INSTRUCTIONS: Due to the size of this document we recommend that you use the search function on the top right-hand side, to filter the Events Calendar for easy viewing e.g. “Cairns” will show all events in Cairns. Similarly, “Origin” will show all events such as State of Origin. It is a simple ‘Find’ function and you can use – City name, Event name etc. to search.
NOTES:
- Dates are in YYYY-MM-DD format
- Please note that Public & School Holidays are shown as “Statewide QLD”
- Please note that this is a live document which will be updated once a year
- This event calendar is to be used ONLY for indicative accommodation planning perspective and only as a guidance, to plan for accommodation bookings around these dates. To get firm and the most accurate dates, locations and details of any event – it is recommended that the agency conduct their own research of the events or location and make their travel and accommodation plans accordingly.
| Event Name | Event Type | City | Start Date | End Date | Est. Attendance | Notes for Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Roar A-League Home Games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2025-10-01 | 2026-05-31 | 15,000-20,000 per game | A-League soccer, away team fan travel |
| New Year's Day - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-01-01 | 2026-01-01 | N/A - Public Holiday | Public holiday statewide, hotels at capacity from New Year's Eve stay-overs, slow checkout day, leisure travelers extend stays |
| Woodford Folk Festival (final days) | Music / Concerts | Woodford | 2026-01-01 | 2026-01-03 | 130,000 (total 7-day event Dec 27 - Jan 3) | Final 3 days of iconic 7-day folk festival, on-site camping + overflow accommodation in Woodford, Maleny, Bribie Island, Caboolture all fully booked, strong demand |
| Schoolies - Final weeks (Airlie Beach latecomers) | Social Events | Airlie Beach | 2026-01-01 | 2026-01-07 | 5,000 | Late schoolies in Airlie Beach, accommodation demand reducing after peak December |
| Queensland Parliament - Not sitting (summer recess) | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-01-01 | 2026-01-27 | N/A | Queensland Parliament in summer recess, no sitting week accommodation demand from regional MPs |
| Cairns Summer Reef Tourism Peak | Travel / Tourism | Cairns | 2026-01-01 | 2026-01-31 | 100,000+ | Peak summer tourism in Cairns region, international visitors (Asia, Europe, Americas), all accommodation tiers in demand |
| Brisbane International Tennis (ATP/WTA) | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-01-03 | 2026-01-11 | 100,000 (total 9-day tournament) | Premier ATP/WTA lead-up to Australian Open, international players and their support teams, interstate tennis fans, 9-day event, corporate hospitality suites, hotels within 10km of venue fill quickly |
| Brisbane Summer Concerts (BCC free events) | Music / Concerts | Brisbane | 2026-01-04 | 2026-01-25 | 10,000 per event | Brisbane City Council free outdoor summer concert series, leisure visitors combine with weekday stays |
| Magic Millions Racing Carnival & Yearling Sales | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-01-07 | 2026-01-18 | 50,000 (across 12-day event) | Australia's premier thoroughbred yearling sales event, high net worth attendees, trainers, jockeys, owners from internationally, Gold Coast luxury accommodation at premium pricing, one of the highest revenue accommodation events of the year |
| AAMT Mathematics Teachers National Conference | Education | Brisbane | 2026-01-07 | 2026-01-11 | 500 | Biennial 2026 national conference, mathematics teachers travel during summer school holidays, 4-5 day residential event, government and school-funded attendance |
| Magic Millions Horse Racing and Sales | Sporting Events / Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-01-07 | 2026-01-18 | 50,000 across event | Premium thoroughbred sales and racing carnival, high net worth attendees, Gold Coast luxury accommodation |
| Queensland Country Music Events - January | Music / Concerts | Various Regional QLD | 2026-01-10 | 2026-01-25 | 10,000 (across events) | Regional QLD country music events, artists touring after Tamworth Festival, regional accommodation demand |
| LCA - Linux Conference Australia | Technology | Brisbane | 2026-01-12 | 2026-01-16 | 600 | Open-source and Linux technology conference, 5 days including professional development days, developers from nationally and internationally, mid-range accommodation preferred |
| Noosa Triathlon - January Swim Series | Sporting Events | Noosa | 2026-01-24 | 2026-01-25 | 3,000 | Early season triathlon swim series, athletes from Brisbane and interstate, premium Noosa accommodation |
| Australia Day Eve Concerts - Brisbane | Music / Concerts | Brisbane | 2026-01-25 | 2026-01-25 | 60,000 | Free outdoor concert, families and interstate visitors combine with Australia Day long weekend, accommodation demand Sun-Mon night |
| Australia Day - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | N/A - Public Holiday | National public holiday, long weekend (Sat-Mon), significant leisure travel across QLD, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast peak weekend |
| Australia Day Celebrations - Brisbane | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | 80,000 | Fireworks, free concerts, citizenship ceremonies, visitors from regional QLD combine public holiday with overnight stay |
| Australia Day Celebrations - Gold Coast | Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | 50,000 | Family events, beach activities, regional visitors combine 3-night Gold Coast stay with Australia Day |
| Australia Day Celebrations - Cairns | Social Events | Cairns | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | 20,000 | Tourism peak season in Cairns, international and domestic tourists extend stays around Australia Day |
| Australia Day Celebrations - Townsville | Social Events | Townsville | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | 15,000 | Regional North Queensland celebration, local and visiting accommodation demand |
| Australia Day Celebrations - Toowoomba | Social Events | Toowoomba | 2026-01-26 | 2026-01-26 | 10,000 | Darling Downs regional event, local visitors |
| QUT O-Week / University Orientation Weeks (late Jan) | Education | Brisbane | 2026-01-26 | 2026-02-01 | 10,000 (new students) | New university students arriving in Brisbane, need short-term accommodation before moving into student housing |
| Gold Coast Summer Holiday Peak (final weeks) | Travel / Tourism | Gold Coast | 2026-02-01 | 2026-02-15 | 200,000 | Final summer holiday weeks before school returns, families maximizing beach holidays, Gold Coast accommodation premium |
