UniSport introduces new festival experience for Nationals on the Gold Coast

With just three months 100 days to go until its annual 'Nationals' event on the Gold Coast in September, UniSport Australia has advised of the launch of UniFest, a dedicated festival-style event exclusively for students at the event.

Developed in consultation with the UniSport Australia Student Advisory Committee, UniFest is designed to celebrate student life, connection and the vibrant culture that surrounds university sport. The event will take place on Wednesday evening 1st October at the Broadwater Parklands and will be free to all registered Nationals participants.

UniFest promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, featuring DJs, food vouchers, interactive activities and activations, special guests, giveaways, and the return of the now world-famous Mascot Race. With thousands of students from universities across Australia converging for the week-long sporting event, UniFest offers a midweek moment to relax, connect, and enjoy the best of what the Gold Coast has to offer.

UniSport Australia Chief Executive, Mark Sinderberry explained “our student advisory committee told us that connection and an opportunity to meet students from other universities was a big draw factor in making the decision to travel to Nationals … and in 2025 we are introducing an event that promises to shake things up at Nationals and give the student athletes a real opportunity to connect and unwind.

“We are working tirelessly in the background to secure sponsors for the event to elevate the overall experience and we will confirm the addition of some big-name brands in the coming weeks leading up to Nationals in late September.”

The UniSport Nationals is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

UniFest promises to add another layer to the UniSport Nationals experience, offering a space for students to unwind, meet peers, and build lasting memories away from the field of play.