Surfers Paradise welcomes Australian astronaut for Science Week
Meet astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg and test-drive Australia's moon rover at the Gold Coast airshow
What’s Happening?
Surfers Paradise will host one of Queensland’s many National Science Week highlights during the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. Students can test-drive Roo-ver, a model of Australia’s first locally built moon rover, and meet astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
Both will feature at the NXTGEN STEM LAB, where the science and engineering behind flight will be explained.
Why It Matters
By combining an astronaut appearance with a hands-on rover display, the event links space exploration with everyday science learning. Students can see how engineering supports flight inside the atmosphere and beyond it, using Australian projects as examples.
Local Impact
Queensland schools can attend free on Friday through the Students with Altitude program, giving classes a dedicated airshow experience. Some of the world’s best pilots will also perform tricks, flips and stunts in super-fast planes over the ocean.
Together, the aviation and space programs give Surfers Paradise visitors a broader look at the science behind flight.
By the Numbers
National Science Week reaches more than 3 million people through events held across the country.
More than 2,500 events are included in this year’s national festival program.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast runs for three days, from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026.
Zoom In
Roo-ver represents the first Australian-built moon rover and gives students a model they can test-drive at the STEM lab. Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the 2026 Australian of the Year, will also meet attendees at the event. Her appearance will support the lab’s focus on atmospheric and space flight.
Zoom Out
The Surfers Paradise program forms one part of the broader National Science Week schedule across Queensland. The national festival runs from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 August 2026, bringing science activities to communities across Australia. Scientists, experts and event organisers are available for interviews before and during the festival.
What To Look For Next?
The airshow runs from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, while National Science Week continues until Sunday 23 August.
Schools can register for free Friday admission through the Students with Altitude program. Event information and direct contacts are available through the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast listing.