About the Games

For 40 years, the Australian Masters Games has brought together Australians from all walks of life to celebrate sport, friendship and adventure.

Returning to Newcastle and the Central Coast from 13–20 November 2027, the Australian Masters Games is Australia’s largest multi-sport festival for mature-age participants, welcoming competitors of all abilities in a unique week-long celebration of sport and community.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, representing your club, reconnecting with teammates or trying a new sport for the first time, the Games offer an experience unlike any other. There are no qualifying standards for most sports and no requirement to be an elite athlete. If you’re ready to get involved, you’re welcome at the Games.

More than just a sporting event, the Australian Masters Games combines competition with travel, social connection and the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most exciting destinations. Every edition brings together thousands of participants, supporters, officials and volunteers, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere both on and off the field.

Celebrating 40 Years

The 2027 Australian Masters Games marks 40 years since the inaugural Games were held in Tasmania in 1987.

Since then, the Games have travelled across Australia, welcoming more than 135,000 participants, engaging thousands of volunteers and generating significant economic and community benefits for host destinations. The event has become a cherished part of Australia’s sporting landscape, encouraging lifelong participation and demonstrating that sport has no age limit.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honour the athletes, volunteers, officials, host cities and sporting organisations that have helped shape four decades of Australian Masters Games history.

A Proud History

The first Australian Masters Games were held in Tasmania in 1987, establishing a new era of participation sport in Australia. Since then, the Games have visited cities and regions across the country, each adding its own unique character and legacy.

From Adelaide and Canberra to Geelong, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle and Tasmania’s North West, the Australian Masters Games has consistently brought people together through a shared love of sport, competition and camaraderie.

Newcastle & Central Coast 2027

The Australian Masters Games returns to Newcastle and the Central Coast from 13–20 November 2027.

Set against a backdrop of spectacular beaches, vibrant urban centres and world-class sporting facilities, the region will provide the perfect stage for this landmark 40th anniversary celebration.

Participants can look forward to a diverse sporting program featuring more than 40 sports, offering opportunities for competitors of all interests and abilities. The full sports program will be announced soon.

More information on sports, registrations, accommodation and event experiences will be released throughout 2026 and 2027 as preparations build towards Australia’s largest multi-sport festival for mature-age participants.

History of the Australian Masters Games

The Australian Masters Games is the original and the best masters event in Australia.

The Confederation of Australian Sport held the first Australian Masters Games in Tasmania in 1987 and set the stage for large multisport festivals for the masters age group (30 years and over) in Australia. This is the second time Newcastle, and the first time Central Coast has hosted the Australian Masters Games, and it promises to be spectacular.