A glamorous guide to the 2025 Magic Millions Carnival

Magic Millions Gold Twilight meeting

The new-look 2025 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival gets underway on Saturday 4 January with the Magic Millions Gold twilight meeting.

With $6.05 million on offer over a 10-race program, including the new $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight (3YO) slot race, $1 million TAB Magic Millions Syndicate and $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave. 

Gates Open 11:30 am. First race approx. – 2:10pm. Last race approx. – 7:50pm. 

Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping

When: 5 January 2025

A must-attend event of the carnival is the spectacular Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping - an event not to be missed at the picturesque waterside Doug Jennings Park in Main Beach.

Get dolled up for Fashions on the Field, or grab a glass of sparkling and witness some of the country’s best junior and senior showjumpers as they vie for a slice of the $1.5 million prize pool, while former racetrack stars showcase their new talents in the Queensland Off-The-Track Cup.’

World-renowned polo player Nacho Figueras will return with Delfi Blaquier, Zara & Mike Tindall and Billy Slater, so expect a fast-paced, action-packed and entertaining polo competition. 

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw

When: 7 January 2025

Set the alarm early - if you're by the beach this morning you can catch the famous The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw.

A highlight of every carnival, it's a spectacle as thoroughbreds canter down the sparkling sands of Surfers Paradise beach - with champion jockeys on board. The official barrier draw follows to determine proceedings for the raceday. 

The Barrier Draw is free to the public, running 6am-10am. 

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

When: 7 - 13 January 2025

Join in on the magic as the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale unveils a star-studded catalogue. Selling across seven consecutive days,  there’s no other time or place you can work and holiday so effortlessly.

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday 

When: 11 January 2025

Flaunt your frock as you mingle with horse racing’s elite, punters and celebrities at the carnival's main event, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.

One of the richest and most renowned racedays in Australia - and now worth $14.5 million in prizemoney across ten races - this is the pinnacle of Queensland racing with endless action on and off the track. 

Raceday highlights include The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas feature races to be run for $3 million each.

This is a Gold Coast event not to miss - here's how to plan your visit. 

The Gold Coast’s famed string of sandy beaches and surf spots tempts locals and visitors alike year-round. Its popularity as a holiday destination means there’s no shortage of accommodation on the Gold Coast. 

The Star Gold Coast

Situated in the heart of Broadbeach, The Star Grand has been a part of the Gold Coast for more than 30 years - and it's the perfect base for the Carnival.

Right next door, modern hotel Dorsett is another great choice - especially if you like to spend your spare time soaking up sun from the pool club. If you’re looking to really up the anti, 5-star, multi-award winning accommodation The Darling is located within the Star precinct and will not disappoint.

Besides heading out for the races, you may never want to leave The Star complex, with stunning dining options including the chef-hatted Kiyomi, Cantonese cuisine at Uncle Su, and signature restaurant - Nineteen at the Star - which serves simple yet elegant steak and seafood. 

Revitalise your mind - and skin - at one of the best day spas on the Gold Coast. Wellness is a way of life in this neck of the woods, and it's the perfect way to feel a million bucks as you celebrate Magic Millions. 

Need to find a frock? Gold Coast shopping is synonymous with Pacific Fair. Offering an expansive collection of luxury, iconic global brands and leading Australian retailers across 400 stores you're nearly guaranteed to find the perfect outfit (and a delicious post-shopping snack).

Best things to do on the Gold Coast

With more than 70km of shimmering coastline you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot to leave your footprints.

From the protected waters of Tallebudgera Creek to the surfing hotspot of Kirra or the dog-friendly beach at the Spit, the options are nearly endless. The Gold Coast is home to some serious stunners. Be sure to check out our local’s guide to the best Gold Coast beaches.

If you love to window shop, this shopping guide will lead you to the best designer precincts, boutiques and local markets. But if you're after a heart-racing adventure after the races, these experiences will make your visit unforgettable.

To help fill out the rest of your itinerary check out our complete guide to the Gold Coast - or delve into this list of the best things to do across the region. 

Where to dine and drink

Home to an array of breweries, cafes, fine dining and street food, the Gold Coast has become the place where you can dust the sand off your feet and enjoy an alfresco dining experience.

If this is your first time on the Gold Coast, Rick Shores - set right on the beachfront of Burleigh Heads - is the most iconic dining experience you can have.

Try The Collective in Palm Beach if you’re indecisive. With five working kitchens, your taste buds can travel the world while you’re sitting on their rooftop terrace enjoying a glass of Pinot. If you want to taste art, head to the Cardamom Pod in Southport and try the colourful and inventive vegan food and vibrant shakes. 

Looking for something else? How about restaurants with views as good as the food, rooftop bars or the best restaurants on the Coast?