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| Minister for Education and the Arts
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation The Honourable Andrew Powell Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland Ms Bree James |
02 November 2026
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT: Mine! Mine! Mine! Queensland snaps up Australian premier of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo
- The Crisafulli Government has secured another major event with the Australian premiere of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo: The 60-Minute Family Musical coming to Queensland on a two-stop tour.
- The production will feature in Brisbane and Cairns with tickets on sale this week for the mid-2027 performances.
- The Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland’s reputation as the event’s capital of the nation and delivering better services through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government has secured another major win for Queensland, securing the Australian premiere season of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo: The 60-Minute Family Musical for Brisbane and Cairns in 2027.
One of the world’s most beloved family stories, Finding Nemo will make its Australian debut at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Playhouse from 23 June to 11 July 2027, before heading north for a season at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre from 15 to 18 July.
Secured under the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 plan, Finding Nemo is the latest addition to Queensland’s growing pipeline of events, driving visitation, supporting jobs and helping grow a $4 billion events economy by 2045.
It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy, delivering record investment in tourism and events and cementing Queensland’s reputation as the event’s capital of the nation.
The Brisbane and Cairns seasons will deliver 42 performances over three-and-a-half weeks, encouraging visitors to stay longer, spend more and explore Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland.
Created for families aged three and up, the 60-minute production features a cast of eight, spectacular hand-crafted puppets and music from the award-winning team behind Disney’s Frozen.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said securing the Australian premiere of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo was another win for Queensland’s growing events pipeline.
“We said we would deliver more events, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering on that commitment as part of its plan to cement Queensland as the events capital of Australia,” Minister Powell said.
“Finding Nemo will bring families to Brisbane and Cairns, support local jobs and businesses, and encourage visitors to stay longer in both our capital and our regional communities.
“From the Barrier Reef to the big stage, this production gives us an opportunity to celebrate Queensland as a place where our environment, events, culture and world-class tourism experiences go hand in hand.”
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the production would bring a world-class theatre experience to Queensland families.
“Finding Nemo is one of the world’s most loved family stories and Queensland families will be the first in Australia to experience it on stage,” Minister Langbroek said.
“This production combines stunning puppetry, unforgettable music and a story generations of Australians know and love.
“Importantly, the season will be shared between Brisbane and Cairns, ensuring more Queensland families can enjoy this Australian premiere closer to home.”
Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Barron River Bree James said bringing the production to Cairns was a major win for Tropical North Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government is making sure regional Queensland shares in the benefits of major events,” Ms James said.
“This Australian premiere will bring more visitors into local hotels, restaurants and attractions while showcasing everything Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
“Many visitors will extend their stay to experience the reef, rainforest and our incredible local tourism experiences.”
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Chief Executive Officer Rachel Healy said there was no better home for Nemo’s stage debut in Australia than Queensland, the home of the Great Barrier Reef
“We are delighted to host the Australian premiere of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical as part of QPAC’s children’s festival, Out of the Box, and to welcome audiences from across Queensland and beyond to experience this remarkable show,” Ms Healy said.
“Few stories are as closely connected to Australia’s natural wonders as Finding Nemo.
“Bringing this much-loved movie to life on stage in Queensland creates a wonderful connection between story and place.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Cairns Performing Arts Centre to have an exclusive Queensland premiere in both Brisbane and Cairns and are grateful to the Queensland Government for enabling this season through Tourism and Events Queensland funding support.”
To book, visit qpac.com.au or https://cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au/