| Queensland Schools Return - Term 1 begins | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-02-03 | 2026-02-03 | N/A | QLD State schools return Term 1, school holidays end, tourism demand drops, transition to conference and business travel season |
| Brisbane Pride Festival | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-06 | 2026-03-01 | 70,000 (across all events) | Multi-week LGBTQ+ festival, culminating Pride March on final Saturday attracting 50,000+, accommodation demand in Valley and CBD across all festival weekends |
| Noosa Triathlon Summer Series - Event 2 | Sporting Events | Noosa | 2026-02-07 | 2026-02-08 | 3,500 | Series event 2, triathletes from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, interstate, Noosa premium accommodation |
| Gold Coast Open Water Swimming Festival | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-02-07 | 2026-02-08 | 3,000 | Open water swimming event, athletes from interstate, Gold Coast accommodation demand |
| Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific Games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-07 | 2026-07-11 | 20,000-30,000 per game | Super Rugby, NZ and Pacific team fan travel to Brisbane |
| Queensland Parliament - First sitting week of 2026 | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-02-10 | 2026-02-13 | 500+ | First parliamentary sitting of 2026, 93 members from all Queensland electorates requiring Brisbane accommodation, lobbyists, policy advocates, media |
| QLD Parliament Sitting Weeks (all sessions) | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-02-10 | 2026-11-20 | 500 per week | 11 sitting weeks across the year, every sitting week brings 93 MPs from regional QLD + staff, lobbyists, policy advocates to Brisbane requiring accommodation |
| World Science Festival Brisbane | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-11 | 2026-02-15 | 200,000 (across all events 5 days) | One of Brisbane's most significant annual cultural events, 100+ events across 5 days, school groups from regional QLD, science enthusiasts from interstate, accommodation demand spans full week |
| Valentine's Day Long Weekend - Gold Coast | Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-02-13 | 2026-02-15 | 30,000 | Couples Valentine's getaway, premium hotel packages, Gold Coast accommodation 2-3 night stays, strong restaurant and hospitality demand |
| University O-Weeks - UQ, Griffith, Bond | Education | Brisbane | 2026-02-16 | 2026-02-20 | 20,000 (new students) | All Queensland universities holding orientation weeks, new interstate and international students needing short-term accommodation before permanent arrangements |
| evokeAG - Global Agrifood Technology Summit | Agriculture | Brisbane | 2026-02-17 | 2026-02-18 | 1,500 | Growing agtech innovation summit, farmers, investors, researchers, tech companies, 2 days, national and international delegates |
| Chinese New Year Celebrations - Brisbane | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-17 | 2026-02-18 | 50,000 | Chinese community celebrations, significant for Brisbane's Asian-Australian community, interstate Chinese-Australian visitors |
| Cairns Festival of Food and Wine | Social Events | Cairns | 2026-02-20 | 2026-02-22 | 5,000 | Tourism food event in Cairns, chefs and food lovers from interstate, combines with reef tourism, 3-day event |
| Sustainable Living Festival Brisbane | Environmental | Brisbane | 2026-02-20 | 2026-02-22 | 30,000 | Community sustainability festival with conference stream for sustainability professionals, 3 days |
| Townsville Cultural Festival | Cultural Events | Townsville | 2026-02-20 | 2026-02-22 | 8,000 | Regional North Queensland cultural event, visitors from Cairns and Mount Isa area |
| NRL Pre-Season - Brisbane Broncos Training Camp media day | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-23 | 2026-02-23 | 2,000 | Media access and fan day as NRL pre-season builds, Brisbane Broncos accommodation for visiting media |
| Brisbane Zombie Walk | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-28 | 2026-02-28 | 15,000 | Annual social-cultural event, costumed participants, local primarily but accommodation for interstate travelers combining with other events |
| NRL Trials - Brisbane Broncos vs. opponent | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-02-28 | 2026-02-28 | 20,000 | NRL pre-season trial game, visiting team fans travel from interstate for first 2026 game |
| Cairns to Kuranda Tourism - Wet Season ending | Travel / Tourism | Cairns | 2026-03-01 | 2026-03-31 | Ongoing | Cairns tourism season improving as wet season ends, increasing accommodation demand through March into dry season |
| Labour Day - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-03-02 | 2026-03-02 | N/A - Public Holiday | Queensland Labour Day long weekend (Sat Feb 28 - Mon Mar 2), leisure travel peak, theme parks, Gold Coast fills with families, camping and regional tourism |
| NRL Season Round 1 - Brisbane Broncos home | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-06 | 2026-03-08 | 50,000 | NRL season opener, massive Brisbane event, away team fans from interstate traveling for Round 1 |
| NRL Season Round 1 - Gold Coast Titans home | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-03-06 | 2026-03-08 | 25,000 | Season opener for Titans, Gold Coast NRL fans and visitors |
| NRL Season Round 1 - Dolphins home (Redcliffe) | Sporting Events | Redcliffe | 2026-03-06 | 2026-03-08 | 22,000 | Dolphins season opener, Moreton Bay region accommodation demand |
| Australian Surfing Open - Snapper Rocks (WSL) | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-03-06 | 2026-03-17 | 20,000 | World Surf League Gold Coast Pro, elite international surfers, surfing fans from around Australia and internationally, Coolangatta/Kirra accommodation fills |
| NRL Brisbane Broncos Home Games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-06 | 2026-09-13 | 45,000-52,500 per game | 12-15 home games per season, away team fans travel from interstate |
| NRL Gold Coast Titans Home Games | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-03-06 | 2026-09-13 | 20,000-25,000 per game | Gold Coast NRL, away fan travel |
| NRL Dolphins Home Games | Sporting Events | Redcliffe | 2026-03-06 | 2026-09-13 | 20,000-25,000 per game | New Brisbane team, growing fan base, families from Moreton Bay region |
| International Women's Day Events - Brisbane | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-08 | 2026-03-08 | 15,000 | IWD corporate lunches, public marches, government events, NGO forums across Brisbane, corporate accommodation demand |
