Top sports and endurance events in Queensland this spring

Event

Swimmers running into the water at the beach in a triathlon

By Scott Russell

As the sun shines brighter, the action heats up this spring with some of Queensland’s best sports and endurance events set to take place.

From 250km/h racing on the streets of the Gold Coast, to pro-golfers teeing off for a slice of $2 million, when it comes to adrenalin-pumping action, world-class sporting events, and tests of endurance, Queensland is the place to be.

So you don’t miss anything, we’ve pulled together a guide to seven of the best sports and endurance events in Queensland this spring.

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast)

When: 8 September 2024

Cyclists compete the road cycling section of Ironman 70.3 beside Mooloolaba beach — IRONMAN 70.3, Sunshine Coast

Start with an ocean swim off Mooloolaba Beach, cycle up to Coolum with the saltwater drying on your skin, before a coastal run to bring it home. The IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast course is every bit as picturesque as it is challenging, taking in some of the Sunshine Coast’s most stunning locations.

This half-distance Ironman event, named after its 70.3-mile distance (113 kilometres), brings together both professionals and amateur triathletes to the Sunshine Coast. Looking to compete? Check out the event website for registration details.

Interested? Here's our go-to guide for the event, including where to stay nearby.

Coolangatta Gold (Gold Coast)

When: 12 – 13 October 2024

Competitors paddle out into the water during Coolangatta Gold, with Gold Coast skyline in the distance — Coolangatta Gold, Gold Coast

From the silver screen to the Coolangatta’s golden sands, the Coolangatta Gold Ironman was first held in 1984, when the makers of a movie about a surf lifesaving competition decided to make a real event to film.

40 years later, the Coolangatta Gold is one of Australia’s most prestigious (and toughest!) sporting events, bringing together four surf lifesaving disciplines – swimming, running, board paddling and surf skiing. Four events over two days culminate with the main event, a punishing 41.8-kilometre slog along the strip between Coolangatta and Broadbeach.

Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft

When: 21 - 27 October 2024

If you've heard of Warwick, you've no doubt heard of the Warwick Rodeo. Known as Australia's most famous rodeo, the event has been the home of the Australian Championships since 1928 - and it attracts crowds in excess of 30,000 people with competitors and horses travelling from every mainland state to compete.

At this year's Ariat Warwick Rodeo and Pryde's EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, spectators will be treated to thrills as they watch bull, horse and riders fly out the gate at mens, womens and juniors competitions. There's heaps to explore outside the arena too, with a tradeshow alley for genuine country attire, great country cooking, autograph signings with the riders, live music, and the annual Rodeo Queen Quest.

Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 (Gold Coast)

When: 25 - 27 October 2024

Supercar races along track during Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 — Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, Gold Coast

Feel the rumble of Supercars and watch Mustangs battle Camaros just metres from the sand when the Supercars Championship rolls into the Gold Coast for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

Marking 30 years since the big V8s first hit the world-famous Surfers Paradise circuit, the 2024 edition promises to be bigger than ever. With four days of support racing, aerial displays, off-track installations and a Super Kids Zone, you won’t want to miss the action.

Ready to rev up? Read our guide to the event here.

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Sunshine Coast Multisport Festival (Sunshine Coast)

When: 26 October 2024

Mountain biker rides over rocky terrain during Sunshine Coast Multisport Festival — Photo by @in_2_adventure

Mountain bike your way through rainforest-lined single-track at breakneck speed at the Sunshine Coast Multisport festival—a spectacular mountain bike and trail run festival that brings the TreX Cross Triathlon and the Sunshine Coast MTB festival to Beerwah State Forest.

Whether you're a hardcore mountain biker or a weekend warrior, there’s something for all ages and abilities, from the free ‘Kids Mud Rats’ all the way up to the 47.5-kilometre MTB event or the TreX triathlon.

Pan Pacific Masters Games (Gold Coast)

When: 1 – 10 November 2024

Competitor serves the ball in a game of beach volleyball at the Pan Pacific Masters Games — Pan Pacific Masters Games, Gold Coast

On your marks, get set… Go! More than 16,000 athletes will compete in the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest multisport event when the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games hits the Gold Coast.

The Games include 46 different sports, with the majority of events open to anyone over 30, and no minimum qualifying requirements. But this is no walk in the park—the competition is fierce as it is friendly.

The action isn’t just in the pool or on the field either, with live music from Sneaky Sound System, the Australian Rock Collective (featuring members from Spiderbait, Jet, and Powderfinger).

Australian PGA Championship (Brisbane)

When: 21 – 24 November 2024

The prestigious DP World Tour tees off in Brisbane this November when some of the world’s best golfers descend on the Royal Queensland Golf Club for the Australian PGA Championship. Reigning champion and rising star Min Woo Lee will lead a world-class field competing for $2 million in prize money.

The action on the fairway is only part of the fun – make sure to hit up the par-3 17^th ‘Party Hole’, where the beats are pumping and the vibes are high, or let the littles try their hand at golf at the Calaway Kids Course and MyGold Junior Zone.

Discover more sports and endurance events across Queensland.