Brisbane, Australia – A stunning $11,000 diamond necklace sits among cockpit voice recorders, vintage airline seats, and hundreds of forgotten gadgets in what’s become Australia’s most anticipated annual treasure hunt.
The Brisbane Airport lost property auction opened October 13 with its biggest catalogue ever– 807 unclaimed items left behind by the 24 million travellers who passed through the terminals this year.
Every single item starts at just $1.
What’s Up for Grabs?
The star attraction? An 18-karat gold Bvlgari diamond necklace valued at $11,000. But that’s just the beginning of this year’s eclectic collection.
An 18-karat gold Bvlgari diamond necklace at the Brisbane Airport’s 2025 lost property auction
Electronics and gadgets dominate the lots:
- Laptops, tablets, and smartphones by the dozen
- Gaming consoles including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
- Cameras, drones, and portable speakers
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Fashion and accessories include:
- Designer handbags and sunglasses
- Jewellery ranging from everyday pieces to luxury watches
- Perfumes and cosmetics
Sporting and outdoor equipment:
- Bicycles and electric scooters
- Surfboards and fishing rods
- Camping gear
Brisbane Airport Corporation spokesperson Peter Doherty noted the surprising variety. “It’s always surprising and even a little bizarre to see what gets left behind by the 70,000 passengers who pass through Brisbane Airport each day,” he said.
Aviation Heritage Goes Under the Hammer
To mark Brisbane Airport’s 100th anniversary, this year’s auction includes rare aviation memorabilia that aviation enthusiasts won’t find anywhere else.
Special centenary items include:
- Departure gate signage (including the iconic yellow gates)
- A functioning cockpit voice recorder
- Vintage Ansett life jackets
- Rows of airline seats
- Movement Area Guidance Signs from the former Runway 01/19
Aviation Australia donated these items specifically to support Queensland children’s charities.
Brisbane Airport’s 2025 lost property auction features everything from luxury jewellery to vintage aviation equipment.
How It Works
The airport holds lost items for 60 days while attempting to reunite owners with their belongings. Items like neck pillows, blankets, and fresh food aren’t kept—they’re disposed of after a brief holding period.
More valuable items that remain unclaimed enter the annual auction managed by Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers.
Anthony McLeod, auctioneer for Lloyds, described the event as highly anticipated. “Bidders never know what they might find. It’s literally like digging through a treasure trove, and bidders are guaranteed to find a bargain here with all items listing from $1.”
The auction runs until November 2, with premium items featured in a special livestream closing at 10am on the final day.
Beyond Lost Luggage: Exclusive Experiences
The airport added unique experiences to boost fundraising efforts:
Money-can’t-buy packages include:
- 12 months of free parking at Brisbane Airport
- Behind-the-scenes airside tour of the airport operations
- Brisbane Lions VIP experience with signed jerseys and match tickets
- Brisbane Roar exclusive sporting memorabilia and game experiences
These additions aim to push this year’s fundraising total past $100,000—a fitting target for the airport’s centenary year.
Where the Money Goes
Every dollar raised goes directly to Queensland children’s charities through the Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.
Recent auction performance:
- 2024: $90,000 raised for Little Wings, Baby Give Back, Fair Fight Foundation, and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland
- 2023: $80,000 distributed to Little Wings and Trek Shed’s youth program
- 2022: $66,000 split between Zephyr Education, Speld, and Traction
- 2017 (inaugural online auction): $21,000 for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
The airport’s community support extends beyond the auction. Brisbane Airport has been a proud partner in various Queensland community initiatives, including festival sponsorships and local charity support.
The Scale of Lost and Found
Around 60,000 passengers move through Brisbane Airport’s domestic and international terminals daily. In the chaos of check-ins, security screenings, and gate rushes, forgetting belongings becomes surprisingly common.
This year’s 807 lots represent nearly double the 486 items auctioned in 2024. The increase reflects both growing passenger numbers and perhaps the heightened stress of travel in busy periods.
Stephen Beckett, Brisbane Airport’s Head of Public Affairs, explained why some items are left behind. “Some of the items left behind in the terminal are simply because passengers have exceeded their baggage limit and choose to leave them.”
Airport staff return two-thirds of lost items to their owners. The remaining third enters the auction system or goes to local charities.
Also Read: Shellharbour Airport Crash Claims Three Lives After Fiery Impact
Why This Matters
The airport lost property auction, which Brisbane residents have come to anticipate each year, serves multiple purposes. It prevents usable items from ending up in landfills, gives bargain hunters incredible deals, and most importantly, funds vital support services for Queensland’s most vulnerable children.
In an era where consumer waste remains a pressing environmental concern, the auction model offers a sustainable alternative. Rather than disposing of perfectly good electronics, clothing, and equipment, these items get a second life while generating charitable funds.
The addition of aviation heritage items this year adds historical value, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to own pieces of Queensland’s aviation history.
