World Expo 88, also known as Expo 88, was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, during a six-month period between Saturday, 30 April 1988 and Sunday, 30 October 1988, inclusive. The theme of the Expo was "Leisure in the Age of Technology", and the mascot for the Expo was an Australian platypus named Expo Oz.
The A$625 million fair was the largest event of the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations of the European settlement of Australia. Expo 88 attracted more than 15,760,000 visitors who bought tickets worth A$175 million. The event achieved both its economic aims and very good attendances, was successfully used to promote Queensland as a tourist destination and it spurred a major re-development at the South Brisbane site. The core feature of the site were the international pavilions. Many of the exposition's sculptures and buildings were retained by various entities around the state and are still in use or on display today.
History
Origins
The origins for a world expo for Brisbane commenced soon after James Maccormick MBE OAM, architect for the Australia Pavilion at Expo '67, Expo '70 and Expo '74, was commissioned to do an urban renewal study for Kangaroo Point in the early 70s. It occurred to Maccormick that an exposition would be an ideal catalyst for such a redevelopment, and he later hosted meetings with prominent Queensland business persons and government representatives to such purpose. With the Australian Bicentenary looming in 1988, other Australian capitals sought means by which to celebrate the event, including hosting of a Universal Exposition and/or Olympic Games. Sydney and Melbourne both made representations to the Federal Government for matching dollar for dollar funding for a Universal Exposition in the 1988 bicentennial year, however, citing the costs of the new Parliament House in Canberra, also to be opened in the same year, these proposals were knocked back.
Queensland (abbreviated as Qld) is the second-largest and third-most-populous state in Australia. Situated in the north-east of the country, it is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean. Queensland has a population of 4,750,500, concentrated along the coast and particularly in the state's South East. The state is the world's sixth largest sub-national entity, with an area of 1,852,642km2. The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, Australia's third largest city. Often referred to as the "Sunshine State", Queensland is home to 10 of Australia's 30 largest cities and is the nation's third largest economy.
Doug is a factory worker living in Melbourne who dreams of moving from Melbourne to Queensland. He attempts to reconnect with an old flame, Marge, and move to Queensland together.
John Ruane says he was inspired by a newspaper article about a slaughter man who killed his de facto wife and then got drunk for two days. He decided to remove the killing aspect, concentrate on the relationship. Ruane:
The film was made with money from the Experimental Film and Television Fund while John Ruane was a film student at the Swinburne College of Technology in Melbourne.
Release
The movie was released through the co-operative movement.
Expo 88 Promotional Film (1980s) - Queensland Premier's Department
World Expo 88 - Leisure in the Age of Technology - Produced by Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation / Producer and Director Geoff Cox.
Promotional film made in the lead up to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. This program was made to distribute to travel agents worldwide so that they could encourage clients to travel to Brisbane during the Expo. Provides an overview on Australia in general and then a more in depth look into Brisbane. Provides footage of the landscape, restaurants, people, and wildlife. Overview on getting to Brisbane and getting around during Expo including the monorail. Shows a snap shot of the Expo site being built which is now where Southbank is located. The theme of the Expo was 'Leisure in the Age of Technology' hence the title of...
published: 20 Jul 2020
World Expo 88 Promotion (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
*CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following film may contain images and voices of people who have died.*
Copy produced by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2908955
published: 20 Jan 2020
"I'll be there!" World Expo 88 Ad (1988) - Queensland Premier's Department
One of the more interesting advertisements in the QSA audiovisual collection; released ahead of Brisbane's World Expo 88.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives from original (extended) VHS tape: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2620121
published: 25 Oct 2019
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987)
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2749916
published: 30 Apr 2020
World Expo 88 - Then & Now
World Expo 88 was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, Australia that ran from April to October 1988. The fair's success was instrumental in helping transform Brisbane and Queensland into an international tourism destination.
As soon as Expo was done, just about all of the sites were demolished and the Southbank Parklands were built in its place.