| ACEL Women in Leadership Summit | Education | Brisbane | 2026-03-10 | 2026-03-12 | 300 | Women in educational leadership, school-funded professional development, 2-3 days, interstate principals and deputies |
| Queensland Parliament March sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-03-10 | 2026-03-13 | 500+ | Sitting week, regional Queensland MPs travel to Brisbane, lobbyists, industry briefings |
| Brisbane Asian Food Festival | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-13 | 2026-03-22 | 30,000 | Food tourism event highlighting Asian cuisines, growing Brisbane food festival calendar |
| Dreamworld, Movie World - School Crowd Peak | Travel / Tourism | Gold Coast | 2026-03-14 | 2026-03-22 | 50,000 | Theme park school holiday crowd peak if QLD schools have short March break, Gold Coast accommodation impact |
| Brisbane St Patrick's Day Festival | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-15 | 2026-03-15 | 20,000 | Irish community and social celebration, entertainment and pub venues across Brisbane, some interstate visitors |
| Noosa Food and Wine Festival | Social Events | Noosa | 2026-03-19 | 2026-03-22 | 25,000 | Premium 4-day food and wine tourism event, celebrity chefs, Noosa is high-end accommodation market, books out months in advance, strong interstate attendance from Sydney and Melbourne |
| Brisbane Comedy Festival | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-20 | 2026-04-12 | 80,000 (across events) | One of Australia's premier comedy festivals, performers from Australia and internationally, comedy fans from regional QLD and interstate, accommodation demand primarily on Fri-Sun show nights across 3.5 weeks |
| Queensland Multicultural Festival | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-21 | 2026-03-22 | 40,000 | Celebration of Queensland's cultural diversity, food stalls, entertainment, predominantly local but some interstate community visitors |
| Mooloolaba Triathlon | Sporting Events | Sunshine Coast | 2026-03-21 | 2026-03-22 | 7,000 (athletes + supporters) | One of Australia's most popular triathlons, athletes from all states, Sunshine Coast accommodation in demand |
| AFL Brisbane Lions Home Games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-03-21 | 2026-09-27 | 35,000-42,000 per game | AFL season in QLD, away team (Collingwood/Richmond/Hawthorn/GWS) fans travel from Victoria |
| Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival | Sporting Events | Sunshine Coast | 2026-03-28 | 2026-03-29 | 8,000 (athletes + supporters) | Growing interstate marathon draw, runners from all states, Sunshine Coast accommodation in demand for race weekend |
| Brisbane Comedy Festival - Final weeks | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-04-01 | 2026-04-12 | 40,000 (final 2 weeks) | Final fortnight of Comedy Festival, highest demand nights Apr 10-12 (final weekend), accommodation demand for interstate comedy fans |
| Good Friday - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-03 | 2026-04-03 | N/A - Public Holiday | Easter long weekend begins, massive domestic tourism movement, Gold Coast fully booked, Sunshine Coast, Cairns premium pricing |
| Easter Family Events - Gold Coast Theme Parks | Travel / Tourism | Gold Coast | 2026-04-03 | 2026-04-19 | 300,000+ (across 17 days) | Easter + School holidays combined = peak QLD domestic tourism, accommodation fully booked across Gold Coast, premium pricing, book 6+ months in advance |
| Easter Events - Cairns and Great Barrier Reef | Travel / Tourism | Cairns | 2026-04-03 | 2026-04-19 | 80,000+ | Easter school holiday reef tourism, domestic family travel, interstate school holiday synchronization |
| NRL Rounds 5-8 - All QLD home games | Sporting Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast / Redcliffe | 2026-04-03 | 2026-04-26 | 40,000-52,500 per game | Regular season NRL, interstate fan travel continues across all 3 QLD teams' home games |
| Easter Saturday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-04 | 2026-04-04 | N/A | Second day of Easter holiday weekend |
| Queensland School Holidays - Term 1 break | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-04 | 2026-04-19 | N/A - School Holidays | QLD state school Term 1 holidays, approximately 2 weeks, Gold Coast theme parks, Cairns, Whitsundays all peak, families traveling from Brisbane, interstate and regionally |
| Easter Sunday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-05 | 2026-04-05 | N/A - Public Holiday | Easter Sunday, peak family travel day in Queensland |
| Easter Monday - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-06 | 2026-04-06 | N/A - Public Holiday | Easter long weekend concludes, 4-day public holiday period (Fri-Mon), highest domestic travel volume of autumn |
| Rockhampton Agricultural Show | Agriculture | Rockhampton | 2026-04-16 | 2026-04-18 | 15,000 | Central Queensland agricultural show, regional farming community gathering, Rockhampton accommodation limited - book early |
| AFL Season - Brisbane Lions vs. GWS Giants | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-04-18 | 2026-04-18 | 35,000 | AFL home game, GWS Giants fans from Sydney travel to Brisbane, accommodation demand |
| ANZAC Day - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | N/A - Public Holiday | National public holiday, Brisbane ANZAC Square dawn service 60,000+, families from regional QLD travel to capital for dawn service |
| ANZAC Day - Brisbane Dawn Service | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | 60,000 | Largest annual commemoration in Brisbane, regional families in Brisbane for the weekend, accommodation demand Fri Apr 24 night especially |
| ANZAC Day - Gold Coast Dawn Service | Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | 25,000 | Gold Coast ANZAC service, combined with holiday weekend, families extend to 2-3 night Gold Coast stays |
| ANZAC Day - Cairns Dawn Service | Social Events | Cairns | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | 10,000 | North Queensland commemoration, tourism visitors combine ANZAC Day with reef |
| ANZAC Day NRL Double Header - Brisbane | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | 50,000 | Iconic ANZAC Day NRL matches, Brisbane Broncos featured game, away team fans from interstate, premium ticket event |
| AFL ANZAC Round - Brisbane Lions home | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-26 | 35,000 | ANZAC Round AFL, interstate Victorian team fans (Essendon/Collingwood) travel to Brisbane |
