Together, Australia showed the world how awesome we are.
In a treat that is held around the world every 2 – 3 years, The World’s Fair (otherwise known as World Expo) is a large public exhibition to demonstrate several aspects of society, art, culture and technology.
While the origins date back to 1851 in the U.K, Australia had their hand in World Expo in 1879 in Melbourne and 1880 in Sydney. Fast forward 108 years, and Brisbane grabs the opportunity to host – World Expo ’88. All in great timing too, as it was the year anniversary of Australia’s Bicenntenial. What a great way to show off!
With the Expo to be held from 30 April to 30 October 1988, preparations went to hand under the the watchful eye of Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who ripped up the decaying and neglected industrial suburb of Southbank, to build pavilions, rides, exhibitions, pubs, and many other areas of presentations and entertainment.
The “who’s who” of the world turned up, with Queen Elizabeth II floating down the Brisbane River, and arrive at the dock to open the Expo.
Broadcasted on Network 10 and hosted by Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Tim Webster, watch as Billy J Smith, Mark Mitchell and many other personalities of the day present various exhibitions, activities and tragically dated 1980s decor.
If you visit Southbank today, 95% of the buildings and exhibitions were pulled down or re-designed. But if you look hard enough, you’ll see some areas of some exhibits still exist – for preservation purposes.
There’s an online Expo 88 museum too, just head to expomuseum.com/1988
