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Australian Regional Tourism Convention 2026

Australian Regional Tourism convention 2026

Get ready to head west for the ART Convention in October 2026!

Nestled on the turquoise shores of Geographe Bay, Busselton in Western Australia’s iconic Margaret River Region offers the perfect blend of coastal charm, natural beauty, and world-class tourism experiences. Just a short drive from Perth yet a world away in atmosphere, Busselton and its surrounding region are renowned for their pristine beaches, towering forests, boutique wineries, artisanal food producers, and adventure tourism. From the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty to the rolling vineyards and coastal trails of the Margaret River Region, delegates will enjoy an inspiring setting that embodies the best of regional Australia.

The Australian Tourism Convention 2026 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about shaping the future of regional tourism in Australia. Designed for professionals across all sectors of the industry, the convention provides a dynamic forum to share ideas, explore innovative strategies for sustainable destination growth, and celebrate best-practice success stories. It’s also an invaluable networking opportunity—bringing together tourism operators, policymakers, and thought leaders in one of Australia’s most celebrated regional destinations.

Dates

20 – 23 October 2026

Programs

Convention Program coming soon

How to Get Here

Jetstar Australia flies direct from Sydney and Melbourne to Busselton – Margaret River three times a week

Guests arriving via Perth Airport can self-drive 2.5 hours south via the Forrest Highway

We recommend the following car hire companies;

Budget Australia

Europcar: Car Rental – Rent a new Car & Van Worldwide

Website

regionaltourism.com.au/convention-2026-destination

Event Socials

Information

Find out what to do while you’re in Australia’s South West.

Dates

20 – 23 October 2026

Conference Venue

Saltwater Convention Centre, Busselton WA

Notes

More information on registration will be provided directly from Australian Regional Tourism in due course. Be sure to visit their website for the latest – Regional Tourism

About your accommodation

The best place to start when looking for somewhere to stay before, during and after the Convention

Heyscape Cabins – Busselton

Off-grid tiny cabins located on unique wine properties.

$150 towards your stay with code SOUTHWEST150. *Conditions Apply

Amalfi Resort Busselton

Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park

Beach resort between Busselton and Dunsborough with chalets, glamping and camping.

Pay for 2, Stay for 3 this Winter at Mandalay

Private Properties

Discover luxury holiday homes in the South West for an unforgettable holiday.

Edge Luxury Villas

A perfect choice for couples seeking a memorable and indulgent getaway in Margaret River.

Use promo code SOUTHWEST for 10% off 3 nights or 20% off 4+ nights

Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping

Grab your sense of adventure and head to the farm for the ultimate luxury Winter Glamping Getaway in Margaret River.

‘PAY 2, STAY 3’ Luxury ‘Glampfire Getaway' & Daily Breakfast

Summerstar Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park

Perfect base to explore Busselton, for savvy guests travelling on a budget.

$27/night unpowered site, $29/night powered site

Willow Wood Glamping Retreat

Glamping in the Margaret River Region

Yala Yallingup Retreat and Spa

Tree Chalets

Eco friendly, luxury adults only accommodation with views of Australian bush & wildlife in Busselton.

Bayview Geographe Resort

Beachfront resort on Geographe Bay, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, tennis courts, BBQ facilities and direct access to Geographe Bay. Ideal for families & couples.

The Sebel Busselton

Spacious apartment style accommodation with beach access.

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Busselton

Family friendly holiday park near the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay.

Seashells Yallingup

Nestled amongst beautiful extensive gardens by the sea at Yallingup Beach.

Aqua Resort Busselton

Luxury water front accommodation nestled in peppermint woodlands and landscaped grounds.

Cape Executive Holiday Properties

A luxurious collection coastal and rural holiday rentals.

Stay 3 nights and the third night is half price

Indah Stays

Boutique Holiday Properties in the Margaret River Region

The Timothée Resort

Modern luxury meets retro charm

Two nights of cosy bliss, complete with a bottle of red wine and decadent s’mores kit. Starting at $360. Conditions apply.' Use code ''timdownsouth'

Hilton Garden Inn Busselton

On the shores of Geographe Bay

Complimentary breakfast and 25% off hotel food and beverage

Things to do around here

Find out what to do while you’re in Australia’s South West.