| Townsville ANZAC Day Events | Social Events | Townsville | 2026-04-25 | 2026-04-25 | 12,000 | Major military city ANZAC service, defence families, visiting military veterans |
| AVETRA VET Research Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-04-28 | 2026-05-01 | 300 | National VET research conference, government and TAFE funded, 3-4 days, national draw from all states |
| NRL Rounds 9-12 - QLD home games | Sporting Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast / Redcliffe | 2026-05-01 | 2026-05-31 | 40,000-52,500 per game | Mid-season NRL, interstate fan travel, away team supporters from NSW, VIC, SA, WA |
| Brisbane Marathon Festival | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-05-02 | 2026-05-03 | 15,000 | Full, half, 10km and 5km events, interstate runners travel, accommodation demand across Brisbane race weekend |
| AFL Rounds - Brisbane Lions home games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-05-02 | 2026-05-31 | 35,000 per game | AFL mid-season, Victorian and NSW team fan travel |
| Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2026 | Travel / Tourism | Brisbane | 2026-05-03 | 2026-05-07 | 1,600 | Australia's largest inbound tourism trade event, buyer-seller appointments, 5 days, 250+ international tourism operators, strong interstate and international accommodation demand |
| Queensland Parliament May sitting week | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-05-05 | 2026-05-08 | 500+ | Parliamentary sitting week, budget estimates committees often in May, significant lobbying activity, regional MPs in Brisbane all week |
| Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2026 | Cultural Events | Cairns | 2026-05-07 | 2026-05-10 | 8,000 | Major indigenous arts and cultural event, international art collectors, gallery owners, tourists, 4 days in Cairns, accommodation books out |
| Noosa Food and Drink Festival (secondary events) | Social Events | Noosa | 2026-05-08 | 2026-05-10 | 8,000 | Secondary Noosa food events following March main festival, premium Noosa accommodation |
| Mother's Day Weekend | Social Events | Statewide QLD | 2026-05-09 | 2026-05-10 | 100,000+ (dining/celebrating) | Mother's Day not a public holiday but major accommodation event - family lunches, hotel staycations, resort packages fill Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast accommodation Sat May 9 - Sun May 10 |
| QLD Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) | Manufacturing / Industry | Mackay | 2026-05-12 | 2026-05-14 | 10,000 | Major mining industry expo in Mackay, engineers and mining executives from Central QLD operations, Mackay accommodation very limited - book 6+ months ahead |
| Queensland Budget Estimates Committees | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-05-12 | 2026-05-29 | 1,000+ | Annual budget estimates process, public servants, lobbyists, NGO advocates all traveling to Brisbane for committee hearings |
| Australian Privacy Law Conference | Business / Finance | Brisbane | 2026-05-14 | 2026-05-15 | 300 | Privacy and compliance professionals, 2 days |
| Taste of Mackay Food Festival | Social Events | Mackay | 2026-05-15 | 2026-05-17 | 5,000 | Regional food festival, combines with mining industry activity in Mackay, accommodation demand |
| Sunshine Coast Half Marathon | Sporting Events | Sunshine Coast | 2026-05-16 | 2026-05-16 | 3,000 | Running event, athletes from Brisbane and interstate |
| Governance Institute National Conference | Business / Finance | Brisbane | 2026-05-18 | 2026-05-20 | 600 | Corporate governance, company secretaries, board directors, 3 days, national attendance |
| Queensland Health and Wellbeing Expo | Healthcare | Brisbane | 2026-05-21 | 2026-05-23 | 20,000 | Public health expo, exhibitors from interstate, 3-day event |
| National Reconciliation Week Events - Queensland | NGO / Community | Brisbane | 2026-05-27 | 2026-06-03 | 30,000 (across events) | National Reconciliation Week, Sorry Day May 26 to Mabo Day June 3, government events, community events, NGO forums across Queensland |
| Wintersun Festival - Gold Coast | Music / Concerts | Gold Coast | 2026-05-29 | 2026-06-07 | 30,000 | Iconic annual 1950s-1960s rock and roll festival, thousands travel from all states, Gold Coast accommodation books out for all 10 days, iconic event now in its 30th+ year |
| Wintersun Festival - Final week | Music / Concerts | Gold Coast | 2026-06-01 | 2026-06-07 | 20,000 (final week) | Wintersun Festival concludes with biggest performances, Gold Coast accommodation fully committed for first week of June |
| Great Barrier Reef Tourism - Peak Season | Travel / Tourism / Environmental | Cairns / Port Douglas / Airlie Beach | 2026-06-01 | 2026-10-31 | 1,000,000+ | Peak Great Barrier Reef tourism season, international and domestic visitors, accommodation in Cairns and surrounds at premium |
| Whitsundays Sailing Season | Travel / Tourism | Airlie Beach | 2026-06-01 | 2026-10-31 | 200,000+ | Peak sailing season, live-aboard charters, Airlie Beach accommodation demand |
| Elders FarmFest | Toowoomba | 2026-06-02 | 2026-06-04 | No information | ||
| EduTECH Australia 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-06-02 | 2026-06-04 | 5,000 | Australia's largest education technology event, 60% interstate attendees, 2-3 days, corporate education budgets - VERY HIGH accommodation revenue potential |
| Queensland Parliament June sitting (Budget week) | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-06-02 | 2026-06-05 | 1,000+ | State Budget typically introduced in June, heavy media, NGOs, business groups, unions all descend on Brisbane - highest government accommodation demand of year |
| Queensland State Budget Announcement | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-06-02 | 2026-06-02 | 500 (media + industry) | State Budget day, media, industry groups, accommodation sector executives attend government briefings |
| NRL State of Origin - Game 1 | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-06-03 | 2026-06-03 | 52,500 | SINGLE HIGHEST ACCOMMODATION DEMAND EVENT OF QLD YEAR - State of Origin Game 1, all Brisbane accommodation fully booked weeks in advance, NSW fans traveling from Sydney, premium pricing 200-300% above rack rate, book 3+ months ahead |
| Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2026 (if June edition) | Cultural Events | Cairns | 2026-06-04 | 2026-06-07 | 8,000 | If June timing confirmed for 2026, major cultural event |
| Brisbane International Film Festival - June events | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-06-05 | 2026-06-14 | 15,000 | Selected international film screenings and events ahead of main festival in July-August |
