It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s your weekend at Paradise Air 2026
Australia’s largest airshow will take flight in Surfers Paradise, with Paradise Centre providing the perfect vantage point to see the airborne acrobatics. Watch restored WWII aircraft, including fighter jets, a firefighting display and the Twin Viper aerobatic act. Check in to your first-row seats to the clouds at Paradise Centre and score prizes, freebies and tasty eats.
Spread your wings and start your engines; Paradise Air is coming to town!
Along with the front-row view, plenty is happening at Paradise Centre to make the airshow the ultimate experience. Here’s how to make the most of Paradise Air 2026.
Prepare for take-off at the Check-In Desk – this is where you can pick up a pair of complimentary earplugs (ideal to keep sensitive ears comfortable as the WWII fighters roar past overhead). Chat to the friendly flight attendants and pick up your boarding pass, packed full of special offers, prizes and giveaways.
Speaking of special offers – don’t forget to keep your receipts! During the three-day event, frequent flyers can claim special goodies from the Check-In Desk. If you spend $20, choose a tote bag, drink cooler or beach ball. Spend $75, and score a bucket hat, drink bottle or backpack. Or, spend $150 to take home a Bluetooth speaker, iKandi sunglasses or an Aperol spritz from Enzo’s Cucina. You can combine receipts from various stores in the centre, so don’t be afraid to shop around!
You’ll find the Check-In Desk at the beachfront dining precinct, open from 11:00 am–3:00 pm each day.
No need to turn your gaze to the sky to find the Paradise Birds, as Beau the budgie, Chip the seagull and Lucy the lorikeet will be flapping around at ground level for the perfect photo op.
Once you’ve checked in and settled in for the show, it’s time to refuel with a snack (and you can skip the plane food). Paradise Centre has a hearty mix of dining delights on offer, from juicy Wahlburgers, umami excellence from Hero Sushi, vibrant bites at El Camino Cantina and much more.
Need a sugar hit? There’s also free fairy floss up for grabs in the beachfront precinct from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
With that sugar rush to burn off, you’ll be pleased to hear a DJ will take the decks from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm each day to keep you moving and grooving as the sun sets.
Hop on the G:link for the easiest access to Paradise Centre and get ready to spot a bird, a plane (and who knows what else) from August 14–16.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Paradise Centre.
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