Corner of Severin St and Mulgrave Rd of the Cairns Showgrounds. The Office is located directly on the left.
Auto Spec Coordinator
Phone: 07 4042 6630
Email: [email protected]
The Cairns Show Association extends heartfelt thanks to our Sponsors, Partners, and Friends of the Event for their generous contributions toward prize money, trophies, and giveaways. As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, we rely on community support to make events like the Auto Spectacular a success. Your contributions play a vital role in bringing this event to life. To see the businesses and individuals who have supported us, please click the Sponsors link or button above. If you’d like to enquire about Sponsorship, please contact the Secretary/Manager via email at [email protected] or complete a Marketing & Sponsorships Application online.