| Gold Coast Half Marathon | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-06-07 | 2026-06-07 | 5,000 | Lead-up running event to July main marathon, recreational and competitive runners |
| Hort Connections 2026 | Agriculture | Brisbane | 2026-06-08 | 2026-06-10 | 2,500 | National horticulture conference, growers and industry from all states, 3 days, strong interstate accommodation demand |
| AFL Round - Brisbane Lions major home game | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-06-13 | 2026-06-13 | 42,000 | Mid-season AFL, interstate Victorian team fans (Carlton/Hawthorn/Collingwood) travel to Brisbane |
| King's Birthday - Queensland Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-06-15 | 2026-06-15 | N/A - Public Holiday | Queensland observes King's Birthday holiday in June (different to NSW/VIC), long weekend Jun 13-15, major leisure travel, Gold Coast fills |
| Clean Energy Council Australian Clean Energy Summit | Environmental | Brisbane | 2026-06-16 | 2026-06-17 | 600 | Clean energy policy summit, energy executives, government officials, investors, 2 days |
| Queensland Music Awards | Music / Concerts | Brisbane | 2026-06-19 | 2026-06-19 | 3,000 | Annual industry awards celebrating Queensland music talent, industry professionals and fans |
| QLD School Holidays - Term 2 break | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-06-20 | 2026-07-05 | N/A - School Holidays | QLD school Term 2 holidays, peak winter tourism season, families flee cold southern states to warm QLD, Gold Coast and Cairns at full capacity, accommodation premium pricing |
| NRL State of Origin - Game 3 (if QLD) | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-06-24 | 2026-06-24 | 52,500 | Series decider if QLD hosting, same massive impact as Game 1, entire Brisbane accommodation at capacity |
| HERDSA Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-06-29 | 2026-07-02 | 400 | University teaching conference straddling June-July, 3-4 days, academics from Australian and NZ universities |
| Queensland School Holidays - Term 2 break continues | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-07-01 | 2026-07-05 | N/A - School Holidays | Final week of Term 2 school holidays, peak QLD winter domestic tourism, Gold Coast and Cairns at maximum capacity |
| Winter School Holiday Events - Sea World, Movie World | Travel / Tourism | Gold Coast | 2026-07-01 | 2026-07-19 | 400,000 (across holidays) | Peak school holiday theme park season, Gold Coast accommodation at maximum capacity and premium pricing, families from VIC, SA, TAS especially choose warm QLD winter |
| Hervey Bay Whale Watching Season opens | Travel / Tourism | Hervey Bay | 2026-07-01 | 2026-07-31 | 50,000 | Humpback whale migration begins past Hervey Bay, whale watching tourism peaks July-October, accommodation books out early for entire whale season |
| NRL Rounds 17-19 - All QLD teams home games | Sporting Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast / Redcliffe | 2026-07-03 | 2026-07-26 | 40,000-52,500 per game | Mid-season NRL, State of Origin players return to clubs, interstate fan travel |
| Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-07-04 | 2026-08-01 | 80,000 (across carnival) | Major QLD horse racing season, fashion and social events, interstate racing enthusiasts, premium accommodation, corporates entertaining clients |
| NAIDOC Week - Queensland Events | Cultural Events / NGO | Brisbane | 2026-07-06 | 2026-07-13 | 50,000 (across events) | National NAIDOC Week, significant Queensland indigenous cultural celebrations, government events, community festivals, NGO forums |
| ALEA National Literacy Educators Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-07-07 | 2026-07-10 | 600 | National literacy education conference, teachers travel during July school holidays, 3-4 days, self-funded and school-funded - VERY HIGH accommodation potential during school holiday period |
| AATE English Teachers National Conference (biennial 2026) | Education | Brisbane | 2026-07-07 | 2026-07-10 | 400 | English and literacy teachers national conference in July school holidays, 3-4 days, interstate teachers travel |
| NRL State of Origin - Game 2 or Game 3 (if QLD) | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-07-08 | 2026-07-08 | 52,500 | State of Origin finale or Game 2 in Brisbane, same massive accommodation demand impact as Game 1 |
| Woodford Folk Festival Fringe Events | Music / Concerts | Woodford | 2026-07-11 | 2026-07-12 | 5,000 | Off-season community events at Woodfordia, smaller scale but dedicated folk music community |
| Australian Grape and Wine Conference (biennial 2026) | Agriculture | Brisbane | 2026-07-14 | 2026-07-16 | 400 | Wine industry biennial conference, winemakers and viticulturists, 2-3 days |
| Australian Organic Conference (biennial 2026) | Agriculture / Environmental | Brisbane | 2026-07-16 | 2026-07-18 | 300 | Organic farming and food biennial conference, producers from nationally, 2-3 days |
| Restaurant and Catering Australia Summit | Business / Finance | Brisbane | 2026-07-20 | 2026-07-21 | 600 | Hospitality industry summit, 2 days, hospitality professionals from nationally |
| Queensland Parliament July sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-07-21 | 2026-07-24 | 500+ | Return sitting after school holiday recess, mid-year policy push, regional MPs in Brisbane |
| International Film Festival Brisbane (main event) | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-07-22 | 2026-08-01 | 50,000 (across 10 days) | 10-day international film festival, international filmmakers, industry buyers, film enthusiasts from interstate, accommodation demand in New Farm, Fortitude Valley, inner Brisbane |
| Cairns Show | Agriculture / Social Events | Cairns | 2026-07-23 | 2026-07-25 | 25,000 | Regional agricultural show, tourism peak in Cairns combines show with reef touring, accommodation demand across Cairns |
| Gold Coast Airport Marathon - lead-up events | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-07-27 | 2026-07-31 | 5,000 (July lead-up events) | Marathon expo and registration events in final week of July before August 1-2 race weekend |
| Gold Coast Airport Marathon | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-08-01 | 2026-08-02 | 30,000 (athletes + 50,000+ spectators) | One of Australia's largest and most iconic road running events, 6,000+ from Japan alone, Asian and Pacific runners, interstate Australian runners, Gold Coast accommodation books out months in advance, VERY HIGH accommodation revenue potential |
