Great Barrier Reef Arena

26/02/2026

It’s official, GBRA is going to be a Test venue this August!!

26/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations Cathy Freeman 🇦🇺

On being awarded Companion of the Order of Australia, the nation’s highest honour, in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. This recognition celebrates her extraordinary contributions to athletics, community, reconciliation, and as a positive role model for young people right across Australia. 

We especially want to thank Cathy for all she has done for the Mackay community from her inspiring legacy as an Olympic champion to her recent involvement in celebrating the 25-year anniversary of her unforgettable Sydney Olympics gold medal victory and joining us here at Great Barrier Reef Arena for our Run for Cathy event. 🏃‍♀️💛

We are extremely proud of all that you have achieved and continue to contribute to Australian society, Cathy. Your passion, resilience, and leadership inspire us all. Congratulations once again! 🙌🇦🇺

From champion athletes to those working to help our most vulnerable, the 2026 Australia Day Honours List showcases the very best of the nation.

29/10/2025

What a day to remember! 🏃‍♀️💫

Last Friday’s Run for Cathy event celebrated 25 years since Cathy Freeman’s iconic Olympic gold, right here in her hometown of Mackay.

Hundreds of local students, families, and athletes came together to honour Cathy’s legacy, run in her footsteps, and celebrate the power of sport to inspire greatness.

Thank you to everyone who took part, our schools, volunteers, partners, and of course Cathy herself for sharing her story and spirit with the next generation. 💚💛

🎥 Relive the moments in our wrap-up video below the energy, the smiles, and the inspiration that will stay with us all.

27/10/2025

Our vision is simple - to Inspire Greatness.
The Cathy Freeman Performance Centre, a key component of our Stage 2 development, will do exactly that.

Cathy embodies everything this vision stands for. Her name, her achievements, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Mackay and Australian athletes to chase their dreams and achieve greatness, just as she did. 🌟

15/10/2025

What a week for Mackay! 🌴
The Great Barrier Reef Arena has been buzzing with world-class entertainment and elite sport showcasing why it’s the heart of major events in North Queensland.

💥 Australia U19 vs India brought top-tier international cricket to our community.
🎶 Legends on the Lawn lit up the weekend with Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone and more.
🎤 And to top it all off, Tones and I delivered an unforgettable Sunday night performance.

This week, we’re keeping the momentum going as AFLW hits the Arena we can’t wait to see the action unfold! 🏉✨

Mackay Regional Council Legends on the Lawn

20/08/2025

15/08/2025

🚨 HISTORY IN THE MAKING – 1 WEEK TO GO! 🚨

For the first time ever, Mackay will host Men’s One Day Internationals and You Need to See It 🏏🔥

🇦🇺 Australia vs South Africa 🇿🇦
📍 Great Barrier Reef Arena
📅 Friday 22nd August - Limited GA Available (Corporate SOLD OUT!)
📅 Sunday 24th August - GA Available (Very limited corporate tickets left)

Don’t miss your chance to witness world-class cricket right here in Mackay. Let’s pack the stands, make some noise, and show the cricket world how we do it in Mackay 💛💚

🎟 Tickets on sale NOW – secure yours before it’s too late
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/.../EMCK2025846O/tickets

Mackay Regional Council Visit Mackay Isaac, Queensland, Australia

14/08/2025

Don’t miss your chance to witness Mackay sporting history

Australian and South Africa have sold out games in Darwin and Cairns. Now let’s show Australia what Mackay has to offer!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE THEY SELL OUT

Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th of August
Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
🎟 Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/events/ODIGBR0126/venues/HPC/performances/EMCK2025846O/tickets

20/04/2025

Mackay’s greatest

17/04/2025

Stage 2 of Great Barrier Reef Arena will provide our local athletes the opportunity to become the best they can be. Inspired by our icon, the greatest athlete in the history of Mackay and Australia Cathy Freeman!