Queensland has officially stepped into the international sporting limelight with the unveiling of the official Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games emblems. With just under six years to go until Australia hosts its third Olympic Games and second Paralympic Games, the dynamic identity does far more than provide an event crest—it charts a compelling travel map across Australia’s premier active lifestyle playground.
From sun-drenched coastal trails and tropical waters to world-class sports precincts, the reveal underscores Brisbane and Queensland’s ambition to be a bucket-list destination for global athletes, running enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike.
A Living Torch: Nature, Culture, and Geography in One Design
Inspired by native Australian birdlife, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Emblem takes inspiration from the Pink Cockatoo, while the Paralympic Emblem is rooted in the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Renowned for their cheeky, inquisitive, and playful nature, both birds reflect Queensland’s optimistic, welcoming character.
Beyond the wildlife symbolism, the design embeds layered storytelling celebrating the host region:
The Living Torch: The cockatoo’s crest doubles as an ascending flame, capturing the timeless Olympic and Paralympic spirit of unity, hope, and drive.
The Silhouette of Queensland: The subtle contour of the emblem traces the geographic outline of Queensland itself, sweeping from the northern tip of Cape York down to Coolangatta and westward into the outback.
Centred on South-East Queensland: The eye of the cockatoo pinpoints South-East Queensland—the thriving epicentre of the 2032 Games.
The '32 Signature: A distinct grouping of three and two feathers nods to the 2032 host year.
First Nations Heritage: Cockatoos hold deep cultural significance to Country as messengers connecting people to place, stories, and ceremony.
As International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons noted, the emblems bring joy while carrying distinct details that tell a deeper regional story.
A Statewide Relay: Highlighting Queensland’s Iconic Sporting Terrains
In a first for Games history, the emblem was revealed in six distinct pieces across Queensland over several days, championed by Australian Olympic and Paralympic icons. The route through regional hubs and coastal hotspots showcases the variety of terrain waiting for sports travellers:
Piece 1 (Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef): Unveiled at Vlasoff Cay by swimming legend Ian Thorpe AM and Paralympic medallist Grant 'Scooter' Patterson, highlighting Queensland’s world-renowned tropical waters and marine endurance environments.
Piece 2 (Townsville): Revealed from the Castle Hill lookout by rugby league legends Johnathan Thurston AM and Sam Thaiday, framing the rugged elevation and outdoor fitness culture of the tropical north.
Piece 3 (Rockhampton): Championed at the Riverside Precinct by cycling icon Anna Meares OAM and multi-Games Paralympian Angie Ballard, spotlighting inland athletic communities and regional recreation corridors.
Piece 4 (Sunshine Coast): Positioned at Wild Horse Mountain lookout by beach volleyball star Natalie Cook OAM and Paralympic swimmer Alexa Leary OAM, showcasing the hinterland trails and coastal training hubs beloved by triathletes and runners.
Pieces 5 & 6 (Gold Coast): Assembled at Currumbin Beach by Olympic skateboard sensation Arisa Trew OAM and Paralympic paracanoe gold medallist Curtis McGrath OAM, framing the world-famous surf breaks, beachfront tracks, and marathon routes of the south coast.
This multi-destination rollout reinforces that Brisbane 2032 is a games for all of Queensland, inviting travellers to explore beyond standard tournament venues.
Why Active Travellers Should Keep Queensland on Their Radar
Hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games reshapes a destination's sports infrastructure and tourism footprint. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted that with Brisbane positioned as "Australia’s lifestyle capital," the benefits of hosting will welcome active travellers well ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
For marathoners chasing fast coastal courses, trail runners tackling lush rainforest tracks, or athletes looking for year-round training weather, South-East Queensland delivers an ideal blend of sporting infrastructure and outdoor living. Co-hosting arrangements across Queensland as well as Sydney and Melbourne further position eastern Australia as a global corridor for international sports tours.
As Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris highlighted, the launch invites the world to explore and invest in the region’s active identity. For Singapore and Southeast Asian athletes seeking their next destination race or outdoor training getaway, the road to 2032 offers an exceptional runway to experience Australia's premier sporting state.