Frequently asked questions and answers
The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is held across multiple sporting venues in the Cairns region of Tropical North Queensland. Cairns will captivate you with its stunning natural beauty, from the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests and waterfalls of the Wet Tropics.
Beyond the competition, you’ll discover a vibrant city with a laid-back tropical lifestyle, unique cultural experiences, and endless opportunities for adventure.
It’s not just about the sport – the GBRMG is also renowned for its lively social program, giving athletes and supporters the chance to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories both on and off the field.
Cairns Regional Council delivers the Masters Games (GBRMG) in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ).
Will take place in Cairns, Queensland, Australia from Wednesday 23 June to Sunday 27 June 2027.
Entries have opened in October 2026. Register now or explore our 25+ sports to discover competition formats, eligibility requirements, fees and everything you need to know before registering.
Yes – absolutely! We welcome participants from all over the world to join the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games. As long as you meet the minimum age criteria for your chosen sport and comply with all Australian and Queensland Government travel entry requirements, you are eligible to compete.
The GBRMG is a truly international festival of sport, and Cairns provides the perfect backdrop for both competition and adventure. Many overseas participants combine their time at the Games with a holiday to explore the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and tropical lifestyle that make this region so unique.
Explore visa options for Attendees, spectators, and family members accompanying Masters Games, that will not be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for the visa options below:
- Visitor (subclass 600) Tourist stream visa
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)
- eVisitor (subclass 651) Tourist Stream visa
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds.
No – the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is designed for all athletes, regardless of experience or ability. There are no qualifying standards, so whether you’re a competitive veteran or trying a new sport for fun, everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the Games!
For most sports the minimum age requirement is 30, but for selected sports (to be determined) the minimum age could be as young as 25.
All competitors are required to pay two types of fees: a Games Fee and a Sport Fee.
- The Games Fee is a one-time fee per competitor, covering general participation in the Games.
- The Sport Fee applies to each individual sport you choose to enter.
Check out the registration types and entry fees for the 2027 Master Games.
If you have completed your registration and payment for Masters Games but haven't received your registration confirmation email, please first check your Junk or Spam folder.
It's also possible that the email has been blocked or quarantined by your organisation's email security system (for example, Sophos, Microsoft 365, Trend Micro, or similar email filtering software).
Still can't find it? Don't panic. We can reissue your confirmation email. Simply contact the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games team at gbrmasters@cairns.qld.gov.au, and we'll be happy to and assist.
The Team Manager is responsible for registering a team and entering each player's name and email address. Each player will then receive an email invitation to join the team, complete their registration, and pay their fees.
Team Managers can download the Player Registration Details Form to collect the information required from each player.
If a player does not receive their invitation email, they should check their spam or junk folder
Once you have completed and paid for your Team Manager registration, you are unable to go back and invite or nominate additional players.
However, any remaining team members can still register as competitors as normal and enter your team's name during the registration process. This will automatically link them to your team.
Team Managers can get a LIVE link report to monitor their teams registrations; this report can be requested by emailing the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Team at gbrmasters@cairns.qld.gov.au
If you are having issues registering or have noticed a payment error, we can investigate and help. Contact the Masters Games Team at gbrmasters@cairns.qld.gov.au
If you are unable to attend the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, you may submit a refund request in accordance with the Games' Terms and Conditions.
Please note that approval of refund requests is not guaranteed. If approved, a $25 administration fee will apply to all refunds, regardless of the reason for withdrawal.
To be considered, a Refund Request Form must be completed and submitted, along with any required supporting documentation, by 31 March 2027. Refund requests received after this date will not be accepted.
Located at the Cairns Esplanade, Western Event Lawn in the Cairns City (look for the ferris wheel).
Games & Social Hub and Merchandise Hub hours of operation are
- Tuesday 22 June, 12.00pm – 6pm
- Wednesday 23 June, 8.30am – 6pm
- Thursday 24 June, 8:30am – 8pm
(*Opening Ceremony 6pm - 7pm & Opening Party 7pm -10pm) - Friday 25 June, 8:30am – 4pm
- Saturday 26 June, 8.30am – 4pm
(*Saturday night themed party 7pm - 10pm) - Sunday 27 June, 8.30am – 4pm
(*Closing Celebration Party 7pm -10pm)
Our social program has always been a highlight of the Games, bringing participants together to enjoy the vibrant Cairns atmosphere, share stories from competition, and experience the unique spirit of the Masters Games community.
Plans are already underway for the 2027 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games social program, with exciting themed nights, entertainment and celebration events set to complement an incredible week of sport.
Mark these party dates in your calendar!
Thursday 24 June
Games Athlete March 6pm
Opening Ceremony 6pm - 7pm
Opening party 7pm -10pm
Saturday 26 June
Saturday night themed party 7pm - 10pm
Sunday 27 June
Closing Celebration themed party 7pm -10pm
Still Looking for a place to stay
Tropical North Queensland offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, backpackers, bnb’s, boutique stays, holiday parks, and campgrounds. Explore accommodation option here.
Important: June 2027 is expected to be a particularly busy time in Cairns, with several major events happening around the same period. Accommodation will be in high demand, so make sure to book early to secure your stay.
The Cairns city is tucked between two of Tropical North Queensland’s greatest natural treasures – the marine playground of the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, which means adventure is never far away. Explore where to experience the best our region has to offer HERE.
Other questions?
Simply email us gbrmasters@cairns.qld.gov.au.