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Barlow Park Stadium

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Render of Barlow Park
Render of Barlow Park
Overview
Anticipated project timeline
Features and benefits
Games use
Frequently asked questions
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Overview

Barlow Park Stadium in Parramatta Park, Cairns, is set for a major upgrade ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – ensuring the region can attract more major events to Far North Queensland.

The upgrade will deliver a new grandstand, improved player amenities and accessibility, better equipment for athletes, and increase permanent seating from 1,700 to 5,000, ensuring a lasting sporting legacy for Cairns.

Cairns is a fast-growing region with rising demand for high-quality sporting infrastructure. Already home to the Northern Pride rugby league team and Cairns Athletics, Barlow Park Stadium has a proud history of hosting significant sporting events, including rugby league and football matches.

The upgraded stadium will continue to serve codes like the National Rugby League (NRL/NRLW), football, and rugby union, while positioning Cairns as an international tropical sports destination of choice and delivering benefits for the entire community.

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Location

Parramatta Park, Cairns

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country

Project status

Design phase

Venue owner
Cairns Regional Council

Anticipated completion
2029

Project funding partners
Australian Government, Queensland Government

Anticipated project timeline

2025 - 2027

Planning and approvals phase

2025 - 2028

Design phase

2027

Early works phase

2027 - 2029

Construction phase

2029

Commissioning phase

2029

Venue completion and handover

Late 2032

Post-Games legacy

View 2032 Roadmap

Features and benefits

Render of Barlow Park
Multi-code, multi-generational impactBarlow Park Stadium's upgrades will benefit a range of sporting codes – including rugby league, rugby union, football and athletics – and a range of athletes, from elite competitors to local schools and community.
Players on field at Barlow Park
Supporting grassroots sportsUpgrades to athlete facilities will enhance opportunities for participation in sports and talent development, helping nurture talent in regional Queensland, providing stronger pathways for sporting performance up to elite levels.
Bringing the Games to the regionsBarlow Park Stadium is anticipated to host 20,000 spectators for Olympic football preliminaries in 2032, ensuring Queenslanders in the regions can also take part in the spectacle of the Games.
Boosting local tourism and the economyBarlow Park’s upgrades will position Cairns to attract more major events, boost tourism, support local business, and cement its status as a regional powerhouse for community-driven sport.
Supporting a growing regionWith the population projected to reach 220,000 by 2041, this upgrade will provide a catalyst for urban renewal, unlocking new opportunities for infrastructure, investment, and community development.

Games use

Proposed sports
Football preliminaries.

Venue capacity
Legacy capacity of 5,000 with a Games capacity of 20,000 using temporary seating.

The Olympic and Paralympic Sports Programme will be confirmed by Brisbane 2032 in 2026www.brisbane2032.com.au
Render of Barlow Park

Frequently asked questions

Images courtesy of

Queensland Government; Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club

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Planning and approvals phase