Gold Coast's party in paradise bigger than ever

Queensland’s largest annual sporting event, the Castrol Gold Coast 600, is set to be bigger than ever in 2016.

In a bonus for fans, the 'Party in Paradise’ from 21-23 October will include concerts on Friday and Saturday featuring some of Australia’s leading music acts.

Multiple award-winning Australian bands The Living End, The Rubens and Birds of Tokyo will headline the Saturday night concert in the Broadwater Parklands.

Peking Duk will kick off a big weekend of entertainment when they headline 600 Sounds powered by Sea FM on the Friday night, supported by L D R U.

The 2016 Castrol Gold Coast 600 will also see the return of the spectacular Stadium Super Trucks after they wowed the fans in 2015.

Gold Coast’s biggest festival will kick off with the 10-day SuperFest on October 14 and this year include a spectacular evening parade through the streets of Surfers Paradise during event week.

Las Vegas style Club 600 will also return with DJ sensation Havana Brown headlining a line-up of electronic acts that will let race-fans party right at the track.

Launching the event on the Gold Coast today, Supercars CEO James Warburton said: “Last year’s event was the biggest since Indy on the Gold Coast with over 197,000 fans.

“We think this year’s event will be even bigger and better with an unrivalled smorgasbord of entertainment for fans of all ages including not one but two concerts included in the price of tickets for Friday and Saturday.

“For as little as $56 on Friday, and $96 on Saturday fans get access to the world’s best racing action, and a night time concert.

“These trackside tickets represent incredible value for money in what is the biggest festival on the Gold Coast.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the Castrol Gold Coast 600 was part of Queensland’s major events calendar.

“The Castrol Gold Coast 600 is part of Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland major events calendar which generates $460 million for the state,” she said.

“I look forward to this year’s event delivering for the Gold Coast and Queensland by bringing in more visitors than ever.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Our city welcomes this motorsport spectacle which is a carnival on wheels. What impresses me most about the event is that it has broadened its appeal from pure racing to a week-long celebration.

“The international media and television audience takes our city skyline, beachfront and lifestyle to millions of viewers, boosting our reputation as Australia’s events city and holiday destination.’’

Castrol Australia General Manager Sean Rahaley said the Castrol Gold Coast 600 has become an iconic fixture on the international motorsports scene – combining the excitement of Supercars racing amidst the spectacular backdrop of the Surfers Paradise street circuit. 

“As we enter the third year of our naming rights partnership, the Castrol Gold Coast 600 is an event that continues to win on many levels – and we’re excited to be able to demonstrate our performance product to millions of motorsport fans through global exposure at this action-packed event,” he said.

Free public transport is available on select services to and from the event with a pre-purchased event ticket.

Tickets are available at ticketek.com.au. For more information on the Gold Coast 600, click here.