Experience the thrill: Top summer sports events to catch live in Queensland

As Queensland heats up for another scorching summer, it’s not just the weather that raises the temperature. Sports fans are set to be spoiled for choice in the Sunshine State, with world-class events scheduled right across the state. From cricket one-dayers and tennis grand slams to ocean swims, triathlons and horse racing carnivals—there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, pack the sunscreen and don your favorite team colours; here are the top sporting events in Queensland to mark in your calendar this summer.

2024 Australian PGA Championships | Brisbane

• When: 21 - 24 November 2024
• Where: Royal Queensland Golf Club, Brisbane
  
• Details: The prestigious Australian PGA Championships return to the Royal Queensland Golf Club this November, with the golfing world’s biggest stars competing for a title on the global stage. A highlight of Australia’s ‘summer of sport’, the PGA is a masterclass in offering world-class action in a spectacular setting along the Brisbane River.

School Basketball Championships, Basketball Australia | Gold Coast

• When: 1 - 6 December 2024
• Where: 296 Nerang Broadbeach Road, Carrara, Gold Coast
• Details: As Australia’s largest school sporting tournament, the 2024 Aus School Basketball Championships has its eyes on the Gold Coast—with this year’s future stars set to battle it out for national titles. The week-long event is the pinnacle of school basketball in Australia, so if you like fast-paced and action-packed games (with a side of a famously fun atmosphere), it's the Queensland sporting event not to miss—especially if you’re a basketball fan.
• Bonus: it’s a great excuse to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast beaches between games.

CommBank Women’s Australia vs India: Games 1 and 2 | Brisbane

• When: 5 December and 8 December 2024
• Where: Allan Border Field, Brisbane
• Details: Cricket lovers are in for a treat with not one, but two, back-to-back Women’s One Day International games featuring the Australian Women’s team against India. Set in Brisbane’s picturesque Allan Border Field—and with high stakes and fierce competition—catch two of the world's top women’s cricket teams go head-to-head. 

2024 AASCF Nationals Cheer & Dance Championships | Gold Coast

• When: 5 - 9 December 2024
• Where: Broadbeach, Gold Coast
• Details: The high point of Championships in the country, with well over 2000 teams and 11,000+ athletes competing over the weekend, the Nationals Cheer & Dance Championships is truly a celebration of the  sport and is a sea of bows.

NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India | Brisbane

• When: 14 December - 18 December 2024
• Where: The Gabba, Brisbane
• Details: The iconic Gabba will once again host one of cricket's most anticipated clashes as Australia takes on India in this quintessential five-day test match. This storied rivalry is known for delivering some unforgettable plays, so nab your tickets and get ready to watch these world-class sides battle it out for supremacy.

Brisbane International | Brisbane

• When: 29 December 2024 - 5 January 2025
• Where: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane
• Details: Why not start the new year enjoying the spoils of the River City and a week of high-octane tennis action (including bulk celebrity sightings) at the Brisbane International. Held at the state-of-the-art Queensland Tennis Centre just south of the CBD, this is your chance to see the world’s tennis greats up close as they ‘deux’ it out for the first Grand Slam of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about the Brisbane International.

Magic Millions Carnival | Gold Coast

• When: 1 - 15 January 2025
• Where: Gold Coast Turf Club Bundall
• Details: One of Queensland's most glamorous summer events, the Magic Millions Carnival kicks off the international racing season with two weeks of high stakes and high fashion on the dazzling Gold Coast. Racing enthusiasts can’t miss the Magic Millions Raceday on 11 January; a heady day of races, fashion on the fields and a prize pool of over $10 million.
• Bonus: Thinking of staying a while? Here's how to make the most of your time on the Gold Coast during Magic Millions Carnival.

Hamilton Island Triathlon | The Whitsundays

• When: 18 January 2025
• Where: Hamilton Island
• Details: Held every year in The Whitsundays, the Hamilton Island Triathlon is the endurance test for anyone who prefers pushing their physical limits in an unfathomably beautiful location. Combining a classic (but challenging) swim, cycle, and run sequence, competitors from across Australia flock to take on this unique triathlon course. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, it’s an exhilarating reason to visit Hamilton Island.

Check out even more sports events in Queensland.