BORN OF PASSION

Great Barrier Reef Arena is born of the unbounded passion of a community that values the power of sport to bring people together, inspire participation and generate new opportunity.

 

Prior to development, the Harrup Park venue has been the primary sports venue in Central Queensland, hosting key cricket and AFL fixtures, including international one day cricket matches, Sheffield Shield, WBBL, JLT Community Series AFL matches and AFLW games.

 

The Australia vs India one day series staged at Great Barrier Reef Arena in September 2021 included the ‘Miracle in Mackay’, with Australia winning on the final ball and posting the third highest run chase in one day women’s cricket history.

 

A WBBL match between Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers in 2019 set the national venue attendance record for a standalone WBBL game. These major events have also fuelled the aspirations of a region, driving Cricket and AFL participation, particularly among girls and women, to record heights.

 

The precinct has also long been the home for key regional cultural and community events, a place to gather and celebrate throughout the year.

 

Now, together with our partners including State and Federal Government, peak sporting bodies and tourism organisations, we are creating a superb environment for major sporting, entertainment and cultural events in one of Australia’s most desirable destinations.

 

Here we will build upon passion to deliver a nationally significant precinct inspiring participation, celebrating community and proudly promoting our world renowned natural assets. Great Barrier Reef Arena will be a place for all – from our local community to Australia’s sportingstars and international athletes.