Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, has opened Poinciana House, the latest addition to Keyton’s Bernborough Ascot community. Located beside Doomben Racecourse, the development introduces 53 new apartments to what is described as Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse precinct.
A Growing Retirement Precinct
Bernborough Ascot forms part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment being led by Brisbane Racing Club. The precinct already includes Fig Tree House, which has reached full occupancy. Poinciana House is the second residential building in the development, designed to support long-term independent living and wellness for older Australians.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
The development has been delivered in partnership with builder Balmain & Co, which highlighted the project’s sustainability credentials and emphasis on lifestyle-focused design.
Features and Facilities
Poinciana House offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across multiple floorplans. Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, storage, and functionality, with two interior finish schemes available.
Residents have access to an extensive selection of health and lifestyle facilities, such as a rooftop terrace, magnesium indoor pool, sauna, gym, fitness area, bowling green, café, and shared dining and lounge spaces. Allied health consulting rooms are located onsite, along with a concierge desk, parcel services, and a personalised health and wellness program.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
A 24-hour emergency call system and pharmacy delivery service are also available to residents.
Sustainable Recognition
Bernborough Ascot has received a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, recognising its commitment to sustainability and urban regeneration. Poinciana House contributes to this rating with its environmentally focused design and energy-efficient features.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
A Model for ‘Ageing in Place’
Keyton has positioned the development as part of a broader shift toward integrated retirement living. With the adjacent Opal Healthcare’s Ascot Grove Care Community scheduled for completion in 2027, the precinct aims to provide a continuum of care allowing residents to transition between levels of independence without leaving the community.
A property on Lancaster Road in Ascot, linked to former real estate agent and auctioneer Edward Amos, has been listed for sale via expressions of interest amid ongoing legal proceedings related to unpaid debts.
This comes after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this month reportedly authorised the seizure and sale of nine properties connected to Mr Amos, as part of efforts to recover long-outstanding court costs and other liabilities.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Ascot home is among nine properties in suburbs including Clayfield, Wooloowin, Newmarket, and Surfers Paradise, reportedly forming part of a substantial portfolio accumulated over decades. Many of the properties have fallen into disrepair, with some no longer habitable and at least two already demolished.
The timber character home, situated on a level 405 sqm block, is currently “council-approved for demolition or removal of the existing dwelling” based on the listing. Marketed as a redevelopment opportunity in a tightly held suburb, the property is one of several across southeast Queensland that may be sold to satisfy long-standing financial obligations allegedly owed by Mr Amos.
Legal proceedings spanning more than a decade have centred on Mr Amos’ refusal to settle unpaid court costs and other financial liabilities said to total under $200,000. Previous efforts to sell certain properties were reportedly delayed when Mr Amos claimed they were held in trust for his children—claims later rejected by the court due to a lack of supporting evidence.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Lancaster Road property, located in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after residential pockets, is now being marketed for potential redevelopment. Despite the overall portfolio’s estimated value running into the millions, the legal action reportedly stems from much smaller unpaid sums.
Mr Amos, who has a history of disputes involving land tax and council rates, has not publicly responded to the latest developments concerning the properties, including the one in Ascot.
People looking to downsize are showing strong interest in Bernborough Ascot, a unique retirement community located next to a racecourse in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot. Seventy per cent of its second-stage apartments have already sold after the first stage sold out completely.
Buyers quickly purchased all 69 apartments in the first stage, Fig Tree House, where residents are now settled. The second stage, Poinciana House, is proving equally popular, reaching 70 per cent sold shortly after its recent completion.
New residents have already started moving into Poinciana House, highlighting the development’s appeal to those seeking a particular retirement lifestyle in the area.
Bernborough Ascot offers residents numerous facilities like those found at a resort, to promote health and social connection. The recently opened Poinciana House includes a Wellness Hub managed by a dedicated coordinator, featuring a gym, infrared sauna, heated indoor magnesium pool, and spaces for Pilates and yoga.
There are also private rooms for consultations and a salon. Social activities are encouraged with a bowling green, a new Pavilion dining room, an Ascot lounge, and a rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities offering views towards the city.
A cafe operates on weekdays and plans to open on weekends soon. These facilities add to existing ones in Fig Tree House, such as a library, art studio, private cinema, and trackside lounge. A concierge service is also available to assist residents.