| Hervey Bay Whale Watching - Peak Month | Travel / Tourism / Environmental | Hervey Bay | 2026-08-01 | 2026-08-31 | 60,000 (entire month) | Peak humpback whale watching month, tourism accommodation in Hervey Bay, Maryborough all fully booked, whale watching tours depart multiple times daily |
| Brisbane Ekka - Royal Queensland Show | Agriculture / Social Events / Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-08-07 | 2026-08-16 | 400,000 (10-day total) | QUEENSLAND'S MOST ICONIC ANNUAL EVENT - The Ekka public holiday (Wed Aug 12 typically), families from all of regional Queensland travel to Brisbane, showbags, animals, rides, entertainment, Brisbane accommodation at absolute peak for the full 10 days, highest single-event accommodation demand in Queensland calendar |
| ASEPA Special Education Principals Conference | Education | Brisbane | 2026-08-11 | 2026-08-13 | 300 | Special education principals national conference, 3 days, government-funded, national draw |
| Brisbane Ekka Public Holiday | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Brisbane Metro | 2026-08-12 | 2026-08-12 | N/A - Public Holiday | Show Day public holiday applies to Brisbane and some surrounding LGAs only, regional areas have their own Show Day, creates Wednesday overnight stays for visitors |
| PyCon Australia 2026 | Technology | Brisbane | 2026-08-12 | 2026-08-16 | 800 | Python programming national conference, 5 days including sprints days, developers from nationally and internationally, budget to mid-range accommodation preferred by tech developers |
| Mackay Multicultural Festival | Cultural Events / Social Events | Mackay | 2026-08-14 | 2026-08-16 | 10,000 | Regional Queensland cultural festival, Mackay and surrounding region community |
| Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Conference | Education / Healthcare | Brisbane | 2026-08-18 | 2026-08-20 | 400 | Growing critical sector, school wellbeing coordinators, counselors, 2-3 days, Queensland and national attendance |
| National Manufacturing Summit | Manufacturing / Industry | Brisbane | 2026-08-18 | 2026-08-19 | 600 | Manufacturing industry leaders, 2 days, interstate executives |
| Learning Difficulties Australia Conference (biennial 2026) | Education | Brisbane | 2026-08-18 | 2026-08-20 | 300 | Learning disabilities specialists biennial national conference, 3 days, passionate community, interstate attendees |
| Cairns Festival | Cultural Events / Music / Concerts | Cairns | 2026-08-21 | 2026-09-06 | 70,000 (across 17 days) | Annual Cairns arts, culture and music festival, regional and international tourists, accommodation demand sustained across 17-day festival, significant visitor spend in Cairns restaurants and venues |
| NRL Finals Series - Regular season concludes | Sporting Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast | 2026-08-21 | 2026-08-30 | 52,500 per game | Final regular season games, finals race heating up, if QLD teams involved accommodation demand peaks |
| Queensland Parliament August sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-08-25 | 2026-08-28 | 500+ | Parliamentary sitting after winter recess, legislation and committee activity |
| NRL Finals - Week 1 | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-08-28 | 2026-08-30 | 52,500 | If QLD team in finals, one of most sought-after accommodation weeks in Brisbane |
| Warwick Rodeo | Social Events / Agriculture | Warwick | 2026-08-29 | 2026-08-30 | 8,000 | Australia's oldest rodeo, 85+ year history, Southern Queensland regional accommodation demand |
| Father's Day Long Weekend | Social Events | Statewide QLD | 2026-08-29 | 2026-08-30 | 80,000+ (dining/celebrating) | Father's Day not a public holiday but significant accommodation driver - hotel staycations, resort packages, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast fills for Father's Day weekend |
| Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | Cultural Events / Travel / Tourism | Toowoomba | 2026-09-18 | 2026-10-05 | 150,000 (September alone) | September is THE peak month, Carnival of Flowers Grand Central Floral Parade (Sep 26-27), ALL Toowoomba accommodation fully booked for 4 weeks, Brisbane day-trippers increasingly stay over |
| Cairns Festival - Final events | Cultural Events / Music / Concerts | Cairns | 2026-09-01 | 2026-09-06 | 20,000 (final week) | Cairns Festival final week events, sustained accommodation demand in Cairns |
| National Biodiversity Month Queensland Events | Environmental / NGO / Community | Statewide QLD | 2026-09-01 | 2026-09-30 | 20,000 | September is National Biodiversity Month, environmental events, nature tourism, eco-tourism in QLD national parks |
| NRL Finals - Semi-Finals | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-09-04 | 2026-09-06 | 52,500 | NRL semi-finals in Brisbane if QLD team hosting, massive interstate fan travel, one of highest accommodation revenue weekends of year |
| AFL Finals Series - Brisbane Lions | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-09-04 | 2026-09-27 | 42,000 per final | Brisbane Lions AFL finals if QLD hosts finals games, Victorian fans travel in significant numbers for away finals |
| Brisbane Riverfire | Social Events / Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-09-05 | 2026-09-05 | 400,000 | Brisbane's BIGGEST annual event by crowd numbers - spectacular fireworks and RAAF airshow along Brisbane River, hotel balcony rooms with river views book out 12 months in advance, entire Brisbane accommodation at premium |
| Australian Cybersecurity Conference | Technology | Brisbane | 2026-09-07 | 2026-09-09 | 2,500 | National cybersecurity professionals conference, 3 days, interstate and international security professionals |
| Queensland Parliament September sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-09-08 | 2026-09-11 | 500+ | Sitting week, mid-semester policy activity, education and health budget estimates |
| Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | Cultural Events | Toowoomba | 2026-09-18 | 2026-10-05 | 10,000 (opening events) | Famous flower festival opens in mid-July, 10-week duration through to late September, Toowoomba accommodation books out, surrounding towns (Clifton, Oakey, Dalby) also fill |
| NRL Finals - Preliminary Finals | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-09-18 | 2026-09-20 | 52,500 | NRL preliminary final in Brisbane if QLD team hosting, near Grand Final demand level |
