Race into Summer at Sunshine Coast Turf Club
The summer racing season is positively galloping along! Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers the winning times awaiting you at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club.
Is there anything more exciting than experiencing the thunder of hooves, the cheers of joy and the electric atmosphere of a race day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club?
As the Southern Hemisphere’s busiest track, it’s the place to be for premium thoroughbred racing, memorable hospitality experiences, vibrant live music, and good times with friends and family.
Want a hot tip from us? This summer racing season’s going to be the best yet!
The much-loved Boxing Day and New Year’s Day races will mark the end of one year and the start of another with festive food and trackside thrills.
On 1 January, DJ Spice will help you welcome 2026 with a dance party that’s sure to go off, while for families, the Family Fun Zone offers a relaxed way to enjoy the day, with entertainment for the kids and icy drinks for the parents. Cheers to that!
If there’s one date you definitely need to add to your diary, it’s the Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day 2026 on Saturday 24 January.
Boasting a 10-race metropolitan program and happening over the Australia Day long weekend, it’s THE big event on the Sunshine Coast summer racing calendar – equally enjoyable for racing enthusiasts as well as those who love gourmet food, glamour and great vibes!
For those seeking an affordable day out, the $35 Burger & Bevvy upgrade to your General Admission ticket is excellent value – think a delicious burger, a cold brew of your choice – winning!
Or, if you prefer your racing experience with crisp linens, comfortable seating, premium beverages and gourmet food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the Sunshine Coast Turf Club’s hospitality options.
The BMW M Class Stable Rooftop delivers elevated views, stylish surrounds and a lively social atmosphere, offering reserved seating for groups of four, a bottle of G.H. Mumm on arrival and a grazing station (think antipasto, signature chicken sandwiches and cheeses). Convenient access to the TAB Greenhouse bar and betting facilities keeps you close to the action – book early, as this one fills quickly.
Atrium Dining remains a favourite for those who appreciate a little bit of luxury: expect a seasonal three-course alternate-drop menu, panoramic mezzanine views of the track and drinks service, while in-venue screens add just the right amount of buzz.
Plus all tickets get free access to The Avenue – a fun, lively thoroughfare where food vendors, bars, live music and family-friendly activity zones come together. Featuring live music from Aussie rock duo the Bo’Ness Brothers, it’s the social heart of the event: a place to pause, wander, snap a photo, grab something delicious, and feel yourself settling into the rhythm of the afternoon.
For the smallest racegoers, the Family Fun Zone has the goods. Kids will love riding the prettily decorated ponies, taking part in the various interactive amusements, and the ever-popular Hobby Horse competition – surely the most hotly contested race of the day!
With free entry for children, it’s a budget-friendly school-holiday outing you’ll be talking about for weeks.
As the long weekend edges closer, one of the Coast’s best summer traditions is ready and waiting.
Gourmet bites, good times and more glamour than you can shake a saddle at?
It’s all happening at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club!
OFF & RACING FOR SUMMER SENSATIONS
Boxing Day Races, Friday 26 December
New Year’s Day Races, Thursday 1 January
TAB Friday Night Racing from Friday 9 January
Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day 2026, Saturday 24 January
For more information and to become a member, visit sctc.com.au
