Whitsundays To Host Sailing Events for 2032 Brisbane Olympics
In exciting news following Premier David Crisafulli’s announcement of the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics plans, the Whitsundays is set to host Olympic sailing events in 2032. Other Tropical North Queensland regions, including Mackay for cricket and Cairns for football, will play a key role in the upcoming Olympics too.
$7.1 billion of funding has been allocated for new and upgraded sporting venues and transport infrastructure across Queensland, including regional areas, to accommodate the huge expected influx of visitors. Government press releases reinforce that the state is striving to ensure all work promotes ‘generational infrastructure’ through upcoming development.
With the Whitsundays’ stunning turquoise waters and Mackay’s prevalence in cricket, both locations are set to bring some tropical Queensland pride to the Olympics. Here’s what you need to know about these exciting additions to the 2032 Olympic road map!
Whitsundays to Co-host Olympic Sailing in 2032
The Whitsunday Region is already considered one of the best sailing spots in the world, making it the perfect place to host the Olympic sailing events in 2032. With steady trade winds, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking island scenery, the Whitsundays will offer a spectacular natural arena for athletes and spectators alike.
The Olympic sailing events will take place in Pioneer Bay, just off Airlie Beach, and around the Whitsunday Islands, including Hamilton Island. The races will feature some of the best sailors from around the globe battling it out amongst UNESCO Heritage-listed destinations.
Locals are no strangers to the excitement of sailing competitions, with events like Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week drawing sizable crowds each year. However, nothing on the scale of the Olympics has ever taken place in the waters of the Whitsundays. Many local businesses and operators are anticipating a surge in tourism, bringing a welcome boost to this stunning region. The Whitsunday Sailing Club is expected to play a key role in hosting and organising the competitions, further cementing the area's reputation as a premier sailing destination.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2024
Cricket Comes to Mackay for the 2032 Olympics
While sailing dominates the waters of the Whitsundays, Mackay will play its own role in Olympic history by hosting cricket matches as part of the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Cricket is set to make its return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, and Mackay is the ideal location for some of the tournament’s matches. The Great Barrier Reef Arena, located in Harrup Park, will be the stage for exciting T20 cricket matches featuring the world’s best players. Harrup Park is set for major upgrades, which will allow for Mackay to be a hub of cricket matches.
Events across Regional Queensland for the upcoming Olympics & Paralympics
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North Queensland (Townsville & Cairns) to host sailing, football, and basketball with stadium upgrades.
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Mackay to host Olympic and Paralympic cricket.
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Rockhampton to host rowing on the Fitzroy River and with a new athlete’s village to be built.
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Toowoomba to host equestrian with new arenas, stables and an extended cross-country course.
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Maryborough (Wide Bay) to host archery to improve accessibility for regional spectators.
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Sunshine Coast to host marathon, race walk, road cycling and mountain biking with a new athlete’s village and arena to be built in Maroochydore.
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Gold Coast to host volleyball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, judo, wrestling, triathlon and hockey with a new 12,000-seat indoor arena to be built in Southport.
Airlie Beach's waters are set to host the Olympic sailing championships in 2032.
Infrastructure plans for Queensland to support the 2032 Games
With the Olympics on the horizon, major upgrades are underway across Queensland to boost transport and venue capacity. The Bruce Highway, the state’s key north-south route, is getting critical improvements, including a flood-resistant Tiaro Bypass and upgrades at Goorganga Plains as part of the $9 billion investment.
Regional venues are also gearing up, with Cairns' Barlow Park expanding to meet international football standards and Toowoomba Showgrounds set to become an Equestrian Centre of Excellence, just to name a few of the upgrades.
Drive, fly or bus the 1100km from Brisbane to Airlie Beach!
Plan Your Whitsundays Olympic Adventure
If you’re planning a trip to witness this incredible event, Airlie Beach is the perfect base to explore the Whitsundays while enjoying the Olympic action. While we are still seven years out, it’s never too early to start thinking about what your Whitsunday experience will look like if you’re planning on coming out and rooting for sailing champs from around the globe!
How to get to the Whitsundays for the Olympics
Airlie Beach, which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, is actually a relatively long way from Brisbane. You can either:
- Fly from Brisbane Airport to Proserpine Airport or Hamilton Island Airport (under 2 hours with multiple departures daily)
- Drive from Brisbane to Airlie Beach (roughly 13 hours, a stopover in either Gladstone or Rockhampton is recommended)
- Catch a coach bus from Roma St Station in Brisbane with Greyhound (over 13 hours, usually overnight)
Check out our detailed local guide on how to get to the Whitsundays for more info.
Where to stay for the Whitsunday Sailing Olympics?
For the 2032 Olympic sailing events, stay at Hamilton Island for luxury resorts and island life, or mainland Airlie Beach for a lively, budget-friendly base with great dining and accommodations. Both offer stunning surroundings and easy access to the Olympic action. Smaller islands with resorts include Hayman Island and Daydream Island, if you prefer the fringes to escape the assured crowds.
Hamilton Island hotel pool luxury
Must-See Attractions in the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are a world-class sailing destination, and there’s no better way to explore them than by hopping on a catamaran or yacht tour while you’re here. You absolutely can't miss Whitehaven Beach, named best beach in the world multiple times over, or the swirling island views from Hill Inlet Lookout. What better way to get amongst the action of the Olympics than to feel the wind in your hair for yourself?
For more Whitsunday inspiration, check out our guide to the top 10 things to do in the region.
Whether you're an adventurous sailing enthusiast or cruisy catamaran lover, check out these top Whitsundays experiences!
