Logo for Apex Legends with the text 'Apex Legends' and 'STEM AB' below.
Group of children and teens standing on sand outdoor at event with white tent behind them, some wearing glasses and sun hats, children wearing black shirts with red logos, some holding small accessories, and a robotic device on the ground.

Students with altitude

Pacific Airshow® Gold Coast might just be the coolest classroom on the planet.

The NXTGN STEM LAB is a collaborative experience designed to get students thinking, building and exploring across science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fully immersive environment.

Schools are invited to attend our dedicated Students with Altitude Day on Friday 14 August 2026, where students can access both the NXTGN STEM Lab and Pacific Airshow at no cost.

As part of the program, students will hear from 2026 Australian of the Year and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, gaining insight into her journey and what she has learned along the way.

From meeting Australia’s Roo-ver to flight simulators and interactive challenges, students will engage with real-world technology and discover pathways into future careers.

This is an opportunity to get kids feeling curious about what’s possible, spark new interests and see STEM in motion in the skies above!

Registrations have now CLOSED for 2026.

School Registrations: closed

We’re excited to bring Students With Altitude Day to the Gold Coast for the first time as part of Pacific Airshow®.

Sorry! Registrations have now CLOSED for 2026.

School BUS DROP OFF & PICK UP

School Arrival & Departure Information

Due to the large number of schools attending Students With Altitude Day on Friday 14 August, all school groups will use a designated bus drop-off area before travelling to the event via the G:Link (tram). Travel via the G:Link is FREE. No bus drop offs are available in Surfers Paradise.

This is the fastest and safest way to get everyone to the event.

Arrival

  • Buses will drop students at Commodore Drive.

  • From there, teachers and students will walk along the footpath, under the overpass, to Main Beach G Station.

  • Catch the tram to Surfers Paradise North Station, the closest stop to Pacific Airshow.

  • Exit the station, walk down Ocean Avenue to The Esplanade, and enter the event through Gate D.

Please allow a little extra travel time for this transfer when planning your arrival.

Departure

  • At the end of the day, return to Commodore Drive, where your bus will be waiting.

  • Buses are able to remain parked in the designated bus zone while awaiting their school group, subject to direction from the on ground coordinator.

Thank you for your cooperation. These arrangements will help ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient arrival and departure for all schools attending.

STUDENTS WITH ALTITUDE DAY: FAQs

  • Any parents of students that are not registered as part of your school registration but would like to attend, are welcome to attend by purchasing a Friday General Admission ticket.

  • Pacific Airshow can produce loud noise during some of the performances. If children don't like loud noises or you are worried about the noise, we advise you to bring along some earplugs.

  • Food and beverages are available to purchase on site but small homemade personal food (so a kid’s lunchbox) can be brought in but will need to be kept with the child/group (there is no cold storage on site). Please note that NO GLASS is allowed to enter the venue.

  • Yes, further information will be provided to you in early August regarding tickets for your school.

    Teachers and helpers will also be required to bring along ID on the day.

  • Pacific Airshow is a highly photographed event. Images of students may be used in future promotions of our event. Please ensure parents are aware of this when signing their excursion permissions. Full Program Terms & Conditions are attached to this email, and our standard Ticket Policy is available online (https://pacificairshowaus.com/ticket-policy). Attendance at the event constitutes agreement to these terms on behalf of the students.

  • It’s up to you to keep track of your students. We suggest having your students wear an identifying item, like their school uniform, brightly colored shirt or a simple wristband with a teacher's contact number on the day. This way, if anyone gets separated, our friendly on-site event team can quickly help them find their way back to you.

  • No. You’ll be responsible for taking your class through the NXTGN STEM LAB zone. Closer to the event we will email you a recommended time for your class. This is a suggested time to avoid congestion in the area.