The 2016 Cairns Amateurs Carnival is three days of fun, fashion, food, racing, parties and a variety of entertainment on offer over the 8th, 9th & 10th September. The main event takes place at Cannon Park Racecourse and is now complimented by a range of different social events at different venues around the city.
First held in 1959, the event started as a way of bringing the city and country together with amateur jockeys travelling from miles around to compete for the purse of £1260 (roughly $20,000). It wasn’t long until the rest of Australia got word of the ‘little racing carnival’ in the north and by the 1980s people were flocking from Australia and abroad to attend the event. This continues to the present day when many visitors use the carnival as an excuse for a holiday to tropical Cairns.
The Cairns Amateurs is the premier social event in Cairns with something for everyone - don't miss the action and excitement of the races or the fun and glamour of the parties!
Don't Forget! For the best deals on tours and accommodation book your stay through Cairns Holiday Specialists.
8th September
Cairns Central Ladies Fashion High Tea @ Cannon Park Race Course 9:30am
Reef Hotel Casino Presidents Welcome Cocktail Party @ Reef Hotel Casino 6pm
9th September & 10th September
Mounting Yard Meet & Greet @ Cannon Park Race Course 10am $100 pp
Vodka Cruiser Lawn Party @ Cannon Park Race Course $70 pp
Ireland Jeep Garden Party @ Cannon Park Race Course $170 pp
Yellowglen House @ Cannon Park Race Course $260 pp
Cairns Amateurs Birdcage @ Cannon Park Race Course $300 pp
Behind the Scenes Tour @ Cannon Park Race Course $100 pp
Cairns Amateurs Ball @ Shed 2, Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal 6:30pm $260 pp
Carlton 1500 Club 10th September @ Cannon Park Race Course $260 pp
General Admission: Adults $30 *Pre purchase online $25
Purchase Tickets : Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival
Cairns Accommodation
If you want to make the most out of the day’s events, why not stay overnight or two in one of Cairns hotels or resorts? We have a large range of hotels, apartments and tropical resorts to choose from. The Carnival races are held at Cannon Park Racecourse which is only 10 minutes from the CBD.
Transport
It’s a busy few days in the city, so it is highly recommended that you pre-book your transport to and from the Cannon Park racecourse, to avoid waiting and very long queues post events!
If you are dressed in style why not travel in style? We can pre book your limousine, stretch Hummer or Helicopter. The most amazing way to arrive at the racecourse would have to be by air! Leaving from the heli pad at the Cairns Esplanade, glide above the city and mountains with great views out to the Great Barrier Reef, it will make your fun day even more special! Ask us to secure your booking today!
Car Hire
If you have nominated a responsible person to not partake in alcoholic beverages on the race day then it would be advisable to hire a rental car as it is very time consuming waiting for public transport when 20,000 people are all leaving the racecourse at around the same time. Click here to view all of the major car rental firms for the most competitive car hire rates.
Pre-post Activities Cairns Amateurs
Whist enjoying the excitement and fun of the Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival, why not take a private charter boat out to the Great Barrier Reef and also visit the Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforests?
Browse our range of all the things to see and things to do whilst in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland you can book on line or you can talk to our team they can co-ordinate all transfers and arrangements for you and your group.
