Ready for a ripper time at the Cairns Show without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered! Check out these budget-friendly tips for an amazing show experience.
First, nab discounted tickets online or go to Earlville Shopping Town or the Show office to purchase in person. Pack your own tucker and save on food costs. Scope out free attractions and entertainment, like animal shows and exhibitions. Finally, set a spending limit for rides and games to stay on track. With a little planning, you can have a bonza time at the Cairns Show without blowing your budget.
Here is a list of the best free things to do. Don’t forget your Cairns Show Guide!
1.Melvilles Animal Nursery
Everyone’s favourite! See Bindi, the dog, and her talented pup family, tickle a parrot’s belly, pat a baby goat or rooster, and for the first time ever cuddle a fluffy bunny! Open from 9:00am – approximately 7:00pm.
2. Melvilles Comedy Duck Racing
Join in the quacking good fun and watch the cute ducks compete against each other around the obstacle course. Multiple session times each day – check out our social media pages during the Show. Sponsored by Mickey Tyre and Auto.
3. Gilmore Family Entertainment Comedy Pig Racing
Cheer on the little piggy’s as they race around the circuit to a win. You’ll be squealing with excitement. Multiple session times each day.
4. The HIT 103.5 Baby Races
Watch the fastest babies in FNQ crawl their way to a win. Go baby, go!
5. Sand Sculpting
Watch Dennis Massoud, the Sandman, create world class sculptors by manipulating sand and water into beautiful, impossible artforms.
6. Pan For Gold
Strike it lucky and pan for gold at the Rocky River Mining display (please note this activity may incur a small fee).
7. Reptile Education
Join RESTA as they show off their impressive reptile collection or participate in their new under the microscope program, giving adults and children essential reptile education and safety training.
8. Ranger Nick Camp Oven Cooking
Taste delicious camp oven food with celebrity Ranger Nick, as he demonstrates camp oven cooking techniques and recipes.
9. Traditional Wood Turning
Be mesmerised by Jonas Kirk the Artful Bodger as he crafts beautiful creations using traditional wood turning methods.
10. Blacksmithing Demonstration
Watch Blacksmith, Noel Giles, as he creates decorative wrought iron work and cattle brands.
11. Machinery Alley
Step back in time and view the large collection of restored machinery. Watch these historic machines in action and meet the people who keep these traditions alive.
12. Heritage Backyard
See history brought to life with the Heritage Backyard display. View antique appliances, vintage tools, old-fashioned clothing, and traditionally used equipment.
13. Classical Cars
Meet the owners, talk shop, and marvel at the preservation of history, with the restoration of the vintage car collection from the Cairns & District Historical Vehicle Club.
14. Dennis Dingo Dryden
Traditional storyteller, bush musician, and poet – don’t miss this very talented performer on the CRC Community Stage and Fig Tree Stage
15. CRC Community Stage
Enjoy three-full days of performances from local talent including bush poetry, school dancing, singing and band ensembles, and so much more! View the Cairns Regional Council Community Stage program here
16. Swaggie the Bushman Poet
Listen to the talented musician Swaggie Campbell, performing his tales and poetry of mother earth and all its wonders.
Fred Moule Pavillion J5 on Map
17. Mt Sheridan Kids Zone
Have children and need a break? Visit the Mt Sheridan Kids Zone where you can sit and relax while the children play with toys, read a book, participate in games, or enter in the colouring competition to win a prize.
18. Ride a Police Motorbike
Find out what being a Police officer is about and climb aboard a real-life Police motorbike.
19. Snap a Farm Selfie on a Tractor
Take a picture with your children on the restored 1956 Ferguson FE-35 tractor donated by the Greenwood family. Children are allowed to climb on the tractor and must be supervised by an adult.
20. Steam Engines
Let off some steam at the miniature steam engine display. With the incredible attention to detail this display always delights both young and old.
21. Gems, Stones, and Minerals
Discover the world of locally discovered gems, stones and minerals at the Cairns Minerals and Lapidary Club exhibit.
22. Black Star Radio Indigenous Arts
An artistic, cultural experience, displaying art from children as young as five through to adults.
23. Check out the Sunflower Garden
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the breathtaking Sunflower Garden and capture a picture-perfect moment. Created with love and expertise by Les Plath.
24. Dunny Avenue
Step into the beautiful world of Dunny Avenue, where inspiration blooms at every corner! Marvel at stunning flowers, nurtured and grown in the most unexpected places – toilet systems and even Vegemite jars! Grown and planted by Les Plath.
25. Les Plath Goat Pavilion
Experience the joy of meeting our adorable new miniature Nigerian dwarf goats, along with a charming selection of does and bucks, all waiting to enchant you at the Goat Pavilion.
