Cairns Show Exhibitors

FAQ'S...

Please review the important information below, or consult the Exhibitors Manual.

For more detailed explanations, you can also refer to the Exhibitors Operations FAQs.

Restricted Items at the Cairns Show

SALES RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

The Cairns Show Association reserves the right to prohibit the sale of any product or line not specifically approved during the application process.

 

Restricted Sales

The sale of the following items is NOT permitted:

  1. Showbags
    • The sale of showbags is strictly limited to licensed showbag operators.
  2. Soft Toys
    • All soft toys sold must not exceed 30cm in height.
  3. Traditional Showmen’s Guild Lines
    • The following food items are exclusively reserved for Showmen’s Guild members and cannot be sold by other vendors:
      • Fairy floss
      • Dagwood dogs
      • Waffles
      • Doughnuts
      • Toffee apples
      • Snow cones
      • Dolls on sticks
      • Inflatables

 

Prohibited Items

The following items are banned from sale at the Cairns Showgrounds:

  • Dangerous or Offensive Goods
    • Bomb bags
    • Bouncing beans
    • Drug paraphernalia (e.g., cocaine kits, bongs)
    • Explicit or hardcore T-shirts, DVDs, or videos
    • Cigarettes, vapes, or fake cigarettes
    • Fireworks or crackers
    • Fuel-type fire lighters (e.g., Zippo)
    • Knives (including pen knives)
    • Laser pointers, lights, or guns
    • Martial arts weapons (e.g., metal or wooden nunchakus)
    • Offensive materials
    • Samurai, English, and fencing swords (unless sold in sealed packaging by licensed traders)
  • Novelty or Disruptive Items
    • Horns and trumpets
    • Iridescent hair sprays
    • Novelties on sticks (excluding balloons)
    • Pressure pack snow, fart gas, or similar items
    • Shang-hi or slingshots
    • Silly string or similar products
    • Stink bombs
    • Water bombs

 

Toy Guns

Toy guns are generally acceptable; however, the following are NOT PERMITTED:

  • Ball bearing guns
  • Eight-shot caps
  • Pellet guns
  • Pop-downs (throw-downs)
  • Potato guns
  • Replica guns (bullet type)
  • Roll and strip caps
  • Water pistols exceeding 150mm (6 inches)
  • Gel blaster guns

Bumping In/Out

BUMP-IN

Exhibitors are welcome to commence bump-in on:

  • Monday, 13th July: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday, 14th July: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

If additional time is required for bump-in, exhibitors MUST submit a written request to the Site Coordinator or Head Steward for approval prior to the event.

 

BUMP-OUT

Bump-out begins on Friday, 17th July after closing time (9:00 PM).

Exhibitors are required to vacate their sites, including the removal of shipping containers, by Tuesday, 21st July.

The Cairns Show Association will not be held responsible for any equipment or stock left on the grounds after this date.

 

SITE BOUNDARIES

Each site is allocated a specific boundary, which MUST NOT be exceeded.

Site holders who exceed their boundaries will be required to rectify the situation and may incur additional charges.

These boundary regulations apply to all exhibitors, including outside sites and those within the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre.

 

DELIVERY OF STOCK PRIOR TO THE SHOW

The Cairns Show Association cannot receive, hold, or store parcels in the Show Office. Any deliveries sent to the Show Office will be sent to a collection point or returned to the sender.

It is the sender’s responsibility to arrange for the collection of parcels. Please ensure a reliable representative is available to collect any deliveries directly from the post office.

The Cairns Show Association will not be held responsible for any uncollected or misplaced items.

 

DELIVERY OF STOCK DURING SHOWTIME

Stock deliveries during the show must be made via Gate 4 at the Severin Street entrance.

Deliveries will only be permitted before opening hours, and all vehicles must vacate the grounds by 8:45 AM.

  • Vehicle deliveries after 8:30 AM will not be permitted.

Ensure all delivery drivers are informed of the designated entry points and delivery deadlines to avoid disruptions.

 

SPEED LIMIT ON THE SHOWGROUNDS

Throughout the event, including set-up and pack-down periods, the speed limit on the showgrounds is strictly 10 km/h.

This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, exhibitors, and staff. Please adhere to the limit at all times.

 

AUTHORISED PARKING ZONES DURING SHOWTIME

During the Show, parking on Severin Street and Mulgrave Road is reserved exclusively for officials and staff. A valid parking permit is required to use these designated areas.

Be sure to check street signage carefully to avoid parking fines, as Council inspectors will be actively monitoring the area.

 

EXHIBITOR CAR PARKING AT THE CAIRNS SHOW

Allocated car parking for exhibitors is available behind the Horticulture Pavilion (formerly the Cairns Recreation Youth Centre) at an additional cost.

  • Access: Via Mulgrave Road, near the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre. Exhibitors can enter through the Horticulture Pavilion building before and during the event.
  • Allocation: Each site holder is limited to a maximum of two car park spaces, which must be pre-purchased.
  • Cost: $15 per vehicle, per day. Car park spaces are non-transferable.
  • Booking: Car park spaces can be reserved during the application process and must be paid for alongside site fees. Additional spaces may be allocated based on availability.

Alternatively, street parking is available around the vicinity of the Cairns Showgrounds. Please refer to the ‘Authorised Parking Zones’ section and check street signage to avoid fines during show days.

Safety & Compliance Regulations

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.

Food Vendors

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:

 

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.