Favourite lost property auction is back!

The 2024 Brisbane Airport Lost Property Auction is officially underway, featuring the surprising items left behind by the 22.6 million passengers who travelled through the terminal in the past year. 

Despite efforts to reunite owners with their belongings, many items remain unclaimed well beyond the standard holding period. 

Brisbane Airport holds an auction once a year, with proceeds benefiting young Queenslanders through the Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. Last year’s auction raised $80,000, assisting TrekShed’s youth program in collaboration with PCYC and Little Wings, which flies sick children from regional areas to the city for treatment. 

A totaly of 486 lots are going under the virtual hammer allowing people to grab a bargain in the lead-up to Christmas. 

There are no reserves on any items, so everything must go, with the sale process run by Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers.  

“This auction is hugely popular because it offers people a chance to snag a bargain while knowing their money is supporting young Queenslanders in need,” said Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport Media & Corporate Affairs Manager.

“It is simply bizarre some of the items left behind by the 60,000 passengers passing through Brisbane Airport each day.” 

Unclaimed items going under the hammer include: 

• Tech items – a huge range of phones, laptops, iPads, phonebanks, air tags, headphones, AirPods, printer and more 
• Cameras & photography equipment including Canon 5D with 70-200mm lens 
• Portable speakers including large JBL boombox  
• Fishing equipment – rods & reels including a reel for marlin fishing 
• Set of poker chips & playing cards 
• Pioneer DJ Controller 
• Jewellery – bangles, rings, bracelets, ear rings, chains / necklaces, pendants etc 
• Watches 
• Sony Playstation 4 
• Nintendo Switch 
• Go Pro 
• Footwear – sneakers, slides, sandals  
• Safety gear – steel cap boots, clothing etc 
• Handbags 
• Sunglasses 
• Purses & wallets 
• Perfume 
• Baby / toddler gear - bassinet, porta cot, stroller 
• Artworks – paintings / prints / posters 
• Lego 
• Surfboards & boogie boards 
• Sleds 
• Assorted camping gear 
• Climbing gear
• Bicycles, scooters, helmets 
• Ninja Blender 
• Guitars 
• Massage table 
• Selfie stick 
• Electric drum kit 
• Umbrellas 
• Books 
• Hair care products 
• Kitchenware 
• Eskies 
• CPAP machines 
• Box of paint
• Arm (movie prop)  

“There are items to entertain you, surprise you, and even relax you, with a full massage table that’s been left behind in our terminal. There’s even CPAP machines for a better night’s sleep. Whether you want to unwind after your travels, jam out on a guitar, or get your game on with a Sony PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, our lost property auction has something for everyone. You might even find a stylish handbag, a unique piece of jewellery, or a fishing rod to inspire your next adventure. Don’t miss the chance to discover your next favorite find!” 

Airport memorabilia 

To boost the fundraising effort, Brisbane Airport has added special items:  

• 12-month Brisbane Airport Parking  
• Behind the scenes airside tour at Brisbane Airport 
• Core samples from Brisbane's legacy runway cut during the recent renovation of the threshold 
• Runway signs used on the airfield 

 Sport memorabilia

The Brisbane Lions are the hottest team in town right now and there are some cool items as part of the auction. 

• A Lions VIP experience package including: 
• 2024 Team Home Signed Guernsey with a Certificate of Authentication. 
• 4 x tickets to a 2025 Brisbane Lions home game at the Gabba (game selection subject to availability) 
• Money Can’t Buy Experience: exclusive opportunity to watch the inside warm-up and be on the ground for the Guard of Honour as the team run out! 
• Life sized cutouts of Charlie Cameron (signed), Dane Zorko (signed), Lachie Neale and Cam Reyner 

From the Brisbane Heat, a VIP experience package including:  

 1 x BBL|14 signed jersey 

• 1 x WBBL|10 signed jersey 
• 4 x VIP tickets to WBBL10 home game (Gold Tickets – General Admission)  
• 4 x VIP tickets to BBL14 home game (Gold Tickets – General Admission) 
• 1 x money can’t buy experience at BBL|14 home game including pre-game pitch walk. View of bat flip and on-field photo opportunity. 

 Help us solve a mystery 

There is one item not included in the auction due to its irreplaceable sentimental value.  

We’re seeking the public’s help to find the owner of a set of medals which were left behind. These medals belong to a decorated Australian Defence Force member who served in the Vietnam War and also in the 2011 Queensland Floods and 2019 Townsville Floods. 

“These are extremely precious items, and we’re confident that with the media attention the lost property auction receives, someone will be able to connect us with the family of this veteran with a very distinguished service record.” 

Anyone with information can contact [email protected]

Auction end 

 The online auction will end on Sunday 27 October with lots progressively closed off from 10am and continuing throughout the day.  

To bid head to bne.com.au/auction

For interview contact Brisbane Airports 24/7 media hotline: 0466 322 485