Your essential guide to RACQ MotorFest 2023

RACQ’S celebration of the past, present and future of mobility returns with more attractions, exhibits and experiences than ever.

MotorFest 2023 will feature an array of prestige, vintage, unique and collector vehicles on display, the latest in vehicle and transport technology and innovation, and traditional family favourites, including free kids rides, face painting, roving entertainment and food stalls.

RACQ Events Manager Tamara Van Der Walt said a highlight of the event at the Brisbane Showgrounds on 18 June would be the Future Zone, which will include a series of panel discussions on electric mobility.

“The Future Zone has been one of the most popular attractions since it was introduced at MotorFest in 2021 and we are excited with what the expanded precinct will offer this year,” Ms Van Der Walt said.

“We have an exciting line-up of exhibitors showing their latest electric cars, including MG, Kia, Subaru, BYD, Renault and GWM Haval.

“Visitors can also learn more about EVs during panel discussions on EV road tripping, home charging and e-scooter safety.”

The Future Zone will also feature exhibitor presentations from SIXT Rentals, Brisbane Metro, MG, Renault and Kia on the Future Zone Stage.

While visiting the Future Zone you will also be able to:

• Book an EV holiday rental with SIXT which offers vehicles from Hyundai, Tesla, MG, BMW and BYD.
• Discuss e-scooter safety with the Motor Trades Association Queensland.
• Wander through a Brisbane City Council fully electric Metro bus measuring 24m, which can hold 150 passengers.
• Chat with Brisbane start-up Roev, which is converting diesel utes to electric.
• Test ride the latest e-bikes with Moov8.
• Talk to the RACQ Solar team and get a quote to install or upgrade your home solar.
• Visit the RACQ Mobility Centre booth to sign up and test-drive an EV at a member-exclusive test drive day later in the year.

Learn about living sustainably

The RACQ Sustainability Hub this year will allow visitors to learn more about sustainable living and transport through augmented reality.

By scanning QR codes around the hub, visitors can experience the latest sustainable technologies ‘in their hands’, creating a more interactive and shareable experience.

Visitors can learn about new sustainable technologies, including information on EVs and their charging, and how we can be more sustainable in our homes.

Follow RACQ’s sustainability journey here. 

Click here to register your interest and get updates on MotorFest 2023

Enjoy the celebration of MG

Ms Van Der Walt said this year’s MotorFest would feature a centenary celebration of MG with more than 65 vehicles on display.

The brand with the distinctive octagon badge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, with members of the MG Car Club of Qld putting their vehicles on display.

This will include examples from MG’s rich back catalogue of trend-setting models, including the MG C Type Midget (1931-32), MG TD Midget (1949-53) and MGA 1600 (1955-62).

 

There will also be multiple examples of what, for many people, remains the archetypal sports car, the classic MGB Roadster, built in the hundreds of thousands between 1962 and 1980.

Lovers of classic cars will be enthralled by the more than 530 vehicles on display including Australian and US muscle cars, European exotics, Japanese performance cars, hot rods, motorcycles, vintage and veteran machines, and more.

Find out the MotorFest winners

A highlight of the day will be the announcement of the MotorFest 2023 winners, with this year’s categories including American, Asian, Australian, British, Electric, European, Motorcycle/Scooter, Veteran and Vintage categories.

The winners, including the coveted Judges’ Choice Award, will be announced at the Main Stage from 11:25am.

Take part in the scavenger hunt

MotorFest patrons can win a Moov8 e-scooter plus one year of RACQ Everyday Lite Roadside Assistance by participating in a scavenger hunt across the site.

To be eligible, participants must search the event site to find 5 ‘charging stations’ and then scan the ‘station’ with their phone which will show an image of a stop along the Queensland Electric Super Highway.

Once participants have found all five stations, they will be prompted to a dedicated form to enter their details along with the charging station locations for a chance to win a Moov8 e-scooter plus one year of Everyday Lite Roadside assistance.*

Kids’ Zone fun for families

Families will find lots of fun at the Kids’ Zone with free amusement rides and face painting.

The popular RACQ showbags will be on sale at stalls around the event site for $10 with proceeds going to the RACQ Foundation.

Footy legend Wally Lewis will be at the Main Arena Stage from 12–1pm to sign autographs and pose for selfies.

MotorFest proceeds

All gate takings from MotorFest are contributed to the RACQ Foundation..

This year the RACQ Foundation has partnered with Gympie and District Landcare and will be giving away native trees to help make our communities more resilient to natural disasters.

Visit the RACQ Foundation stall to discuss the importance of backyard resilience and flood mitigation.

What you need to know

When?

Sunday 18 June, 10am–3pm.

Where?

Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.

How much?

The entry price is $2 per person (EFTPOS available) with kids under three free. All gate takings go to the RACQ Foundation.

Will there be food and drink available?

Food and drink will be available for purchase, including coffee and desserts, across the site.

How do I get there?

The Brisbane Showgrounds is close to numerous public transport options.

Train

Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley train stations are less than a 10-minute walk from the Brisbane Showgrounds. For further information, visit the TransLink website or phone 13 12 30.

Bus

Buses service the streets surrounding the Brisbane Showgrounds regularly. The main bus stops are on Bowen Bridge Road outside The Old Museum and on St Pauls Terrace near King Street. For further information, visit the TransLink website or phone 13 12 30.

Bike

There are numerous bike racks on King Street, including outside CAMS Cycling Collective. A map of Brisbane's bikeways can be found on the Cycling Brisbane website.

Is there parking available?

There is limited paid parking available for $18 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. These are in Sideshow Alley (off O’Connell Terrace), Gregory Terrace and King Street. Please visit the Brisbane Showgrounds parking page for more information on parking, including rates. Disabled parking is available within several carparks surrounding the event and the passenger drop-off zone located on Gregory Terrace will be situated close to the event entry point.

Is the event wheelchair-friendly?

With the exception of the oval, which has a grass and dirt surface, the majority of MotorFest is set up on bitumen making it easily accessible by wheelchair.

What attractions are there other than vehicles?

Don’t miss

• Welcome to Country at Main Arena Stage, 11am.
• Display vehicle judging and awards presentation, 11:25am.
• Autographs with rugby league legend Wally Lewis at the Main Arena Stage, 12pm–1pm.
• Roving entertainment from a jazz band and street performers.
• Vehicle Cavalcade, 3pm. Be ready to watch the display vehicles start their engines and leave MotorFest. Vehicles will exit the Main Arena along Gregory Terrace and Alexandria Street.

Panel sessions at Future Zone stage

• EV holiday road tripping, 10:30am.
• Future public transport, 12:10pm.
• Home EV charging, 12:55pm.
• Hard to electrify, 1:45pm.
• E-scooter safety, 2:20pm.

Be sure to visit...

• Future Zone.
• Sustainability Hub.
• Kids’ Zone with free rides and face painting.
• RACQ show bag stalls.
• MG centenary celebration.
• Vintage Car Club of Queensland, in the John Reid Pavilion.
• RACQ Historic Fleet and Mobile Member Centre.
• Gold 50 VIP area for Gold 50 members.

How to be more sustainable at MotorFest

Follow these guidelines to help make our event greener and more sustainable:

• BYO water bottle and use our free water refill stations.
• BYO reusable bag for the event goodies you can pick up.
• BYO coffee keep cup. 
• Use public transport, carpool or ride your bike.
• Download the event program and site map on your smartphone.
• Use the onsite recycling bins.

*Winner will be drawn on Wednesday 21 June 2023. Must be 16 years and over to enter. Terms and conditions apply.