Best car shows in Australia

Home to the beloved Ford and Holden, Australia’s car industry may not be the largest or most internationally acclaimed, but it sure is passionate. Australians are crazy about their cars – they drive them everywhere, after all – so when it comes to car shows, it’s safe to say that plenty will pack a punch.

If you’re visiting Australia, don’t just visit the Sydney Opera House or Parliament house; instead, venture in to a car show to see what car enthusiasts are all about Down Under.

Don’t know where to start? Here are four of the best.

Australian International Motor Show

Arguably the biggest car show in Australia, the AIMS is an annual event that alternates its host city between the two giants, Sydney and Melbourne. Pulling in some of the biggest car names across the world, AIMS’s exhibitors include Lamborghini, Opel, Volkswagon and Holden. With plenty of entertainment, speakers, and beautiful women, this is an event that won’t fail to impress enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.

Motorclassica

Held in Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, this annual car show is all about classic cars – and classic elegance and sophistication. Motorclassica has a lineup of events almost as impressive as the cars themselves – the Australian International Concours D’Elegance, for example, gives Australians the rare opportunity to gaze upon some of the world’s best vintage, pre-war, and modern classic vehicles. This event will have you looking to buy used cars and vintage cars before you know it.

American Car Nationals

Few would associate Canberra with motor shows, but the country’s capital actually boasts an entire motor show season for six months of the year. The American Car Nationals are a way to celebrate all of the great cars that have come out of the world’s economic giant, and spectators can get in for just $4 each. From American cars to hot rods, trucks and boats, this is a show that definitely doesn’t discriminate against types – as long as it’s American, it’s in!

MotorFest

Although Brisbane is generally more known for its sun and surf, the MotorFest is definitely another great reason to visit Australia’s great north. RACQ’s MotorFest is a show that pulls in over 15,000 visitors from across the country, and boasts a slew of prestige, vintage, and collector vehicles. Featuring fresh produce, markets, and rides as well, this is a show that all of the family will absolutely adore.

Jay Kim is a writer who moved from Korea to Australia. He was surprised at the number of good motor shows at first, but now he’s gotten used to it and wouldn’t expect anything less from this great country.