| Queensland School Holidays - Term 3 break | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-09-19 | 2026-10-04 | N/A - School Holidays | QLD Term 3 school holidays, spring break, Gold Coast theme parks, Cairns reef tourism, Sunshine Coast beaches all at peak demand, accommodation premium pricing |
| Queensland Schools Spring Holiday Arts Programs | Cultural Events / Education | Brisbane | 2026-09-19 | 2026-10-04 | 30,000 | School holiday arts and cultural programs, regional Queensland families in Brisbane, accommodation demand during school holiday period |
| Noosa Triathlon 2026 | Sporting Events | Noosa | 2026-09-26 | 2026-09-27 | 10,000 (athletes + 20,000 supporters) | Multi-distance triathlon (full/half/sprint), elite athletes plus amateurs, international participants, premium Noosa accommodation books out |
| NRL Grand Final | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-09-27 | 2026-09-27 | 80,000+ | If Grand Final in Brisbane - unprecedented accommodation demand, rooms booked by fans from interstate 6+ months in advance, premium pricing 400%+ above rack |
| Sunshine Coast Marathon (main event) | Sporting Events | Sunshine Coast | 2026-09-27 | 2026-09-27 | 10,000 | Popular marathon event, interstate runners, Sunshine Coast accommodation demand for race weekend |
| ACEL National Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane / Gold Coast | 2026-09-28 | 2026-10-01 | 800 | PREMIER educational leadership conference, school principals and system leaders nationally, 3-4 days - VERY HIGH accommodation revenue potential, professional development budgets |
| ASPA Secondary Principals Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-09-29 | 2026-10-02 | 400 | Secondary school principals, 3-4 days, school-funded PD, national attendance |
| QLD School Holidays - Term 3 continues | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-10-01 | 2026-10-04 | N/A - School Holidays | Final days of Term 3 school holidays before return Oct 5, peak accommodation demand continues |
| ACEL Conference workshops/conclusion | Education | Brisbane / Gold Coast | 2026-10-01 | 2026-10-04 | 200 | Post-conference professional learning workshops, some delegates extend Brisbane stay into early October |
| Tropical North Queensland Tourism Peak | Travel / Tourism | Cairns / Port Douglas | 2026-10-01 | 2026-10-31 | 150,000 | Dry season final peak month in Tropical North Queensland before wet season, international and domestic tourists, accommodation at seasonal premium |
| NRL Grand Final Celebrations (if QLD team wins) | Sporting Events / Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-10-01 | 2026-10-04 | 100,000+ | If Brisbane Broncos or Dolphins win NRL Grand Final, public celebrations in Brisbane CBD, fan travel |
| Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-10-06 | 2026-10-09 | 1,000 | PREMIER international education conference, 40% international delegates + 60% interstate, 3-4 days, premium hotel budgets - VERY HIGH accommodation revenue potential |
| Brisbane International Film Festival 2026 | Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-10-08 | 2026-10-18 | 30,000 | 10-day film festival, international filmmakers, film buyers, media |
| World Science Festival Brisbane (if Oct) | Cultural Events / Education | Brisbane | 2026-10-08 | 2026-10-11 | 50,000 | If held in October year, science public events, school excursion groups |
| Maleny Music Festival | Music / Concerts | Maleny | 2026-10-09 | 2026-10-11 | 5,000 | Community music festival on Sunshine Coast Hinterland, folk, acoustic, world music, fans from Brisbane and interstate, hinterland accommodation fills |
| Brisbane Head of the River Regatta | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-10-10 | 2026-10-11 | 5,000 | Rowing regatta, school and club teams, accommodation demand |
| Queensland Parliament October sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-10-13 | 2026-10-16 | 500+ | Sitting week, spring policy agenda, environment and energy legislation |
| Cairns IRONMAN Triathlon | Sporting Events | Cairns | 2026-10-18 | 2026-10-18 | 4,000 athletes + 20,000 spectators | Full IRONMAN 226km (3.8km swim/180km ride/42.2km run), international athletes (New Zealand, Japan, USA, UK), Cairns accommodation demanded months in advance, HIGH VALUE event |
| Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Australia 2026 | Technology | Gold Coast | 2026-10-19 | 2026-10-22 | 1,500 | Premier global IT leadership conference, CIOs, CTOs, IT executives, international and interstate attendees, Gold Coast resort location, 4 days - VERY HIGH revenue potential for Gold Coast premium accommodation |
| Australian Institute of Project Management Conference | Business / Finance | Brisbane | 2026-10-19 | 2026-10-21 | 700 | Project management conference, project managers nationally, 2-3 days |
| AICD (Company Directors) National Conference | Business / Finance / Government | Gold Coast / Brisbane | 2026-10-20 | 2026-10-22 | 800 | Company directors and board members national conference, 2-3 days, premium accommodation budgets |
| QLD Schoolies Week begins | Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-10-23 | 2026-11-07 | 40,000+ school leavers | QLD Year 12 graduates celebrate end of school, Surfers Paradise accommodation booked by school leaver groups throughout October-November, massive demand |
| Gold Coast 600 Supercars Race | Sporting Events | Gold Coast | 2026-10-24 | 2026-10-26 | 200,000+ (3-day event) | When held - fills ALL Gold Coast accommodation for 50km radius, one of largest sporting events in QLD, international and interstate motorsport fans, book 12 months minimum in advance, premium pricing |
| Halloween Events - Brisbane and Gold Coast | Social Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast | 2026-10-31 | 2026-10-31 | 40,000 | Growing Halloween entertainment events, costume events at multiple venues, short-term accommodation demand |
| QLD Schoolies Week - Peak weeks | Social Events | Gold Coast | 2026-11-01 | 2026-11-14 | 30,000 | Continued Queensland Schoolies, peak weeks in early November, Surfers Paradise accommodation at maximum capacity |
| QLD Year 12 Graduation and Formal Season | Social Events | Statewide QLD | 2026-11-01 | 2026-11-30 | 200,000+ statewide | Year 12 school formal season, hotels across QLD hosting formal events, families booking rooms for formal nights, significant hotel function and accommodation revenue |
| Queensland Parliament November sitting | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-11-03 | 2026-11-06 | 500+ | End-of-year sitting weeks, significant legislation, parliamentary estimates |
