The Hunter Bird Observers Club, the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Conservation Science, and the Australasian Wader Studies Group are pleased to announce that the 2026 Australasian Shorebird Conference (ASC) will be held in Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 19-21 September 2026.
The ASC is the largest gathering of amateur and professional shorebird enthusiasts from the region. This will be the first in-person event in eight years!
ASC 2026 will offer you the chance to hear from shorebird experts, as well as mingle with like-minded shorebird admirers and enthusiasts. There will be events before, during, and after the conference, including field trips and social events.
We, and our shorebirds, look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle at the ASC 2026.
About Newcastle
Newcastle is a coastal city located on the NSW coastline north of Sydney. Newcastle is the gateway to the Hunter Estuary and the Hunter Region, making it an ideal setting for the region’s premier gathering of shorebird researchers and enthusiasts. The Hunter region has much to offer, with the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site on the doorstep, along with coastlines, forests, woodlands, and more! We encourage you to extend your stay and explore the natural beauty of the Hunter Region.
The Venue
ASC 2026 will be held at Newcastle City Hall, one of Newcastle’s most prestigious venues in the heart of the city.
Locations of interest. Newcastle City Hall is easily accessible via public transport, with the Civic Light Rail stop located 200 metres away and buses stopping along King Street.
Paid parking is available in the surrounding streets.