Keyton, the owner and operator, promotes “rightsizing” over simply downsizing. Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill explained that the company aims to help people find the right home within a community that supports the lifestyle they desire—one that is secure, connected, active, and healthy.
Mr Cockerill added that Keyton has always focused on resident health and wellbeing, which is central to its company values. Keyton aims to bring passion, kindness, and care to retirement living. Keyton operates over 75 retirement villages across Australia.
The development’s location in Ascot, a well-regarded north-east Brisbane suburb just 8 kilometres from the city centre, is a major drawcard. The leafy neighbourhood sits opposite Doomben Racecourse and offers residents easy access to local cafes, shops, restaurants, and public transport.
The racecourse itself provides social opportunities and event spaces. Ascot’s desirability is reflected in its property market, with recent data showing high median prices for houses and significant recent growth in unit prices.
Poinciana House offers a range of architect-designed apartments. One-bedroom options start at $665,000, two-bedroom options at $895,000, and three-bedroom options at $1,415,000.
The development’s environmental design has achieved a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Additionally, plans are underway to build an Opal HealthCare residential aged care facility nearby.
Brisbane’s beloved Sprout Artisan Bakery is entering an exciting new chapter with the development of a purpose-built production facility and retail space at Craft’d Grounds in Albion.
Known for its slow and considered growth, Sprout’s latest expansion marks a significant milestone in the bakery’s journey from humble beginnings to local institution.
Photo credit: Sprout Artisan Bakery/Facebook
The new site, located in the heart of Albion’s vibrant creative and culinary precinct and is set to operate later this year, is designed to meet growing customer demand while staying true to Sprout’s ethos of quality, consistency, and craftsmanship.
Housed in a reimagined space formerly occupied by Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, the facility is being transformed into a modern hub for both baking and community connection.
The design reflects Sprout’s signature minimal, approachable aesthetic, blending clean lines with the industrial character of Craft’d Grounds. Beyond its visual appeal, the space is being purposefully structured to give customers a rare glimpse behind the scenes.
Photo credit: Sprout Artisan Bakery/Facebook
Large viewing windows and street-facing ovens will allow passers-by to witness the bakery’s signature processes in action — from the delicate lamination of croissant dough to the slow baking of sourdough loaves using a 72-hour method.
At the heart of this expansion is a desire to scale without compromising the handmade integrity of Sprout’s offerings. The new facility will provide the space and infrastructure needed to support their growing team and maintain their meticulous standards, while also opening up opportunities for creativity and innovation in their product range.
The Albion location also brings Sprout closer to its northside customer base, building on the success of its recent presence at the Nundah markets. With this move, the bakery strengthens its position as one of Brisbane’s leading names in artisan baked goods, offering the same much-loved staples — from buttery croissants to creamy custard tarts — in a brand-new setting that reflects both its roots and its future.
Sprout’s original James Street shop will continue to operate, ensuring long-time customers can still get their fix while the bakery’s reach expands. As the ovens are installed and finishing touches are made in Albion, one thing is clear: Sprout’s next rise is being carefully baked to perfection.
She covered over 12,700 kilometres on a surf ski around Australia.
Over 254 days at sea.
In the modern world where resilience in children is under question, Bonnie is a wonderful example of the highest standards of mental strength and resilience.
She started nippers at Sawtel from the age of five, and dreamt from the age of 12 to become Karla Gilbert (she won the Kelloggs Ironwoman Series seven years in a row from 1995 to 2003) and at the age of 17, she became a professional Iron Woman competitor, as did her sister, Courtenay. She waitressed through uni and trained every day, 6.5 km in the pool every morning under the eye of legendary coach, Denis Cotterell. After uni each day she would do 10-20 km on the surf ski, and some running on the soft sand to complete her day that tended to be complete by 7:00 p.m., with competitions at the weekends. That gruelling schedule shaped her life daily until the age of 25.
She then evolved from Iron Woman competitions into a ski paddler on an 18 kg craft, typically racing over five-minute races, whilst embarking on a career as a dietician.
Her ultra endurance journey began at Broadbeach Library, reading a book about a lady who had written a biography about it. She had 25 rejections for sponsorship before she signed her first sponsor.
