Show 'N' Shine

People looking at cars on display at the Rockynats Show n Shine

The biggest display-competition of new, restored and remodelled vehicles in every shape, colour, and era.

The Finch's Mitre 10 Show ‘n’ Shine showcases the best-of-the-best in paint jobs, remodels, restorations, and new features.

You can see over 200 vehicles each day in the Rockynats Show ‘n’ Shine competition, located in the CBD Precinct along Quay Street and East Street. Over the weekend, you’ll be wowed by how stunning, detailed and, well, shiny these vehicles are.

A slower-paced, awe-inspiring aspect of Rockynats, this competition is not to be missed. While kids will be amazed at the mix of colours, shapes, and ‘cool’ exteriors, adults will love the time-warp of modern top-of-the-line models through to cars and bikes from the 1930s. This is a perfect precinct to grab a bite, slow down along the riverside and chat with the Show ‘n’ Shine competitors.

Trans Am driving on Quay Street in Rockynats Street Parade with crowd in background

What is the Rockynats Show ‘n’ Shine Precinct like?

The Finch's Mitre 10 Show ‘n’ Shine precinct is flanked by the glistening Fitzroy River on one side and Rockhampton heritage buildings on the other. This zone is a competition space unlike any other at Rockynats.

While you can get your heart pumping from the sidelines at the Burnouts, Street Drags, and 4x4 Zone, at the Finch's Mitre 10 Show ‘n’ Shine you can slow down and immerse yourself amongst these impressive vehicles. This precinct covers over 700m of road along Quay and Denham Streets, so there is plenty to see. Take the time to start at one end and stroll through the displays while you enjoy the live music, chat with the competitors and grab a coffee or a bite to eat along the way. There are a number of cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as Rockynats food trucks. We recommend using the Rockhampton Events app to check the opening hours for local cafes.

What vehicles will be displayed in the Show ‘n’ Shine precinct?

There will be up to 200 cars on display in the Finch's Mitre 10 Show ‘n’ Shine precinct every day. In the past, this has included vehicles ranging from the 1930s to the most recent 2000s. You’ll see sedans, utes, vans, coupes and more. Some have had extensive upgrades, others are remodelled, and some have been restored to their original glory. You can expect to see electric colours, rare models, impressive engines and plenty of shiny interiors and exteriors.

How is Show ‘n’ Shine Judged?

The vehicles in the Finch's Mitre 10 Show ‘n’ Shine area all go through rigorous pre-judging at the time of scrutineering by vehicle experts from Summernats before the Rockynats event. This is the first stage of the competition, and only those who make the cut can display in the Show ‘n’ Shine competition zone. The cars are then judged on various factors. This may include paint and body modifications, engine performance upgrades, custom fabrication, wheel, suspension and brake upgrades, or custom interiors. There is a wide range of categories, and the final winners are announced at the Rockynats Full Throttle Awards on Sunday night.

4 Wheel Drive on Fitzroy River at Ski Gardens - W3L4HY - Rockynats

Spectator tips for Show ‘n’ Shine

This impressive precinct is well worth some time over the Rockynats weekend.

Here are some tips for how to get the most out of the Show ‘n’ Shine precinct:

  • Bring a camera! If you want to capture some unique and impressive photos from your weekend at Rockynats, Show ‘n’ Shine is perfect. If you ask the owners politely, they may even allow you to pose beside their vehicle.
  • Use the Rockynats map to find the start of the display area. This way, you won’t miss any of the displays.
  • Pack a hat and sunscreen and buy some water. This zone is outside and can get very hot. We recommend sun protection if you’re heading to the Show ‘n’ Shine for lunch.
  • Time your visit to also grab a bite from the food and drink vans or the surrounding CBD cafes and bars. We recommend checking the Rockynats app for the opening hours of local cafes.
  • Chat with the vehicle owners. Our competitors are proud of their entry cars and bikes and would love to tell you about them. Say hello, but always ask before you touch.

Any Rockynats ticket will give you access to the Show ‘n’ Shine zone. For the perfect weekend for the whole family, purchase your Rockynats tickets to see these incredible vehicles and everything else Rockynats has to offer.

2023 Show 'n' Shine Winners

Rockynats 03 Grand Champion

Winner

Billy Shelton

Sicko Candy 1987 Holden VL Calais

Judging Extras

Judge's Choice (sponsored by Burson Auto Parts)

Shannon Christoffel

Green 1977 Holden Torana Sedan

Peoples’ Choice

Bruce Knight

Grey 1977 Holden Torana Hatch

Officials’ Official

Melissa McKay

Benaraby Drags

Meguiars Superstars Qualifiers

Winner

Billy Shelton

‘Sicko’ Candy 1987 Holden VL Calais

Winner

Lincoln Stevens

Custom Kandy over base 1989 BMW E30 Coupe

Winner

Elton Walker

Soprano Burgundy 1957 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery Wagon

Winner

Steve Wilkes

Machine grey 1987 Holden Commodore Sedan

Street Awards (Sponsored by Rare Spares)

Top Exhibition

Andrew Pont

Fuschia Metal Flake 1967 VW Meyers Manx Roadster

Top Engine Bar

Nyjel Boeheme

Soul Red 1964 Holden EH Panel Van

Top Interior

Winner

Phil Kirby

Deep Crystal Blue 1968 Ford XT Fairmont Sedan

2nd

Michael Sapienza

Platinum Gold 1972 Holden HQ Coupe

Top Bodywork

Winner

Davo Tennyson

Candy Apple Red 1954 Holden FJ Sedan

2nd

Mark Levinge

Green Metallic 1967 Valiant VC Sedan

Top Paint

Winner

Mark Levinge

Green Metallic 1967 Valiant VC Sedan

2nd

Adam Sommerville

Red 1974 Holden Hi Premier 4-door Sedan

Top Engineered

Shaye O'Reilly

Silver mink 1985 Datsun 1200 Ute

Top Hot Rod

Winner

Colin McGahan

Glasarat Black 1932 Ford 5W Coupe Coupe

2nd

Glenn Walsh

Verde Libero E Bello 1932 Ford Roadster Roadster

Top Original Unrestored / Unrestored

Andrew Jamieson

Sky Blue 1961 Holden EK Sedan

Top Muscle Car

Jarrod St Johnwood

Silver Mink 1969 Holden HK Monaro Coupe

Top Sedan

Davo Tennyson

Candy Apple Red 1954 Holden FJ Sedan

Top Coupe

Michael Sapienza

Platinum Gold 1972 Holden HQ Coupe

Top Convertible

Ross Mylrea

Red 1960 Plymouth Fury Coupe

Top Station Wagon / Van

Nyjel Boehme

Soul Red 1964 Holden EH Panel Van

Top Ute / Pick Up

Ben George

Candy Apple Red 1978 Holden HZ One Ton Cab Chassis

Top Competition

Jayden Gray

Black/Red 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe

Top Custom

Neil McMahon

Pepper Grey 1948 Chevrolet Custom Coupe

Top Japanese

Shane Satchwell

Charcoal 1971 Datsun 1600 (510) Sedan

Top USA

Stephen Marino

Black 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe

Top European

Kirrily White

Pearl Blue 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan

Top Ratter

Jason King

Burgundy 1947 Bedford Truck Rat Rod Van

Best Presented 4-Wheel Drive

Rob Morris

Black 2009 Toyota Landcruiser Tray Top Ute