GALLERY: Queensland Outdoor Adventure Expo, 140 exhibitions and action-packed performances
Thousands of people took to the Toowoomba Showgrounds to grab bargains at the annual Outdoor Expo, and our photographers were there for it all. See the pictures here.
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An annual expo highlighting outdoor adventures has drawn a record crowd, after Covid restrictions eased earlier this year.
Lockyer Valley residents Glenn and Leanne Cooper are regular visitors to outdoor expos, but said this year’s Queensland Outdoor Adventure Expo at the Toowoomba Showgrounds stood out above the rest.
“We’ve been here two and half hours and we still haven’t gotten all the way around,” Mr Cooper said.
“There is just so much to see, and there’s a lot more on offer this year which is good.
“The last one was disappointing because there really wasn’t enough exhibitors, but this is awesome.”
The couple were taking advantage of the various displays, however said the countless caravans showcased drew their attention in.
Australian Events director Bob Carroll said this year’s expo had drawn in a “bumper crowd”.
“We will easily have 15,000 over the three days,” he said.
Despite a cold front moving through the region, Mr Carroll said it was a “brilliant” three days, showcasing caravans, RVs, tourism companies, equipment, chairs, hunting, vehicles, water sports and more.
“This event was shut down (last year) due to Covid restrictions in the south east, so it was devastating for us,” he said.
“But this has been fabulous, and we are so excited and pleased to have three full days of trading.”
Mr Carroll said the event had drawn exhibitors and guests from across the country, including from northern New South Wales, Western Queensland and Far North Queensland.
“The hunting expo was a real hit.,” he said.
“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but (those who hunt) need to do it safely, properly and within regulation, so they got a lot of information and support from the expo.”
Though Mr Carroll said it was disappointing to not see the region’s tourism operators on display, he was pleased with the huge turnout of guests, and was excited to see the event grow.
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