Her incredible journey paddling around Australia for over 254 days began when she paddled 73 km on her first day. Then, after about a week in, the daily target was scheduled to be 90 km on that day; but half way through a few hours, she was told it had to be increased to 120 km that day as it was decided she had to go around an island. After a month of constant paddling she had bulging discs and various other illnesses, but nothing would stop her, including the crocodiles encountered.
The mental hurdles she smashed through were endless. “Being prepared to adapt your plan” was front and centre in her amazing journey. Everytime a headwind came, she became stronger, and she would realise that when the headwinds dropped.
Lemons into Lemonade!
In the interview, Bonnie talks about a lot of the challenges along the way, including some good and bad decisions she made, how she developed her work ethic, and the joy of working to a plan.
This included a discussion around parenting and sport, managing finances, how she got into ultra endurance and many other fascinating anecdotes.
It’s an amazing story.
You can watch the interview with Barry Wilkinson of Milton based SW Brokerage here:
Barry’s podcast series is full of some great information about life and finances. It covers many things including little-known tips and tricks around finance.
The property at 32 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot has sold for $23,000,000, placing it among the top residential sales in the suburb. Handled by Ray White Ascot, the sale settled on 1 November 2024, representing a dramatic increase from its $10,000,000 sale price in 2021.
About the Property
This elegant Queenslander from the 1930s has undergone restoration and expansion, combining traditional design with contemporary luxury. It has been extensively renovated by the owner, construction expert Brett Walker of BWC Group.
Set on a 3,035 m² block, the home features: – 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a dedicated study – Formal and informal living zones with original heritage details – Expansive entertainer’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, and wine storage – Championship-size floodlit tennis court – Resort-style swimming pool, cricket pitch, and manicured gardens
The buyer of the record-setting property is Ben Cleary, a Brisbane expat and director of the multi-billion-dollar fund manager, Tribeca Investment Partners.
Mr Cleary, who previously purchased a penthouse in Cutters Landing, New Farm, for $10 million in 2022 with his wife, Jane, is among a growing number of high-net-worth individuals returning to Brisbane and investing in its luxury property market.
Why This Sale Stands Out
– Previously sold for $10M in 2021 – One of the largest privately held lots in Ascot – Extensive outdoor features uncommon this close to the city
The sale underscores growing demand for high-end properties offering land, privacy, and lifestyle. It’s all within easy reach of the Brisbane CBD.
Previous Ownership & Historical Significance
In 2021, the property was sold by Brian White, Chairman of Ray White Group, who had owned the home since 1975. Over 40 years, he and his wife, Rosemary, raised their three sons in this residence. The home, a signature Federation-style Queenslander, features four bedrooms, a study, music room, large entertainment area, fireplaces, formal lounge and dining areas, a floodlit tennis court, swimming pool, cricket pitch, and 37 metres of street frontage.
Mr White expressed his sentiments about the sale to Mr Walker and his family:
“I can’t be happier that a family has purchased it and I certainly felt a responsibility to our old home that it needed to be lived in.”
Market Dynamics During the 2021 Sale
The 2021 sale occurred amidst historically low interest rates, which Mr White noted:
“Never, ever in my career have we had anything like the interest rates we have at the moment…Real estate is very sensitive to the perception of where interest rates are heading.”
The property attracted significant interest, culminating in a sale to a Brisbane family a week before the scheduled auction. Mr White emphasized the value of auctions in providing buyers with confidence through transparent competition.
Street Profile & Sales Context
Sutherland Avenue has long been considered one of Ascot’s most prestigious streets, home to historic estates, manicured gardens, and architecturally significant properties. Homes here are tightly held and rarely come to market.
This $23 million sale at 32 Sutherland Avenue not only sets a new suburb record, but signals ongoing confidence in Ascot’s position as one of Brisbane’s most exclusive addresses. It’s a property that captures lifestyle, luxury, and long-term investment appeal in equal measure.
We’ve combed Ascot and Hamilton for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
George Michaelson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Passionate about food and wine, they really care about what they’re doing. Pulling this off in a restaurant would be good but pulling this off in a bus with a tiny mise.. Sarah knows her wine, the pairings were great. They take note of allergies and are super careful.
