Huge return on Beach Cup investment
LUCID Economics has reported that 26,000 people joined in last November’s Rockingham Beach Cup festivities and watched the horse races — up 25 per cent, Rockingham Beach Club committee chairwoman Donna McDonald reported at last week’s Palm Beach Rotary Club meeting.
The event’s licensed area — the Palm Beach Oasis — was packed with 2000 people, the maximum its licence allowed.
The Rockingham Beach Cup pumped an estimated $3.5 million into the local economy and raised the profile of Rockingham as a beautiful place to live,” she said.
The event created 22 full-time positions, 14 directly and eight indirectly, she added.
Rockingham City Council gets a return of 15 to one on every dollar it invests in the beach cup, Ms McDonald reported.
Lucid Economics, which has analysed the data from the beach cup, describes itself as a boutique consultancy working on economic development and tourism with government, local government. and businesses.
Ms McDonald and Palm Beach Rotary treasurer Doug Hess are using its analyses when working on the grant acquittal for the Rockingham City Council grant.
Past president Laurie Smith commented that when he had been talking with Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia (the Secret Harbour MLA) about a proposed Irish festival, it was expected a return of five to seven to one return would be expcted.
The Beach Cup’s return on investment hugely exceeds that.
President Rick Dawson commented that there had been some hiccups in the 2025 Oasis but we would learn from them for the next event.
The Rockingham Beach Cup is an iconic celebration that showcases Western Australia’s only beach horse racing experience, set against the stunning Rockingham foreshore. Across two unforgettable days, the event brings together locals and visitors for a vibrant weekend of entertainment, community connection, and coastal fun. https://rockinghambeachcup.com.au/
On Saturday 15 November, the festivities begin with the Rotary Community Festival at Churchill Park (2.00pm – 7.00pm). Enjoy live music, artisan markets, food stalls, and free family activities.
The excitement continues on Sunday 16 November from 10.00am, as the Rotary Community Festival returns with family-friendly entertainment on and off stage, gourmet food vendors, interactive activity zones, and artisan stalls. The highlight of the day – the spectacular beachside races – begins at midday.
For those looking for a premium experience, the Palm Beach Oasis (licensed area) opens from 12.00pm, offering ticket holders a toes-in-the-sand view of the finish line, cocktail and container bars, pop-up food, live DJ and band performances, charity auctions, and Fashions on the Foreshore.
First staged in 2016 by the Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA Inc., the Rockingham Beach Cup combines two of WA’s most loved pastimes – a day at the races and a day at the beach – all in one spectacular event. Proudly supported by the City of Rockingham through its Iconic Event Funding program, the Cup has grown into one of the state’s most unique attractions.
With support from RWWA, all horses are sourced through experienced trainers, featuring a mix of current and recently retired racehorses, with safety a top priority. Skilled jockeys ensure a professional yet relaxed racing experience. Unlike traditional race meets, there is no betting and no whips used – making this a truly community-focused event.
Funds raised from the Rockingham Beach Cup support vital causes, benefitting Variety – the Children’s Charity, jockey support initiatives, and Palm Beach Rotary community projects.
Tickets and more information coming soon.