Gold Coast Pacific Airshow beach closure, road closures, exclusion zone, ticket information

Event organisers have revealed when and where the beach will be closed off to non-ticket holders during the inaugural three-day show. Read the ultimate guide

A kilometre of Gold Coast’s most famous beach will be closed to the general public during the three-day inaugural Pacific Airshow, organisers have confirmed.

An event spokeswoman said a stretch of Surfers Paradise from Eileen Peters Park to Elkhorn Ave would be restricted to ticket holders only during the event from August 18 to 20.

The clarification followed queries from confused residents about beach access during the much-anticipated show.

“The event precinct starts from the Esplanade footpath through to the water,” the spokeswoman said.

“Pedestrians are able to use the Esplanade roadway as a footpath during this time. Clear signage will be in place.”

A map indicating the ticketed areas of the beach during the Pacific Airshow.

“Unreserved beach access” can be purchased at $30 each for concession, $45 each for adults and $125 for a family.”

Organisers have provided further detail about the exclusion zone to be in effect from August 17 to 20 (10am to 4pm).

The zone will be in place from 1st Ave Broadbeach to Narrowneck covering about 1.1km from the shoreline.

“Swimming in waist deep water is allowed (in the zone),” the spokeswoman said.

“Boating is prohibited within the clearly marked exclusion zone however boats are encouraged to anchor outside this area.

“The exclusion zone will be monitored by the water police and Maritime Safety Queensland officers.

“If a boat or swimmer floats into the exclusion zone while the show is on, the show will need to be stopped for the safety of all.”

Aerobatic instructors gear up for the Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

More than $25m will be injected into the Gold Coast economy when 150,000 people descend on the city for next week’s inaugural Pacific Airshow.

Preparation has ramped up along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, which is being transformed into cabanas, corporate chalets and beach clubs to watch all the action in the air.

Some of the world’s most powerful military aircraft – including the F-18 Super Hornet and the F-16 Fighting Falcon – will take to the skies above the city.

Show director Kevin Elliott said the Esplanade would serve as the hospitality precinct, with live entertainment, bars and a booming sound system.

“There couldn’t be a better place on earth to do an airshow like what we’re going to do here,” Mr Elliott said.

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast director Kevin Elliott watches his creation come together. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Our objective was to bring about 150,000 people over the course of the three-day weekend to Surfers Paradise.

“The accommodation numbers are supporting very strong interstate and out-of-region visitation and our overall objective for economic impact is $25 million on the weekend – I hope we will exceed that.

“Just by comparison, in a few short years the airshow generated $120m in economic impact for its host city of Huntington Beach (California).

“This first year our goal is $25 million – but we fully expect to see that number increase year-on-year.”

Most of the overseas visitors will come from the US, New Zealand and Asia.

Organisers have planned the show in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), US Air Force, water police and lifesavers.

“Not only do we deal with what happens on the land here at the beach, but we also deal with what happens in the ocean and what happens in the air,” Mr Elliott said.

“You’re really dealing with three sets of complexities and all of them are intricately planned.

“We have safety protocols in place for a very safe environment.”

Exclusion zone details

An exclusion zone prohibiting access to the water will be in place from 1st Ave Broadbeach to Narrowneck covering about 1.1km from the shoreline.

The exclusion zone will be in effect from August 17 to 20 (10am to 4pm).

Details of the Pacific Airshow exclusion zone.

Road closure details

Significant road closures can also be expected in Surfers Paradise up until August 25 for event set up and packdown.

The Esplanade will be closed in both directions from the Hanlan St roundabout through to the Peppers Soul roundabout until August 25.

From August 18 to 20, the Esplanade will be closed in both directions from the Soul roundabout through to Clifford St.

Access for apartment residents will be maintained at all times.

From August 18 to 20, police will restrict vehicle movement from 2.30pm to 3.30pm in the following streets: Laycock Ave, Trickett St, Hanlan St, Cavill Ave, Elkhorn Ave (between Orchid Ave and the Esplanade), Surfers Paradise Blvd (between Elkhorn Ave and Clifford Ave) and Beach Rd.

Details of the Pacific Airshow road closures.

Ticket info

Tickets are still available online here.

General admission ranges from $30 for concession to $125 for families.

Aircraft involved

More than 40 performers from 20 different aerial acts will take part on the Gold Coast.

Planes will launch from both Amberley air base in Brisbane and Coolangatta airport.

See the full list of aircraft here.