This mini-documentary presents a "then and now" of the former Expo location. This video will delve into the Southbank location's history and transformation, what sits in place of the Expo rides and pavilions as of 2023, and what artifacts survived after the end of the fair.
For more information on World Expo 88, please visit and support the following pages:
Celebrate 88
www.celeberate88.com
World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/@mjjc...
published: 29 Apr 2023
Australian World Expo '88 TV Ad
Australian TV ad from 1988 for World Expo 88 held in Brisbane Queensland
published: 18 Sep 2021
Amazing Collection Images from Expo 88
When the World Comes to Town article on Expo 88: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes-to-town-expo-88/
Find more high-quality images from Expo 88 on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandstatearchives/albums/72157669944512646/with/27195129593/
Celebrating ‘Leisure in the age of technology’, there was an incredible range of pavilions, performances, parades, comedy and artwork on show. Guests could experience over 50 restaurants filled with flavours from around the globe. Hosted over six months, it drew more than 18 million people to the renewed South Bank parklands district. An average of 100,000 people a day entered the gates.
Expo 88 Crowds at Vulture Street entrance: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102500
Human Sculpture statues...
published: 27 Apr 2023
World Expo 88 Opening / We Are Queensland
Some of the opening day celebrations of World Expo 88 from 30 April 1988. Also includes the song "We Are Queensland" which was played in the Queensland Pavilion.
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oGary86/
published: 01 Sep 2017
Expo 88 Fashion Show
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749916
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
published: 28 Sep 2020
Sunlover Encounter South-East Queensland Tourism Video (1980s) - Queensland Premier's Department
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2660822
World Expo 88 - Leisure in the Age of Technology - Produced by Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation / Producer and Director Geoff Cox.
Promotional film ma...
World Expo 88 - Leisure in the Age of Technology - Produced by Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation / Producer and Director Geoff Cox.
Promotional film made in the lead up to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. This program was made to distribute to travel agents worldwide so that they could encourage clients to travel to Brisbane during the Expo. Provides an overview on Australia in general and then a more in depth look into Brisbane. Provides footage of the landscape, restaurants, people, and wildlife. Overview on getting to Brisbane and getting around during Expo including the monorail. Shows a snap shot of the Expo site being built which is now where Southbank is located. The theme of the Expo was 'Leisure in the Age of Technology' hence the title of the film.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749913
World Expo 88 - Leisure in the Age of Technology - Produced by Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation / Producer and Director Geoff Cox.
Promotional film made in the lead up to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. This program was made to distribute to travel agents worldwide so that they could encourage clients to travel to Brisbane during the Expo. Provides an overview on Australia in general and then a more in depth look into Brisbane. Provides footage of the landscape, restaurants, people, and wildlife. Overview on getting to Brisbane and getting around during Expo including the monorail. Shows a snap shot of the Expo site being built which is now where Southbank is located. The theme of the Expo was 'Leisure in the Age of Technology' hence the title of the film.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749913
*CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following film may contain images and voices of people who have died.*
Copy produced by...
*CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following film may contain images and voices of people who have died.*
Copy produced by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2908955
*CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following film may contain images and voices of people who have died.*
Copy produced by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2908955
One of the more interesting advertisements in the QSA audiovisual collection; released ahead of Brisbane's World Expo 88.
Copy created by Queensland State Arc...
One of the more interesting advertisements in the QSA audiovisual collection; released ahead of Brisbane's World Expo 88.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives from original (extended) VHS tape: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2620121
One of the more interesting advertisements in the QSA audiovisual collection; released ahead of Brisbane's World Expo 88.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives from original (extended) VHS tape: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2620121
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30...
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2749916
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2749916
World Expo 88 was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, Australia that ran from April to October 1988. The fair's success was instrumental in helping transform Brisb...
World Expo 88 was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, Australia that ran from April to October 1988. The fair's success was instrumental in helping transform Brisbane and Queensland into an international tourism destination.
As soon as Expo was done, just about all of the sites were demolished and the Southbank Parklands were built in its place.
