The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is an annual event held early in September. A small meeting in 1959, designed to bring city and country together, has expanded over the years to become one of Australia’s premier Spring horse racing carnivals.

The Carnival, held in the tropical North Queensland city of Cairns, operates over four days of celebrations, focusing around two days of horse racing. It is complemented by a host of social activities, some formal and some very informal. Visitors to Cairns for this event are welcomed to a growing cosmopolitan city, the population of which increases by a few thousand over the Carnival weekend.

The Carnival attracts locals and visitors to the region, particularly southern corporate executives and their guests who are present due to the involvement of our major national corporate Sponsors. Cairns Amateurs has something for everyone – horse racing, fashion, socialising and celebrities. Social events include Members-only and corporate functions over the four days, as well as events and areas for the general public on both race days. The beautiful mild September climate entices large crowds to enjoy the racing and entertainment conducted at the course.

Registered as the Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club Inc., our event has become widely, and affectionately, known as "THE CAIRNS AMATEURS"