TheRealOGLoc ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ambiance of this restaurant is absolutely delightful, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food is delicious, and their quail dish is truly unique and flavorful—a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in something extraordinary.
Linda Erg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Da Biuso is a special dining experience. The food was considered and beautiful. Highlights for me were the buttery scampi and delicate trout. The fit out is adorable and the custom plates were a wonderful touch. Sarah and the team were attentive, knowledgeable and accommodating.
Constantine T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend ! After visiting twice, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic spot for a great dining experience. The service is outstanding—staff members are warm, attentive, and make you feel genuinely welcome. The food is of exceptional quality, with fresh ingredients and flavors that truly stand out. Best oysters ever tasted, fresh and juicy. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out with friends, Flaming & Co delivers on both atmosphere and taste. Definitely a place worth returning to!
Marco Ho ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We went with some friends for dinner and had a great time. Food was excellent, I recommend the kangaroo croquette (if you don’t prefer it gamey) and the smoked chicken which was cooked perfectly with succulent texture plus generous serve. The restaurant is dog friendly with outdoor seating (front patio) and had a warm vibe. At the time of this review, we ordered from the summer menu 2025.
Donna Tulloch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything was absolute perfection. Steaks were the best. You probably need to order a side with the main though as the portion for the main is smaller but still plenty with the extra side. Wattleseed bread as a starter was amazing. We dined from the winter menu and I’ve posted the pics here as I noticed their menu options were different to photos from reviews. Service was fantastic. Really delicious food and lovely atmosphere. We really liked the modern Australian spin on classic food. The service was lovely and the food was wonderful. Surprise favourite: duck pate. I’m not generally a pate fan but my partner is. We both loved it. The sauce and sauerkraut went really well with it!
John Har ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was excellent. I had the banquet meal along with most of our group. It was a delicious experience that was crafted with some real talent. The ingredients were bursting with freshness. Throughout the evening we were served by very friendly people who had a good eye for detail and addressed our needs well. The restaurant is in a beautiful location and presents very well inside, the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and enjoyable. Fosh bar & restaurant sets a standard for 5 stars that I think other establishments will have difficulty attaining. Yes, it’s that good.
Monique Simmons ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FOSH delivered an incredible dining experience! We had oysters, squid, Thai fish curry, and mussels—each dish was packed with flavor, with the Thai fish curry being a standout surprise. The service was impeccable, with friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff who were happy to chat and offer menu insights. A fantastic spot for a date night.
Mira Seth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Grilled fish was great. Would def come back for the grilled fish though. Prices are pretty decent too for you get. Portions are pretty alright. Would def come back and try the other dishes sometime. Dusaf is also really attentive and made sure everything was going good for our table.
Na ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pleasant experience with Sono from beginning to end. We had the 6 course banquet ($125pp) and everything was amazing. The staff’s knowledge was superb as they explained in detail all the food that was served. I highly recommend the black cod as the main as it absolutely blew us away. Furthermore, they were all super friendly and congratulating us and asking to take our pictures as it was our anniversary. This place is worth the money and has became a favourite. Would come here again
Matthieu Mo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Got a private room with my parents and wife! The service was amazing, quick, and extremely friendly + knowledgeable about the food! I enjoy fine dining, but I am especially glad that they timed the food items perfectly. Did not have to wait between the courses
TONY DING ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service is awesome! They prepared a table next to river view for our anniversary. – Food is fresh and various. Dinner set is perfect for two people. – My favourite dish is long-time seasoned miso roasted fish. Fish is very tender, well-seasoned and with a tint of charcoal-grilled flavour. So yummmm!!! – Not cheap, but pretty sure we will be back there.
Nishant Rana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a wonderful dining experience at Aroma Restaurant! I ordered the Pollo Prawns, and it was not only beautifully served but also incredibly tasty and healthy. Every bite was full of flavor, and I truly appreciated the quality of the ingredients. The pizza was hands down the best I’ve had in a long time—perfectly cooked with a delicious crust and generous toppings. The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was excellent. I will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend Aroma Restaurant to anyone looking for great food and a delightful dining experience!
Feasting with Zen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New to the area, was happy to give them a try what a delightful menu, many options to select from, a great wine & cocktail list. Brisbanes biggest Parmi, It was too big for us!! Friendly team, thank you Annabelle for great service.
