The countdown is on to one of Australia’s biggest events

It’s been a long 35 years since Matilda the 13.5m winking kangaroo was the star of the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. But the games have rolled around to Queensland once again and this time the Gold Coast is the home city.

Last week the official beginning of the one year to go countdown began with trade, tourism and investment minister, Steven Ciobo announcing the exciting moment.

“With one year to go there is a sharpened focus on preparing our athletes to be at their best and I wish all participants and officials, event organisers and the 15,000 volunteers all the best for a great games,” minister Ciobo said.

As well as more than 100,000 visitors that are expected to visit the Gold Coast for the Games, another 1.5 billion will tune in worldwide.

With the launch of the official one year countdown also comes the release of up-to-date ticket pricing.

Read more: Gold Coast shines in lead up to Commonwealth Games

Children’s tickets start from $10, adults from $20 and more than 55 per cent of all tickets are $40 or under.

For people wanting to head along to the Games, a ticket request process has been created.

All you have to do is head to the gc2018.com website and make your request, if there are more requests than tickets available then a computer will randomly select orders by a random draw.

Ticket requests will be available for four weeks beginning April 24. So, begin planning what sporting events you’d like to see now, that way you have the best chance of seeing what you want and when.

To take a look at the sports competition schedule, head to the Gold Coast 2018 website and start planning.

Watch the video below for more information to make the most of your Commonwealth Games experience.

Are you heading along to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018? Let us know what sporting events you’d like to see in the comments section below.