| Melbourne Cup Day - National | Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-11-03 | 2026-11-03 | 30,000 (trackside + events) | Melbourne Cup is not a QLD public holiday but races at Eagle Farm and hundreds of cup events at hotels/clubs/restaurants, significant social event driving hotel venue bookings |
| Airlie Beach Schoolies | Social Events | Airlie Beach | 2026-11-07 | 2026-11-14 | 10,000 | Overflow Schoolies destination, Airlie Beach accommodation limited - books out completely |
| Brisbane Racing Carnival - Summer Series | Sporting Events / Social Events | Brisbane | 2026-11-07 | 2026-11-28 | 20,000 per major race day | Summer racing builds to Christmas and Magic Millions, social and corporate events, fashion and hospitality |
| National Disability Services Conference 2026 | NGO / Community / Healthcare | Brisbane | 2026-11-10 | 2026-11-12 | 600 | Disability services sector, NDIS providers and workers, 3 days, national draw |
| Townsville Cultural Festival | Cultural Events / Social Events | Townsville | 2026-11-13 | 2026-11-15 | 15,000 | Regional North Queensland arts and culture event, tourism accommodation demand in Townsville |
| Sunshine Coast Festival of Surfing | Sporting Events | Sunshine Coast | 2026-11-13 | 2026-11-15 | 8,000 | Surfing competition and beach festival, Sunshine Coast accommodation demand |
| National Disability Services QLD Regional Events | NGO / Community | Regional QLD (Cairns / Townsville / Toowoomba) | 2026-11-16 | 2026-11-20 | 500 per regional event | Regional disability sector events, sector workers traveling to regional hubs for training |
| Cairns International Tennis Challenge | Sporting Events | Cairns | 2026-11-16 | 2026-11-22 | 5,000 | ITF World Tennis Tour event, international tennis players, Cairns accommodation demand |
| Queensland Parliament November sitting week 2 | Government / Parliamentary | Brisbane | 2026-11-17 | 2026-11-20 | 500+ | Final major sitting period of 2026 year, high activity, policy advocacy |
| National Reconciliation Events - ATSIC Cairns Forum | Cultural Events / NGO / Government | Cairns | 2026-11-23 | 2026-11-25 | 1,000 | Government and community indigenous affairs forum, delegates from across QLD and nationally |
| Big Bash League (BBL) Season opens - Brisbane Heat | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-11-28 | 2026-11-28 | 35,000 | Summer cricket season begins, Brisbane Heat home games through to January, family-friendly evening events |
| AARE Education Research Conference 2026 | Education | Brisbane | 2026-11-30 | 2026-12-03 | 600 | PREMIER national education research conference, university-funded academics, 4 days, international researchers, end-of-year academic travel - VERY HIGH accommodation potential |
| Schoolies - Final wave (Airlie Beach and Whitsundays) | Social Events | Airlie Beach | 2026-12-01 | 2026-12-14 | 15,000 | Late schoolies in Whitsundays, sailing packages popular, Airlie Beach accommodation books out |
| Brisbane Christmas Markets | Social Events / Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-12-01 | 2026-12-24 | 200,000 (across weeks) | Annual Christmas markets, combined with shopping and tourism, Brisbane hotel staycations popular for Christmas lights and activities |
| South Bank Christmas Events | Social Events / Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-12-01 | 2026-12-24 | 300,000 (across weeks) | Christmas lights, events, picnics, outdoor cinema, Brisbane's most popular Christmas season activity |
| Big Bash League - Brisbane Heat home games | Sporting Events | Brisbane | 2026-12-05 | 2026-12-31 | 25,000-35,000 per game | BBL summer cricket, multiple Brisbane Heat home games, family-friendly evening events, interstate visiting team fan travel |
| Queensland Summer Racing Carnival - Magic Millions lead-up | Sporting Events / Social Events | Brisbane / Gold Coast | 2026-12-05 | 2026-12-31 | 30,000 (across race days) | Summer racing builds toward January Magic Millions, social events, fashion, corporate hospitality |
| Queensland Schools - End of Year | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-12-11 | 2026-12-11 | N/A - School end | QLD state school year ends approximately December 11, summer school holidays begin, tourism rush commences immediately |
| Queensland School Holidays - Summer Term 4 break | Public / School / Govt Holiday | Statewide QLD | 2026-12-12 | 2027-01-27 | N/A - School Holidays | Longest school holiday period, 7 weeks of summer holidays, PEAK domestic Queensland tourism season, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Whitsundays, Tropical North QLD all at maximum capacity and premium pricing throughout |
| Gold Coast Christmas and Summer Holiday Tourism | Travel / Tourism | Gold Coast | 2026-12-12 | 2026-12-31 | 500,000+ | Peak Gold Coast summer season, theme parks, beaches, family holidays, ALL Gold Coast accommodation at maximum capacity and premium pricing |
| Cairns Christmas and Summer Holiday Tourism | Travel / Tourism | Cairns | 2026-12-12 | 2026-12-31 | 200,000+ | Peak international and domestic tourism, European and Asian visitors especially common in December-January, Cairns accommodation premium throughout |
| Whitsundays and Airlie Beach Summer Tourism Peak | Travel / Tourism | Airlie Beach | 2026-12-12 | 2026-12-31 | 80,000 | Peak sailing charter season, domestic family tourism, Airlie Beach accommodation at premium |
| Woodford Folk Festival 2026-2027 edition opens | Music / Concerts / Cultural Events | Woodford | 2026-12-27 | 2027-01-03 | 130,000 (over 7 days) | Annual iconic festival, camping and glamping on-site, overflow accommodation in Woodford, Maleny, Caboolture, Bribie Island fully booked for week |
| New Year's Eve - Brisbane | Social Events / Cultural Events | Brisbane | 2026-12-31 | 2026-12-31 | 250,000 | BIGGEST single-night event in Brisbane - fireworks at 8:30pm (family) and midnight, accommodation around river and South Bank books out 6-12 months in advance, premium pricing |
| New Year's Eve - Gold Coast | Social Events / Cultural Events | Gold Coast | 2026-12-31 | 2026-12-31 | 150,000 | Gold Coast NYE, international tourists, accommodation fully booked from October |
| New Year's Eve - Cairns | Social Events / Cultural Events | Cairns | 2026-12-31 | 2026-12-31 | 50,000 | Tropical NYE, international tourists from Asia-Pacific love Cairns NYE, all accommodation booked |
| New Year's Eve - Townsville | Social Events / Cultural Events | Townsville | 2026-12-31 | 2026-12-31 | 25,000 | Regional North Queensland NYE celebration |
| New Year's Eve - Toowoomba | Social Events / Cultural Events | Toowoomba | 2026-12-31 | 2026-12-31 | 15,000 | Darling Downs regional NYE, family event |