OutdoorX marks the spot

Picture the perfect place to experience the full spectrum of outdoor recreation: start with sparkling ocean waters trimmed by long sandy beaches, follow sheltered inland waterways through a lush undulating hinterland, indulge in world-class dining and cultural experiences just a stone’s throw away. Starting to sound familiar? Queensland’s Gold Coast is such a place, and nobody knows how to show it off quite like the crew at Sanctuary Cove.

Many will be familiar with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), where high-society-types gather once a year to ponder the latest luxury yacht innovation alongside weekend trailerboat enthusiasts seeking to power-up with a new outboard. Having perfected the formula for their industry-leading event, the team from Mulpha – those responsible for SCIBS – have expanded their vision to create a platform for the wider world of leisure with an all-encompassing concept called OutdoorX.

This inaugural event will take place at Sanctuary Cove from September 13 to 15, when a raft of high-profile lifestyle brands and manufacturers will set up shop to display the latest in camper trailers, caravans, recreational marine, motorhomes, motorcycles, 4WDs and a whole lot more.

An impressive roll call of market-leading brands continues to grow in the lead up to OutdoorX. Mulpha Events General Manager explains: “We were committed to attracting the industry’s leading brands and are excited by the response we’ve had.

“You only have to look at the collective of highly awarded and respected camper trailer makers we’ve assembled to appreciate the quality of exhibitors that will be on show, including the likes of industry leaders Cub and Trayon.”

One of the key components that will elevate OutdoorX beyond a humdrum litany of static showcases crammed into gigantic sheds – the default for shows of this type for decades now – is the multi-faceted location itself. Sanctuary Cove facilitates an ideal blend of traditional display areas with interactive spaces and activations. Visitors will be able to see wheels turning and four-stroke burning, as the otherwise serene precinct transforms into an outdoor-lover’s playground.

Managing Director of Sirocco Marine North Dylan Lopez says “this will be the first time we have an allocated sea trial berth where we can link people from our stands to an on-water experience aboard a high-performance BRIG.”

Beyond the boat brands making use of the first-class marina, there’s promise of interactive 4WD, camping, fishing and caravan demonstrations, and BMW Motorrad have hinted that one of their stunt bike riders may be making an appearance.

The Trailer Zone will allow visitors to get hands-on experience and tips from experts, camper manufacturers and dealers, with a trailer driving school running a curriculum that covers jockey wheels, maneuverability and trailer dampening.

To complement the main attractions, there will be a busy entertainment schedule consisting of live music, street performers, and a generous number of cooking demonstrations from the likes of Paul Burt. You’ve got a fully loaded festival of family focussed fun.

Another company looking to make the most of the interactive potential at OutdoorX is KEA, whose Australian motorhome and camper operations fall under the watchful eye of Tourism Holdings Ltd’s Kate Meldrum.

“As well as Sanctuary Cove being a great location, the OutdoorX team always brings a fresh, new angle to events and has a pedigree of success with the boats shows they have held,” she said.

And if all of this sounds like thirsty work, rest assured, Sanctuary Cove is peppered with cafes, bars and restaurants of the highest calibre, highlighted by acclaimed chefs and frequented by certified taste-makers.

There are limited early-bird tickets available, which give an adult one day’s admission for the svelte sum of $10, while kids under 15 years of age can enter for free. On-site parking can be purchased in advance, otherwise there’s a free Park’n’Ride service available for all event ticketholders.

Visit outdoorx.com.au for early-bird tickets and more information.