Happs Wines & Commonage Pottery

Visit this self-serve wine tasting venue and art gallery.

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Happs Pottery + Icon Honey

Working pottery studio and showroom with locally grown raw honey.

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Harvest Tours

Indulge and discover Margaret River’s Best Wine Tours.

Margaret River Surfing Academy

Ride the waves – learn to surf!

Margaret River Discovery Co

Wine and nature lovers’ tour experiences around Margaret River.

Origins Market

Enjoy market stalls, food, drinks, wine tastings and live entertainment in Busselton.

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience

Marvel at the ancient wonders of one of Geographe Bay’s most renowned tourist attractions.

Naturaliste Charters

Encounter some of the oceans rarest and most spectacular wildlife!

Wonnerup House at Wonnerup on Wadandi Country

Aboriginal Culture

Whale Watch Western Australia

Learn the language of the whales with expert guides.

Busselton Jetty

This wood-piled jetty is the longest in the Southern hemisphere.

Attractions & Outdoor Activities

Saltwater Busselton

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Scenic Helicopters

Take a Scenic Helicopter flight for the best way to see WA!

Par 3

Nestled in the serene bushland of Old Broadwater Farm in Busselton, WA, located only 8 minutes from the iconic Busselton Jetty, Par 3 invites golf enthusiasts, vacationers, and families to enjoy a golfing experience like no other.

Attractions & Outdoor Activities

Koomal Dreaming

Walk beside Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland and connect with history like never before.

Aboriginal Culture

Capes Raptor Centre

Up-close Bird of Prey Encounters and Forest Walk

Attractions & Outdoor Activities

Forage Safaris

Unique food, farm and wine tours in the South West.

Get ready to indulge your senses!

Savour the very best of exceptional local produce, world-class award winning wines, indulgent sweet treats and homegrown breweries and distilleries

Howard Park and Madfish Wines

Comprehensive wine experiences from the cellar door in Margaret River.

Margaret River Providore

Amazing food options, homewares, chocolate liqueurs, wine, and pantry delights.

Voyager Estate

The Purest Expression of Place.

Clairault Streicker Wines

An iconic cellar door and vineyard kitchen overlooking the vines.

Whicher Ridge Wines

Enchanting Busselton Winery & Sensory Garden

Domaine Naturaliste

A relaxing cellar door to taste award-winning wines and take in vineyard views.

Vasse Felix

Winery with tastings, dining & cellar tours, plus an art gallery.

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Other Side of the Moon Restaurant

Showcasing the Margaret River Region’s world renowned local produce and wines.

Beyond Distilling

Breweries & Distilleries

The Margaret River Chocolate Company

Mouth-watering, handmade premium Australian made chocolate.

INARA Busselton

Discover the exquisite taste of Levantine cuisine and experience the culinary mastery of Chef Daniel Johnson.

Aravina Estate & 8 Waves Brewing Co

A Margaret River winery and restaurant, Aravina Estate is a 180-acre wine growing property situated in the Margaret River Region

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Blue Manna Bistro

An Asian infused menu bursting with freshly caught seafood.

Leeuwin Estate

Sprawling estate winery offering tastings & tours, an upscale restaurant & gallery.

Beerfarm

Settle in at a cosy corner or long table for brewskies, bites and belly-laughs.

Breweries & Distilleries

Cape Mentelle

Visit this pioneer winery of the Margaret River wine region.

Passel Estate

Indulge in a unique wine tasting journey in beautiful surroundings in Margaret River.

Rústico at Hayshed Hill

A rustic vineyard restaurant in Margaret River serving award-winning tapas and world-class wines.

Wayfinder Cellar Door & Restaurant

Fishbone Wines

Boutique winery in Margaret River with a Japanese inspired restaurant.

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Want to know what other events are happening in October, and could persuade you to extend your stay? Look no further!

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BOOK NOW!

Take a look at these places to stay when planning your next visit to Australia’s South West.