This mini-documentary presents a "then and now" of the former Expo location. This video will delve into the Southbank location's history and transformation, what sits in place of the Expo rides and pavilions as of 2023, and what artifacts survived after the end of the fair.
For more information on World Expo 88, please visit and support the following pages:
Celebrate 88
www.celeberate88.com
World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/@mjjcollectables/videos
Legacy of World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/c/FoundationExpo88/videos
0:00 - Introduction
1:54 - Location History
3:29 - Expo Locations Today
9:02 - What Remained?
12:37 - Afterword
13:19 - Credits
IBIS Channel 32 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands presented within this documentary, and we pay respects to Elders past and present.
World Expo 88 was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, Australia that ran from April to October 1988. The fair's success was instrumental in helping transform Brisbane and Queensland into an international tourism destination.
As soon as Expo was done, just about all of the sites were demolished and the Southbank Parklands were built in its place.
This mini-documentary presents a "then and now" of the former Expo location. This video will delve into the Southbank location's history and transformation, what sits in place of the Expo rides and pavilions as of 2023, and what artifacts survived after the end of the fair.
For more information on World Expo 88, please visit and support the following pages:
Celebrate 88
www.celeberate88.com
World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/@mjjcollectables/videos
Legacy of World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/c/FoundationExpo88/videos
0:00 - Introduction
1:54 - Location History
3:29 - Expo Locations Today
9:02 - What Remained?
12:37 - Afterword
13:19 - Credits
IBIS Channel 32 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands presented within this documentary, and we pay respects to Elders past and present.
When the World Comes to Town article on Expo 88: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes-to-town-expo-88/
Find more high-quality imag...
When the World Comes to Town article on Expo 88: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes-to-town-expo-88/
Find more high-quality images from Expo 88 on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandstatearchives/albums/72157669944512646/with/27195129593/
Celebrating ‘Leisure in the age of technology’, there was an incredible range of pavilions, performances, parades, comedy and artwork on show. Guests could experience over 50 restaurants filled with flavours from around the globe. Hosted over six months, it drew more than 18 million people to the renewed South Bank parklands district. An average of 100,000 people a day entered the gates.
Expo 88 Crowds at Vulture Street entrance: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102500
Human Sculpture statues: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102537
Aquacade performers: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102558
Aquacade Diver: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102557
When the World Comes to Town article on Expo 88: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes-to-town-expo-88/
Find more high-quality images from Expo 88 on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandstatearchives/albums/72157669944512646/with/27195129593/
Celebrating ‘Leisure in the age of technology’, there was an incredible range of pavilions, performances, parades, comedy and artwork on show. Guests could experience over 50 restaurants filled with flavours from around the globe. Hosted over six months, it drew more than 18 million people to the renewed South Bank parklands district. An average of 100,000 people a day entered the gates.
Expo 88 Crowds at Vulture Street entrance: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102500
Human Sculpture statues: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102537
Aquacade performers: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102558
Aquacade Diver: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102557
Some of the opening day celebrations of World Expo 88 from 30 April 1988. Also includes the song "We Are Queensland" which was played in the Queensland Pavilion...
Some of the opening day celebrations of World Expo 88 from 30 April 1988. Also includes the song "We Are Queensland" which was played in the Queensland Pavilion.
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oGary86/
Some of the opening day celebrations of World Expo 88 from 30 April 1988. Also includes the song "We Are Queensland" which was played in the Queensland Pavilion.
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oGary86/
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749916
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 b...
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749916
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749916
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
World Expo 88 - Leisure in the Age of Technology - Produced by Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation / Producer and Director Geoff Cox.
