Everything you need to know about Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

When: 15 - 17 August 2025

What to expect | Who’s performing | Tickets |  Where to stay | Where to dine | Other things to do

Look to the skies of Surfers Paradise this August and you’ll see more than seagulls swooping for hot chips – the world’s best aviators will be barrel-rolling through the skies above Australia’s most iconic beachfront.

After thrilling sellout crowds in 2024, Pacific Airshow will bring aerobatics action back to the Gold Coast over a massive three-day weekend of flight demonstrations, meet-and-greets, live entertainment and family fun.  

Craving an excuse to spend a weekend on the Gold Coast? You’ve found it.

Read on for everything you need to know about Pacific Airshow 2025.

What to expect at Pacific Airshow 2025

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is the largest airshow event to be held in Australia, with over 250,000 people expected to watch from the ticketed precinct, nearby Gold Coast beaches and balconies.

In August 2025, the Pacific Airshow team – who run the largest airshow in the United States – will showcase the world's best civilian performers and elite military aviators with an unmissable, family-friendly event that includes aerial displays, high-octane antics, rare and vintage aircraft and plenty of thrills best viewed from Show Centre, located on the beach opposite Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise.  

Who’s performing at Pacific Airshow 2025?

Whether you’re an aviation geek, a history buff or have a kid who’s simply obsessed with planes – the Pacific Airshow 2025 lineup is sure to get your heart racing.

Experience the roar of United States Air Force F-22 Raptors, perhaps the most advanced and exciting military aircraft in the world, and rarely seen outside the USA. Watch Australia’s fastest and loudest aircraft demonstration – the F-18 Super Hornet – tear up the skies, then witness the future of human flight as Gravity Industries showcases their cutting-edge Jet Suits.

If you love aerobatics, turn your head to the sky as former F-18 pilot turned Red Bull Air Race superstar Matt Hall defies gravity with a show-stopping display. He’s one of many world-class aerobatics aviators set to perform over the weekend, along with formation flying demonstrations from teams including RAAF Roulettes and the colourful Screaming Diamonds. And don’t miss the daring parachute teams from the US Navy, RAF, and Australia’s Red Berets who are set to wow audiences before landing on the sand at Surfers Paradise.

Pacific Airshow is a chance to come and see some of the world’s most unique aircraft, including the tiltrotor MV22 flown by the United States Marine Corps and a YAK110 – a striking one-off design constructed by joining two Yak-55 fuselages and a jet engine mounted in between. History enthusiasts also have the rare opportunity to watch vintage aircraft take flight, like a WWII-era Spitfire and a Canberra jet bomber which operated during the Vietnam War – as part of RAAF’s 100 Squadron.

Airshow performances will take place from approximately 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day.

What else is there to do at Pacific Airshow?

While sky high demonstrations will steal the show, there’s plenty of entertainment at ground level too. Come along and meet your aviator-idols at performer signing sessions, have fun in the kids’ zone, soak up live entertainment, feast from the food trucks or grab a beer on the beach.

The complete Pacific Airshow program will be released closer to the event.

How to get Pacific Airshow 2025 tickets

Pacific Airshow tickets are on sale now, with one-day and three-day tickets available as well as family passes and premium packages. Tickets will get you access to the Show Centre for the best viewing areas, commentary and all-day entertainment.

Buy tickets here.

Spectators are welcome to view the airshow from outside of the event precinct free of charge.

Where to stay

Stay in Surfers Paradise to be in the heart of the action of Pacific Airshow. An energetic playground by day and night, there’s great accommodation for all: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort is perfect for families who like to spend their downtime by the pool, QT Gold Coast’s playful style and destination dining is a match for couples and groups who love food, while Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise and The Langham are seriously luxurious digs with uninterrupted beach views. Backpacker hostels are plentiful for those seeking a social scene or budget accommodation.

Use this Gold Coast accommodation guide to for more options on where to stay during Pacific Airshow.

Where to eat & drink

White tablecloths or water views – you can find every flavour in Surfers Paradise, whether you’re craving top-notch local seafood or a lively bar to kick start your night.

Fuel up for a big day at Pacific Airshow with coffee and a bite at one of the many cafes dotted around the neighbourhood. Bumbles Café on Budds Beach is a local haunt that serves great breakfast and coffee, with peaceful vibes if you need a break from the bustle.  

Endless bars and a smorgasbord of dining await post-show revelers. For a casual drink and meal by the water, make your way to beachside BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, or Surfers Pavilion which overlooks Nerang River. Explore three levels of seafood dining experiences at Seascape, devour Japanese cuisine at funky izakaya Yamagen, tuck into Mediterranean-inspired eats at Hyde Paradiso – and if this is your first time on the Gold Coast, be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation to dine at one of the best waterfront restaurants.

Things to do while you’re here for Pacific Airshow

Discover the many incredible things to do in and around Surfers Paradise – any time between Pacific Airshow action can quickly be filled with art gallery visits, climbing to the top of one of Australia’s tallest buildings, and soaking up sun at the beach – or a beach club.

If you’re someone who enjoys catching your own thrills, sign up for heart-racing adventure activities like jetboating, indoor skydiving, parasailing the Gold Coast waterways, or perhaps even scuba diving – Australia’s first purpose-built floating reef lies just 2.5km from Main Beach and has become a haven for marine life and certified divers.

Add an extra day or two to the trip and you could jump off into other unforgettable Gold Coast adventures, like discovering southern Gold Coast beaches that locals really love, or escaping into the Hinterland for a day where you can combine hikes through ancient rainforest with tasting flights at a local winery.

Here’s a three day Gold Coast itinerary – and a family-friendly guide – to get the travel planning cogs turning.

How to get to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

Flying in for the Pacific Airshow? The closest airport is Gold Coast Airport, around a 45-minute drive from Surfers Paradise.

We strongly recommend taking public transport to Pacific Airshow due to limited parking options and some road closures on event days. There will be dedicated bike parking areas marked around the event for those cycling, along with rideshare drop off zones.

Catch the G:link to your closest station in Surfers Paradise (Cypress Avenue, Cavill Avenue or the Surfers Paradise stop). For connecting services including buses and train, please refer to this Journey Planner.

Looking for more of what’s on the Gold Coast? Head here – and don’t miss these Queensland events, either.