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 9:00am to 5:00pm & Sunday 9:00am to 2:30pm
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]
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 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]
Ticketing Prices:
One Day (any day) Pass:
-
- Adult: $15
- Concession/Pension: $10
- Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $40
- Child (10 to under 14 years): $10
- Child (under 10): FREE
ENTERTAINMENT
Charity Auction
TBC
Trade Sites & Displays
Inside the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre: TBC
Outside Sites: TBC
CHARITY AUCTION
At the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular, we will be holding a Charity Auction to raise funds for this important foundation. Join us in supporting families through their toughest journey.
Location: At the bar area within the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre.
Location: At the bar area within the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre.
Date & Time: Saturday 18th October. Time to be confirmed.
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.
Show N’ Shine
- Open to all vehicles entered in the event (including Motorkhana competitors).
- Vehicles are judged on: Bodywork, Paintwork, Undercarriage Engineering, Engine Bay, Interior, and overall Impact and Innovation.
- No separate trophy entry required – all vehicles are eligible for trophies.
- Every entrant receives a score.
DYNO
- Run by Hunter Automotive. Glen and Cliff Hunter will oversee the DYNO.
- A dynamometer (DYNO) measures an engine’s power, torque, and other vital engine performance data under simulate road conditions.
Competition Prices:
General Vehicle Entry: $35
- Includes 1 weekend admission pass + 1 weekend car park.
DYNO: $75 / test
Entry Package 1: $105
- Includes General Vehicle Entry + 1 DYNO test + 1 Extra Pass.
Entry Package 2: $100
- Includes General Vehicle Entry + 1 DYNO test
Extra Pass: $15
- Available to competitors only. Max 2 Extra Passes per competitor.
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.