12 June 2025
COOLY ROCKS ON 2025: A CELEBRATION OF NOSTALGIA
Cooly Rocks On 2025 wrapped up after five days of non-stop action, bringing the golden eras of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and a taste of the ’80s back to life in Coolangatta. The festival transformed the beachfront and surrounding streets into a buzzing hub of nostalgic culture, drawing thousands of attendees from across the country and beyond.
This year’s program featured more than 1000 classic cars in the popular Show ‘N’ Shine proudly presented by Autoglym with crowds lining the streets for the iconic Saturday Night Car Cruise. Live performances from some of the best in rockabilly, swing, and rock ’n’ roll delivered electric energy across every stage, with feature shows and headline acts celebrating the sounds of these iconic eras.
Jack Gatto was crowned winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary and will represent Cooly Rocks On at Elvis Week in Memphis, USA later this year. In the Cooly Rocks On Pin-Up Pageant, Valentina Volupte claimed the Classic title, while Vi Van Diemen took out the Rockabilly crown.
Cooly Rocks On returns 3–7 June 2026.
OPETAIA REIGNS SUPREME ON THE GOLD COAST
Jai Opetaia has successfully defended his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles with a dominant TKO victory over Italy’s previously undefeated Claudio Squeo - reaffirming his status as the undisputed Cruiserweight King on the Gold Coast.
Nearly 4,800 fans packed the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre to witness the highly anticipated bout. Standing 10cm taller and weighing more than 10kg heavier, Opetaia took control from the opening bell, barely troubled by the IBF’s 14th-ranked contender. While Squeo put up a valiant effort, he was ultimately outclassed by Opetaia’s superior boxing skills. The fight was called in the fifth round, marking another decisive win for the Australian champion.
With his sights now set on a unification showdown against WBO and WBA titleholder Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, Opetaia continues to cement his place among the elite in world boxing.
THE WORLD'S BIGGEST BOWLS FESTIVAL
The world’s biggest festival of bowls is happening on the Gold Coast right now!
The 2025 Australian Open is expected to break records with thousands of competitors and spectators from across the globe.
Each year this event grows in stature and participation. This year will see 4,164 entries across the 17 disciplines - an increase of more than 600 entrants from last year.
Games will be played at every bowls club across the Gold Coast.
The two weeks of competition shines a spotlight on the Gold Coast which has been home of the Australian Open since 2015.
VIEW THE 29 MAY 2025 EVENTS UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.