26. AG-Venture Farm
Immerse yourself in our incredible crop exhibition flourishing within the old cattle-yards. Indulge in the flavours of freshly harvested produce, gain valuable farming insights from local producers, and have the chance to win a Family Pass to the highly anticipated 2024 Cairns Show! This display is the result of green thumbs Amanda Hunter, Bill Smith, and Tony Matchett.
27. Steve Raumer Bird Pavilion
View our feathered companions ranging from Canaries to Budgerigars, Lorikeets, Parrots, Muscovy Ducks, and more at the vibrant Poultry, Pigeons, and Caged Birds Pavilion.
28. Cats
Feline lovers rejoice; view various breeds of cats including Longhair, Shorthair, and Kittens on display – Wednesday of the Show only!
29. Guinea Pigs (Cavies)
Cheer on our junior competitors as they show off their gorgeous guinea pig pets.
30. Honey Providore Horticulture Pavilion
Get your gardening inspiration at the Horticulture Pavilion, where you’ll discover a stunning showcase of giant vegetables, orchids, floral arrangements, garden produce, fruit, honey varieties, and so much more.
31. Flower Beard Competition
Unleash your creativity and join the Flower Beard competition for a chance to decorate your beard and win an enticing prize! Whether you rock a beard or not, everyone is invited to participate. Wednesday of the Show only – check our social media pages for more.
32. Scarecrow Competition
Be the ultimate judge! Cast your vote for the Scarecrow that steals your heart and be entered into an exciting prize draw!
33. QCWA
Experience the craftmanship of the Queensland Country Women’s Association display, where you’ll see traditional arts, intricate handiwork, and culinary delights that celebrate the talents of Queensland’s country women.
34. Dogs
Meet the four-legged athletes at the dog sports, agility, and dog confirmation competitions in the Ley James Canine Arena.
-Wednesday 19th 5:30pm – 8:00pm – Dog Sports Trial.
-Thursday 20th 5:30pm – 8:00pm – Dog Sports Trial.
-Friday 21st 9:30am – 3:00pm Championship Dog Show.
35. Cooking Displays
Admire the talent and skills of local cake decorators, weavers, knitters, crafters, and bakers. Watch live demonstrations and learn how to create the art pieces yourself.
36. Photography
See moments in time captured forever. Photographers from all over FNQ have submitted devastatingly beautiful images that will leave you mesmerised.
37. Art & Pottery
Visual Art & Pottery Room enjoy the impressive sculptures, paintings, pottery, and drawings from talented FNQ artists.
38. School Spirit
Visit the School Displays and show your support for our local school groups
39. Cairns Cosplay – K4 on Map
Meet your favourite cartoon, anime, and superhero characters in real life! Strike a pose and take a picture with them while they roam around the Showgrounds or visit them at their site base at Yoko’s Corner Anime Store.
40. Bugzy Bumblebee – E4 on Map
Your children will love Bugzy Bumblebee’s bubble show and bubble wands – an instant smile on their face!
41. AirTime FMX – I3 on Map
Get an Autograph from your favourite Freestyle Motocross team prior to their daytime show, located at Gate 2 of the Main Arena. Watch their shows click here to see the main arena entertainment schedule
42. Meat Magics – I2 on Map
Is it a cooking demonstration, a meat exhibition, or a comedy show? Join Stan Cornish and his Magical Meat Team for a load of laughs…and you might even score a free sausage or two!
42.Equestrian
Watch the equestrian events daily from 8am til late every day
43. Cattle Judging & Pens – C1 on Map.
Support our Stud Beef, Prime Beef, and Dairy Cattle competitors as they show off their cattle and demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
44. Horse Stables – D1 on Map
Say ‘Hay’ to the horses in the stables or see them in action on the Main Arena as they compete in the Equestrian events.
45. Fireworks
Watch the nightly fireworks to finish your amazing day!
There’s something for everyone at the Cairns Show!
Remember, there’s lots of free things to do once you’re through the gates, so no matter your budget you’ll be able to have a great time.
Buy your tickets early and save until Tuesday the 18th of July here
If you want cheaper rides, buy your Sideshow Alley Bonus Dollars*
Available from the Earlville Shopping Town Ticket Booth Monday 10th – Monday 17th July, 9am – 5pm.
Available at the Cairns Showgrounds (Main Gates) Ticket Booth on Tuesday 18th July, 9am – 5pm.
*Bonus Dollars are not available online. They may only be used for Rides, Games, or Food within the Sideshow Alley area. Bonus Dollars cannot be spent on Showbags. Lost, stolen, damaged or unused Bonus Dollars will not be refunded or replaced.*
