Your Guide to the Brisbane Truck Show

Organised by the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the Truck Show has been running for more than 50 years and takes place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in South Brisbane. 

Get your tickets from the Brisbane Truck Show website (kids under 18 are free). All tickets also include free same-day admission to the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show.

Getting to the Brisbane Truck Show

Leave the semi-trailer behind and catch the train or bus instead. The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is located right next to both South Brisbane Station and the Cultural Centre Station. Check out the TransLink website to plan your trip. Prefer to drive? The Convention Centre has more than 1,500 car parks available.

Accessibility

The BCEC can be accessed by lift from the main Merivale Street entrance (on the corner of Merivale and Glenelg Street), with ramp access available from the main Grey Street entrance. Additional lift access is also available along Merivale Street.

The centre features accessible toilets throughout, hearing loops in all meeting rooms, and accessible parking spaces, with wheelchairs available free of charge on request.

Best things to do at the Brisbane Truck Show

Brisbane Truck Show exhibition 

This is the centrepiece of the Brisbane Truck Show, featuring 300 exhibitors showing off the latest in trucks, trailers, parts, accessories and tech. 

You’ll find 22 truck and engine brands on show, with new trucks from the likes of DAF, Scania, Volvo, Isuzu and Eurocold – some being shown in public for the first time. 

While you’re here, get up close to the trucks, explore interactive displays, dive into hands-on activities, and enjoy face painting at the dedicated family zone. 

And just like supporting your footy team, it’s all about showing off your colours - head to Merchandise Alley to pick up some merch to rep your brand in style.

Truck Week

This is where the fun happens – Truck Week. 

While the Truck Show might be about the latest and greatest, Truck Week gives a nod to the past with the Heritage Truck Association Australia’s annual Heritage Truck Show (17 - 18 May).

Held out at Rocklea Showgrounds, we guarantee you two things: lots of chrome and lots of truckies shouting, ‘I used to drive one of those’.

Speaking of cool trucks, cast a vote for your favourite truck at the first ever National Show ‘N’ Shine Championship, showcasing 28 of Australia’s most spectacular custom trucks. 

Now, if your kids (or let’s face it - you) love big yellow excavators, bulldozers or diggers, get out to the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show (15 - 17 May) at the Brisbane Showgrounds. 

Trucks aren’t the only things packing a punch during Truck Week - hit up South Bank Piazza and catch the Premier Boxing Series (17 - 18 May). There are two nights of adrenaline-fuelled fighting with elite pros and amateurs going toe-to-toe.

Finally, swing by The Depot at TAFE Queensland South Bank - a dedicated careers precinct full of hands-on experiences like the Brisbane Driving School Truck Simulator and the Scania Dunk Truck.

What to do in Brisbane

The Brisbane Truck Show is a short walk from the South Bank Parklands, featuring 17 hectares of sub-tropical gardens as well as Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach.

Nearby you’ll also find QAGOMA (the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), the beating heart of Brisbane’s vibrant cultural scene and home to world-class exhibits.

Elsewhere in Brisbane, experience one of the only three bridge climbs in the world with Story Bridge Adventure Climb, visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or see Brisbane from a different angle from the spectacular SkyDeck at the Star Brisbane.

Staying in Brisbane for a while? Why not take a day trip and snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks at Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), or embrace the country-charm of the Scenic Rim, described by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s hottest destinations.

Where to eat and drink

No truck stop diners here - from riverside dining to pub lunches, cafes and fast-food spots, you’ll find a whole menu of eats within walking distance of the show.

Looking to fill up? On coffee, that is. Grab yourself a brew from Olio Cafe & Bar or Merivales Café at the BCEC, or wander to nearby Chuffed Merivale or Hoo Ha Coffee Bar. 

If all that truck talk has got you hungry, head to the Charming Squire for a hearty feed – think chicken schnitzel or a rump steak – washed down with a James Squire beer or cider.

For dining a little more sophisticated, talk trucks over char-grilled lamb cutlets at POPOLO or spaghettini and champagne lobster at OTTO Ristorante.

Where to stay 

We’ve seen some pretty impressive truck sleepers, but we can do you one better.

Dial up the luxe and stay in one of Brisbane’s top hotels - the Emporium Hotel at South Bank, with its rooftop infinity pool, luxuriously appointed suites and river views.

South Bank is the best place to stay for the event, with other options for your stay including Rydges South Bank or Mantra Southbank alongside Grey street, or the nearby Novotel Brisbane South Bank. 

Any of these will have you out your door and into the show in less than five minutes. 

Thinking about extending your stay? Here are 10 of the best day trips from Brisbane to get you started.