PAX Aus 2026 is shaping up to be a massive show with plenty of new and returning vendors locked in, celebrity guests announced and as always, lots to see, do and enjoy.
If you’re visiting PAX Aus for the first time this year, there’s so much you should know about the excitement around the event, how it runs and how to make the most of your time. If you’re a returning veteran, you might need a refresher.
To that end, I have some key tips and tricks to get you started, inspired by my own experiences of PAX Aus and all the fun I’ve gotten up to over the years. Here’s everything you need to know about having the best three-day weekend you can manage.
PAX Aus 2026 survival guide – quick links
Wear comfortable shoes, even if they’re ugly
The most important piece of advice I can impart is one that’s been hard-earned. If you’re attending PAX Aus and particularly if you’re planning to visit for all three days of the convention, you must wear comfortable shoes.
It’s not about style. It’s not about being flashy. If you get blisters early into the show you’ll have a rough time for the rest of it.
PAX Aus is set across multiple floors of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with panels on all layers of the building and from its furthest to its closest entrance. You’ll be doing a lot of walking during the event. Make sure you’re sensible about your footwear.
Pre-plan by making a schedule, but don’t pack it with too many panels
The PAX Aus team has an official app and website that details every activity, panel and showcase taking place at every hour of the day. Use either of these resources prior to the show to note down a loose schedule of what you might like to watch and participate in, then plan your days around these events.
Most of the time at PAX Aus, you’ll be wandering the show floor browsing vendor goodies or just hanging out with your friends. Creating a schedule on your phone (or as a physical list, as I prefer) can help to give structure to your day and make sure you’re able to see everything you want to see within the allotted times.
As an additional piece of advice, it’s best to make sure you schedule only a few panels to attend. If you spend all of PAX Aus sitting in a theatre or queue hall, you won’t get to experience all the fun and games on offer.
Scope out the main hall and surrounds, then top load your plans
Another good tip for planning is to leave time to scope out PAX Aus to begin your day. Rather than committing to one activity or panel straight away, it’s a good idea to do a flyover of the main hall and its surrounds first, noting any activities that seem fun or up your alley.
That way, you get a better idea of what’s happening and what you’d like to see or play. If you spot a cool game at a Nintendo booth, make a note of it. If there’s a small line, you might like to consider popping in early as they tend to fill up by the afternoon, but you can also loop back around once you’ve glanced at everything and understand the complete picture.
Leave some time to play games
At PAX Aus, you’ll find various booths offering games of all kinds – independently-made games from Australia, upcoming international blockbusters and tabletop experiences.
There’s plenty of great new adventures to discover and you should absolutely leave time to explore them. When you’re keen for a break from the hustle and bustle, make time to visit any eye-catching game booths in PAX Rising or featured in the PAX Aus Indie Showcase.
You might just find a new favourite game, as well as getting the chance to take a break, slow down and breathe.
Don’t forget about having a good lunch
PAX Aus is always an exciting time. You’ll be tempted to maximise your time on the show floor by putting off lunch. You might think time eating is less time spent enjoying things. Do not fall into this trap.
To survive PAX Aus, you need to prepare to take breaks, and that means having a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner to bolster your strength.
There are some quick and easy options for eating within the halls of the MCEC. There’s a nice pretzel truck usually, as well as a truck with very good cinnamon doughnuts.
For anything heartier, you’ll want to exit the MCEC and head to the restaurants surrounding PAX Aus. That includes the ever-reliable Boatbuilders Yard, which has plenty of space, the Munich Brauhaus down South Wharf, The General Assembly and fast food places in DFO South Wharf, a five-minute walk from the MCEC.
Leave space in checked or carry-on luggage
For anyone flying into PAX Aus, there is another tip I’d like to share, based on personal experiences.
Vendors at PAX Aus tend to have pretty good deals on items like card games and board games. Not only that, but they do bring in brand new releases, occasionally before they hit other retail stores in Australia.
If you have a tendency to make impulse purchases or you just want to treat yourself during PAX Aus, it’s best to leave some room in your luggage to store any bulky items.
Please learn from me. If you’re going to buy board games – especially big box board games – you need to bring a slightly larger bag than you expect. Otherwise you’ll need to prepare to carry around extra bags, which can be unwieldy and annoying for carry-on.
Final housekeeping and recommendations for PAX Aus 2026
Beyond these key tips, it’s also worth noting some general housekeeping rules to make the most of your time and ensure you’re a respectful PAX Aus attendee. Most of this is common sense, but well worth noting anyway.
If you’re playing games at any booths, respect that game developers are there to show off personal works. Keep any feedback constructive. If you’re waiting in a queue for any event, be patient and polite at all times. Everyone is in the same boat as you.
If you’re keen to take a photo of a cosplayer, always ask for permission first. When videoing, be mindful of asking others if they’re comfortable with that. Be particularly careful when children are present, and respect the wishes of them and their parents.
Keep all of this mind and PAX Aus 2026 will be a blast.