Promotional film made in the lead up to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. This program was made to distribute to travel agents worldwide so that they could encourage clients to travel to Brisbane during the Expo. Provides an overview on Australia in general and then a more in depth look into Brisbane. Provides footage of the landscape, restaurants, people, and wildlife. Overview on getting to Brisbane and getting around during Expo including the monorail. Shows a snap shot of the Expo site being built which is now where Southbank is located. The theme of the Expo was 'Leisure in the Age of Technology' hence the title of the film.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749913
*CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following film may contain images and voices of people who have died.*
Copy produced by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2908955
One of the more interesting advertisements in the QSA audiovisual collection; released ahead of Brisbane's World Expo 88.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives from original (extended) VHS tape: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2620121
Expo 88 TV Advertisement (1987) - Queensland Premier's Department
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemId=2749916
World Expo 88 was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, Australia that ran from April to October 1988. The fair's success was instrumental in helping transform Brisbane and Queensland into an international tourism destination.
As soon as Expo was done, just about all of the sites were demolished and the Southbank Parklands were built in its place.
This mini-documentary presents a "then and now" of the former Expo location. This video will delve into the Southbank location's history and transformation, what sits in place of the Expo rides and pavilions as of 2023, and what artifacts survived after the end of the fair.
For more information on World Expo 88, please visit and support the following pages:
Celebrate 88
www.celeberate88.com
World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/@mjjcollectables/videos
Legacy of World Expo 88 Youtube Page
https://www.youtube.com/c/FoundationExpo88/videos
0:00 - Introduction
1:54 - Location History
3:29 - Expo Locations Today
9:02 - What Remained?
12:37 - Afterword
13:19 - Credits
IBIS Channel 32 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands presented within this documentary, and we pay respects to Elders past and present.
When the World Comes to Town article on Expo 88: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes-to-town-expo-88/
Find more high-quality images from Expo 88 on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandstatearchives/albums/72157669944512646/with/27195129593/
Celebrating ‘Leisure in the age of technology’, there was an incredible range of pavilions, performances, parades, comedy and artwork on show. Guests could experience over 50 restaurants filled with flavours from around the globe. Hosted over six months, it drew more than 18 million people to the renewed South Bank parklands district. An average of 100,000 people a day entered the gates.
Expo 88 Crowds at Vulture Street entrance: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102500
Human Sculpture statues: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102537
Aquacade performers: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102558
Aquacade Diver: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1102557
Some of the opening day celebrations of World Expo 88 from 30 April 1988. Also includes the song "We Are Queensland" which was played in the Queensland Pavilion.
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oGary86/
Copy created by Queensland State Archives: https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM2749916
Rough cuts of footage and segments related to World Expo 88 being held in Brisbane April 30 - October 30, 1988. Includes: Aerials of site and construction; view from monorail; overview of entertainment and activities to be presented at Expo including aerial ski acrobats; short segment on the history of the World Exposition; fashion parade of Expo uniforms release.
World Expo 88, also known as Expo 88, was a World's Fair held in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, during a six-month period between Saturday, 30 April 1988 and Sunday, 30 October 1988, inclusive. The theme of the Expo was "Leisure in the Age of Technology", and the mascot for the Expo was an Australian platypus named Expo Oz.
The A$625 million fair was the largest event of the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations of the European settlement of Australia. Expo 88 attracted more than 15,760,000 visitors who bought tickets worth A$175 million. The event achieved both its economic aims and very good attendances, was successfully used to promote Queensland as a tourist destination and it spurred a major re-development at the South Brisbane site. The core feature of the site were the international pavilions. Many of the exposition's sculptures and buildings were retained by various entities around the state and are still in use or on display today.
History
Origins
The origins for a world expo for Brisbane commenced soon after James Maccormick MBE OAM, architect for the Australia Pavilion at Expo '67, Expo '70 and Expo '74, was commissioned to do an urban renewal study for Kangaroo Point in the early 70s. It occurred to Maccormick that an exposition would be an ideal catalyst for such a redevelopment, and he later hosted meetings with prominent Queensland business persons and government representatives to such purpose. With the Australian Bicentenary looming in 1988, other Australian capitals sought means by which to celebrate the event, including hosting of a Universal Exposition and/or Olympic Games. Sydney and Melbourne both made representations to the Federal Government for matching dollar for dollar funding for a Universal Exposition in the 1988 bicentennial year, however, citing the costs of the new Parliament House in Canberra, also to be opened in the same year, these proposals were knocked back.