What Is PAX Aus and What Can You Do There?

Updated

PAX Aus is Australia's biggest celebration of games and gaming culture, held over three full days under one roof at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The next edition is scheduled for 9–11 October 2026. It suits anyone who wants hands-on time with new video and tabletop games, plus panels, tournaments, and community events — from hardcore players and indie fans to board game groups and families planning a day out.

What happens at PAX Aus

The official site describes the show as a place where players, developers, publishers, and communities come together. The main areas include:

  • Expo Hall — exhibitors ranging from AAA publishers and developers behind blockbuster games to indie teams. Expect hands-on demos.
  • PAX Rising — a dedicated area for independent developers, described as the show's largest selection of indie tabletop and video games.
  • Tabletop — space to meet up and play board games and RPGs, with a full schedule and a lending library of board and card games.
  • Panels — technical deep-dives, debates, and creative showcases featuring industry professionals.
  • PAX Arena — the competitive hub of the show, built around esports and tournaments.

The site also lists cosplay, community meetups, and family-friendly options among the reasons to attend.

Who it's for

If you are… What to prioritise
A player wanting new releases Expo Hall demos from major publishers
An indie game fan PAX Rising
A board game or RPG group Tabletop schedule and the lending library
Into competitive gaming PAX Arena
Attending with family Family-oriented programming and a single-venue layout

Because everything is under one roof at MCEC, you can move between these areas without leaving the venue — useful if you're planning a single day rather than all three.

How to plan a visit

  1. Check the dates and venue. The site lists 9–11 October 2026 at MCEC, Melbourne. Confirm this on the official page before booking travel, since dates can shift.
  2. Get your badge. The site links to a "Buy Badges" page. Pricing and any login requirements aren't stated in the available material, so check that page directly rather than assuming cost or access terms.
  3. Build a rough schedule. Use the published schedule, special guests, and exhibitor lists to pick panels and tabletop sessions; the expo hall is best left as flexible time for demos.
  4. Sort logistics early. The site has dedicated pages for hotels and travel, FAQ, safety and accessibility, and a medical badge application — review these before finalising plans, especially for accessibility needs.
  5. Stay updated. The site offers a newsletter signup and a PAX app, plus social channels (Discord, Facebook, Instagram, and others), which is where schedule changes and announcements appear.

Common pitfalls

  • Treating it as a one-day show. Three full days are scheduled; a single day means choosing between expo demos, panels, and tabletop time rather than doing all three.
  • Ignoring the tabletop lending library. If you're going mainly for board games, you don't need to bring your own — but check the schedule for organised sessions.
  • Assuming details from past years. Guest lists, exhibitors, and hours change each edition; rely on the current official pages.

For the definitive programme, hours, and badge information, start at aus.paxsite.com and follow the Schedule, Special Guests, and Buy Badges links.