ASH PATEL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The breakfast menu offers a variety of options, from classic dishes like eggs Benedict to more contemporary choices such as avocado toast. Dishes are well-presented, and the use of fresh ingredients is evident in the flavors. The coffee, a highlight for many visitors, is rich and expertly brewed. Aroma @ Ascot delivers a satisfying breakfast experience with its combination of delightful ambiance, attentive service, and quality cuisine. It stands out as a recommended spot for both locals and visitors seeking a pleasant start to their day in Ascot.
We had breakfast here & the food was good. The Xiu Mai (Vietnamese meatballs) were a particularly tasty dish, according to my partner. My order was the Buddah bowl, also good, very healthy dish, with edamame, beetroot homous, tomatoes, spinach, avocado etc. Fresh ingredients & generous serves. Service a little slow, but they were busy
Jhony Stiven Huertaz Ortiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I just had the Beef Stew (Bo Kho) at Verandah on Racecourse and it was an exceptional experience. I added an extra serve of rice with hot sauce and ordered a chocolate with Taro. The portion is generous and the combination of flavours gives it an interesting sense of authenticity. If you’re looking for a breakfast that is more than your standard bacon and eggs, this is a great option if you’re in Hamilton. The service was attentive and the atmosphere was pleasant and fresh.
Tribal Woman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My partner and I ate here on a Saturday night. Our food was delicious and fresh! I had the vegetarian fried rice and it was so good; I absolutely devoured it! My partner had a chicken pho, his favourite Vietnamese dish, and he really enjoyed it. We both stuffed our faces as it was SO yummy! Fabulous and fresh, the loveliest staff, and of course, the most beautiful restaurant on Racecourse Road! Oh, and they have wonderful live music. So 10/10. Love this plac
Michael Meng ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great place to grab dinner. Menu is good. Food is served quickly and tastes great. The pizzas are surprisingly filling. Chicken Parmigiana is very, very good. Dinner serving sizes are great. Atmosphere is great. During my two dinners, sports (NFL – Jan 2025) were shown on the multiple TV screens. The dining area is clean. Toilets are clean also. I would definitely eat here again.
Dave Mac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We have just had Gallopers Xmas lunch. I can’t say anything, but it was a gastronomic delight. The freshest seafood, perfectly roasted meats and salads to tatilise your tastbuds all accompanied by an aray of every vegetable you can think of. Not to mention the work of the pastry chef, which was an art form. Well done to all the chefs. I understand this was the first time at gallopers. Can’t believe it. Felt like you had perfected this over many years.
Oliver O’loughlin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is a straight 10… Best steak sandwich in brisbane. Service is always off tap and the ambiance is something I could only hope my funeral reflects.
Aroma @ Ascot has opened near Eagle Farm Racecourse. It offers the Ascot community authentic Italian cuisine in a distinctively designed setting featuring natural elements like a prominent fig tree.
The restaurant provides a welcoming place for meals, combining modern design with touches of nature. Located close to the Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, the venue features sleek décor alongside botanical elements such as hanging plants. A key feature is a large fig tree, lit with fairy lights in the evening, creating a special atmosphere.
Guests can choose between dining inside or using the outdoor seating area, which includes a section shaded by the fig tree. There is also a covered bar area with a glass roof and a wall featuring a waterfall. The restaurant aims to offer a setting suitable for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations, focusing on a warm and inviting environment where people can relax.
Aroma @ Ascot focuses on quality and authenticity in its cooking. The restaurant sources local ingredients, emphasising seasonal produce to present fresh flavours from the region. While respecting traditional cooking methods, the kitchen also incorporates creativity into its dishes.
The team aims to make dining memorable by balancing taste, texture, and presentation. It shows a commitment to careful preparation and excellence in every meal served. The goal is to provide more than just food, fostering an atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meals without feeling rushed, connect with others, and celebrate moments.
The menu centres on authentic Italian food. Aroma @ Ascot serves wood-fired pizza and calzoni alongside fresh, hand-made pasta. Other Trattoria-style dishes and drinks complement the main Italian offerings.
The restaurant highlights these specific dishes as central to its culinary identity. It aims to provide a genuine taste of Italy by using quality preparation methods like wood-firing for its pizzas.
