Queensland’s Victoria Park to Close Permanently in May 2026

The iconic Victoria Park precinct will officially end its 27-year run as a cornerstone of Brisbane’s sporting and social life on May 31, 2026.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and Brisbane City Council have issued a notice of vacant possession to facilitate the construction of the new Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium. The announcement, shared today via the facility’s Facebook page, marks a pivotal and controversial milestone in the state’s “2032 Delivery Plan.”

The End of an Era

For nearly three decades, Victoria Park has evolved from a simple golf course into a sprawling inner-city destination. At its peak, the precinct grew from just three employees to a team of over 220 full-time and casual staff.

“We sincerely thank our past and present employees for the dedication, professionalism, and care they have shown,” a spokesperson for the precinct stated. Management has committed to open communication and, where possible, redeployment opportunities for staff within sister businesses.

For the community, the closure marks the loss of a multi-generational hub. Until the final day of trade, the bistro, driving range, putt-putt course, and playground remain open.

Important Information for Patrons:

• Events: All bookings prior to May 31, 2026, will proceed as planned.
• Cancellations: Clients with events scheduled from June 1, 2026, onwards have been contacted for refunds or rescheduling.
• Credits: Gift cards and driving range credits must be redeemed before the May 31 deadline.

A “Queenslander” Icon for 2032

The site will be transformed into a 63,000-seat centerpiece for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Designed by a global consortium including COX Architecture, Hassell, and Azusa Sekkei, the $3.8 billion stadium is inspired by the classic “Queenslander” home.

“Blindsided”: Controversy and Backlash

Despite the government’s vision of a “once-in-a-generation” legacy, the accelerated timeline has sparked a firestorm of criticism.

Local couples and planners claim they were “blindsided” by the May 2026 deadline, with several weddings abruptly cancelled. While Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner defended the notice period as sufficient, industry leaders are mourning the loss of a critical recreational asset.

“Victoria Park is not just a driving range; it’s a critical community asset that makes golf accessible in the heart of the city,” said Damien de Bohun, General Manager at Golf Australia.

The loss of the driving range—which dispenses over 20 million golf balls annually—leaves a significant gap in Brisbane’s sporting infrastructure, especially following the closure of the 18-hole course in 2019.

What’s Next?

“Early Works,” including geotechnical drilling, are already visible on-site. Following the official closure in May, heavy earthworks will commence in mid-2026, with full-scale construction of the stadium slated for early 2027.

The project is the crown jewel of a broader $7.1 billion infrastructure program, which includes the new National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill and the transformation of the Brisbane Showgrounds into the primary Athlete Village.