Australian Adventure Expo

On this day: Brisbane World Expo 88 opens - Australian Geographic

On this day: Brisbane World Expo 88 opens. Nations pitch in for Expo 88. On this day: Pemulwuy is killed. On this day: Trout arrive in Australia. The evolution of Anzac Day from 1915 until today. Watch Latest Web Stories. Birds of Stewart Island / Rakiura. Endangered fairy-wrens survive Kimberley floods. Australia’s sleepiest species. 2024 Calendars & Diaries - OUT NOW. In stock now: Hansa Soft Toys and Puppets.

Home Blogs On This Day On this day: Brisbane World Expo 88 opens.

In the months leading up to World Expo 88's much-anticipated launch, Brisbanites watched with awe as its monumental infrastructure rose out of the light industry eyesore on the southern banks to create a distinctive skyline opposite the Brisbane CBD.

A severe storm and heavy rains halted progress several weeks before the opening date, 30 April 1988. However, in a flurry last-minute work, Expo '88 opened to the public without delay.

John McGregor who worked at Expo '88 and founded 'Celebrate 88' the commemorative website for the event says: "Expo '88 is a significant event that took place in a significant year." Australia wanted to host a major international event in order to celebrate Australia's Bicentenary.

Expo opened its doors to more than 100,000 people on its first day. Queen Elizabeth II arrived via royal barge from HMS Britannia, which was anchored in the Brisbane River. In her speech to VIPs and dignitaries in the government, she used similes. "While Queensland may be known as 'the sunshine state,' I prefer its original title - Queen's Land.".