‘Bigger than ever’: Cairns Show celebrates 120 years

From daring roller-coasters and record competition entries to hosting the coveted Melbourne Cup, there will be something for everyone at the 120th Cairns Show.

Showbag factory attendant Yasmin Ava and Cairns Show office member Jolena Takai showcase some of the popular show bags ahead of the 120th Cairns Show which will run from July 16 to 18. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

From daring roller-coasters and record competition entries to hosting the coveted Melbourne Cup, there will be something for everyone at the 120th Cairns Show, which will run from July 16 to 18.

Cairns Show Association president Ian Allen said this year’s historic iteration would be bigger than ever, including a line-up of brand new roller-coasters, record-breaking competition entries and ‘more rides than the Ekka.’

“Even in our cattle we’ve got record numbers in our dairy and stud cattle exhibits, the Fred Moule pavilion is sold out, all around the grounds is sold out, which makes us feel great,” Mr Allen said.

“The showmen tell us we have more rides here than Ekka does, which is hard to believe – our new ride … that’s just come to Australia, it’s called Zero Gravity, and this is the first time it will be put up – it cost the owner $2.5m to purchase it.”

For thrill seekers, Mr Allen said last year’s rides The Joker, the Phoenix and the Warrior would return to the Cairns showgrounds.

“Another ride which we will host for the first time in north Queensland is The Extreme Thriller … it’s fairly new in Australia,” he said.

Punters will also have a chance to get their photo taken with the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy, which is currently on a tour around Australia.

“For the first time ever, the real Melbourne Cup is going to be there on display at the Fred Moule Pavilion, on (July 17),” he said.

“It’s travelling all over Australia, and it’s got fairly tight security with it, but we encourage people to take a photo with it, but you’re not allowed to handle without gloves.”

The trophy will be on display, for free, only on July 17.

“It’s all free. You wouldn’t get that opportunity again with the current Melbourne Cup.”

Tickets are available for pre-sale through the Cairns Show office at Earlville Shopping Town and will be available at the Showgrounds Box Office from July 16 to 18.

“There’s certainly something for everyone, we’ve got a big fireworks display this year, and then got all the showbags, and they’ve got all new products this year,” he said.

“But probably the best thing I get out of the show is to see the smiles on the faces of the young children, that’s my highlight of the show.”

Originally published as ‘Bigger than ever’: Cairns Show celebrates 120 years