Hendra’s own Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse, a local favourite since 1982, highlights the established Brisbane business contributing to the city’s vibrant scene as official programs work to help local food enterprises reach global markets.
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is actively helping local food and beverage companies expand internationally through its Future Food Global Accelerator program. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that Brisbane’s diverse food and beverage scene significantly contributes to making the city a great place to live and work.
He affirmed the Council’s pride in supporting local businesses as they target international markets, noting that the accelerator program is one of several initiatives designed to back startups and build Brisbane’s reputation as an excellent place for business. The Lord Mayor also highlighted the city’s strong manufacturing capabilities, research institutions, and thriving culinary scene as key factors enabling bold ideas to become a reality.
Now in its eighth year, the month-long accelerator provides tailored support and connects businesses with industry experts. The 2025 program is set to run throughout February. Since commencing in 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has assisted over 400 businesses, including well-known local names such as Merlo Coffee and New Farm Confectionary.
Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse in Hendra represents the local enterprise that enriches Brisbane. Established in 1982 with the tagline “making sweet memories,” the Hendra warehouse is known for its extensive variety of products. Shoppers can find a wide selection of lollies, chocolates, snacks like chips and nuts, and various drinks.
The store features items from the company’s Tom’s Sweets line, including Red Clouds and Sour Worms, alongside seasonal goods and party supplies. Customer feedback often highlights the vast international product range and the friendly, helpful staff. The store is noted for being clean and well-organised, though some mention prices may be slightly higher than elsewhere.
The Hendra store even received notable praise in 2019, reportedly from international superstar Taylor Swift who described their candy as “Legit. Candy.”
Growth and Recognition
Photo Credit: Google Map
Beyond its Hendra roots and online store, Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse has expanded its physical presence. In late 2023, the company opened a large new store in Melbourne’s Highpoint Shopping Centre. This newer location gained significant attention in January 2024 when it achieved a Guinness World Record for featuring the largest pick ‘n’ mix aisle globally.
The drive to support businesses like Grove Juice and the backdrop provided by established local favourites like Tom’s aligns with Brisbane’s broader economic strategy. According to BEDA’s State of The City report, the city’s advanced manufacturing sector is expanding five times faster than the national average.
Furthermore, Brisbane’s location offers direct access to the vast Asia-Pacific market, which boasts a combined GDP of $90 trillion and represents 47% of global trade. This provides local manufacturers with a significant competitive edge on the world stage.
Ascot is set to welcome hundreds of locals and visitors as Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses host The Star Stradbroke Season, Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing event.
Brisbane Racing Club’s flagship event, The Star Stradbroke Season, will take place across Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses in Ascot from early May to mid-June 2025. This major event attracts large crowds from across Queensland, interstate, and overseas.
Six Racedays Over Six Weeks
The carnival spans six Saturday racedays, featuring more than $20 million in prize money and 37 black type races, including seven at Group 1 level. Key racedays include Sky Racing Guineas Day (3 May), Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 Day (17 May), and The Star Stradbroke Day (14 June). Three of these Group 1 races have recently been recognised among the world’s Top 100.
The event offers a range of hospitality options across both racecourses, with packages starting from $45 online. Racegoers can choose from lawn platters to rooftop cocktails. Racecourse admission begins at $15. The carnival also features Fashions on the Field competitions on Derby Day, Oaks Day, and The Star Stradbroke Day, with themed dress codes and prizes awarded for top entries.
Event Add-ons and Community Events
Supporting events include the Milliners Market on 11 April, the Members Celebration on 1 May, and the popular Breakfast with the Stars and Barrier Draw, both scheduled for 10 June. A Calcutta and Luncheon will follow on 13 June at The Star Brisbane. This offers attendees the chance to engage further with The Star Stradbroke Handicap.
Events will be held at 230 Lancaster Road and 75 Hampden Street in Ascot. The venues provide a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for public, member, and private group bookings. Not all packages are available on every raceday, and pricing varies depending on the date and experience offered.
With six consecutive Saturdays of racing, fashion, and hospitality, Ascot is expected to see a major influx of visitors and local engagement. Ticket sales are already open via the Brisbane Racing Club website, with demand expected to be high.
