Plan Your Visit
Travel and accommodation information for the International Talent Identification and Development Conference 2026
Co‑hosted by the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport, the four‑day International Talent Identification and Development Conference will be delivered across two cities at key high‑performance centers.
- Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 4th - 5th of May 2026
- PACE Auditorium, University of Queensland Dutton Park Campus, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 8th - 9th of May 2026
Location
Canberra
Address: Charlesworth Theatre, Combat Centre, Australian Institute of Sport, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce ACT 2617
Australia’s capital city and home of the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra provides a central location for the opening two days of the program.
- Domestic flights arrive regularly at Canberra Airport (CBR) from major Australian cities.
- Canberra Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the AIS by car.
- Public transport, ride-share, and taxi services provide direct access from the airport to the AIS.
- Free on‑site parking is available within close proximity to the AIS Combat Centre.
AIS Site Works
The AIS is presently undertaking significant construction works under the Podium Project, which may impact access and facilities during the conference.
To find out more, please visit www.ausport.gov.au/ais-podium-project
Brisbane
Address: PACE Auditorium, University of Queensland Dutton Park Campus, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
The final two days will be hosted by the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane, host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) provides extensive domestic and international connections.
- Brisbane Airport is approximately 30 minutes from Brisbane
- Public transport, ride-share, and taxi services provide direct access from the airport to Brisbane.
Travelling Between Canberra and Brisbane
Canberra and Brisbane are approximately 1,200 km apart. Attendees will need to travel between cities during the conference.
The conference program has been designed to allow sufficient time for interstate travel.
Flights
The most efficient way to travel between Canberra and Brisbane is by air.
- Direct flights operate regularly between Canberra Airport (CBR) and Brisbane Airport (BNE)
- Flight time is approximately 2 hours
Driving
Travel between Canberra and Brisbane by car is possible, with an approximate driving time of 12–14 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. This option may suit attendees planning extended travel or wishing to visit regional areas en route.
Coach / Bus / Train
There are no direct coach or train services operating between Canberra and Brisbane. Travel by coach requires a transfer in Sydney, with total travel time typically 16–18 hours, depending on connection times and services. Most coach journeys operate overnight and include scheduled stops.
Accommodation
Canberra Accommodation
Mecure Hotel Canberra Belconnen
Conference delegates are eligible for a 20% discount at the Mecure Hotel Belconnen, located within close proximity to the Australian Institute of Sport. Use this link to access your discounted conference rate.
Conference delegates are eligible for a 20% discount off the best flexi rate at the Deco Hotel Canberra.
Promocode: AUSPORTSCBR
Terms & Conditions: Minimum stay of 2 nights. Stay dates between 2nd May to 7TH May 2026. 7-day cancellation terms - changes or cancellations will occur no fee up until 7 days of arrival date. Free of charge parking.
Conference delegates are eligible for a 20% discount off the best flexi rate at the Avenue Hotel Canberra
Promocode: AUSPORTSCBR
Terms & Conditions: Minimum stay of 2 nights. Stay dates between 2nd May to 7TH May 2026. 7-day cancellation terms - changes or cancellations will occur no fee up until 7 days of arrival date. Free of charge parking.
Conference delegates are eligible for a 20% discount off the best flexi rate at the Pavillion on Northbourne.
Promocode: AUSPORTSCBR
Terms & Conditions: Minimum stay of 2 nights. Stay dates between 2nd May to 7TH May 2026. 7-day cancellation terms – changes or cancellations will occur no fee up until 7 days of arrival date. Free of charge parking.
Opened in 1985, the AIS Athletes Village is the ideal accommodation for groups, sporting teams, schools, and individuals to stay on site during their stay in Canberra.
The available Athletes Village accommodations include:
- One king single bed per room
- Common amenities and facilities
- Configured in blocks of 12 rooms
- Four shared bathrooms in each block
- Each room has a sink, fan, oil heater, wardrobe, internet connection
- In the AIS Dining Hall, you will enjoy a variety of healthy, nutritious meals alongside high-performance athletes (included in all on-site stays).
Cost is $110.00 per person per night.
To book, please email bookings@ausport.gov.au and mention you are with the International Talent Identification and Development Conference 2026
Brisbane Accommodation
Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Book via link. 10% off best available rate subject to availability
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Conference delegates are eligible for a 15% discount
Promocode: ISB15
Terms & Conditions: Minimum two (2) night stay, applicable from May 6 – 11. Not valid with any other offer.
Conference delegates are eligible for a 10% discount. Use this link to access your discounted conference rate.
Terms & Conditions: 10% off best flexible rate, subject to availability. Not valid with any other office.
Things To Do
Canberra
Official Conference Events - Canberra
Monday 4th May:
- Tea and coffee available onsite
- AIS cafe (located in the AIS Visitors Centre) open from 8am-3pm
- Conference proceedings begin at 9.30am
- Lunch and afternoon tea provided
- Networking event onsite 5pm-6.30pm in the AIS Combat Centre
- Dinner option (further detail to follow)
Tuesday 5th May
- Tea and coffee available onsite
- AIS cafe (located in the AIS Visitors Centre) open from 8am-3pm
- Conference proceedings begin at 8.30am
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided
- Optional tour of AIS from 4pm-5.15pm
Other Recommendations - Canberra
Food and Drink:
Some popular areas with a range of options include:
- Braddon (Lonsdale Street, Mort Street and surrounds, see Braddon| VisitCanberra, opens in a new tab for more)
- New Acton (corner of Marcus Clarke St & Edinburgh Avenue, see New Acton| Categories | Eat & Drink, opens in a new tab for more)
- Canberra City (see Broadsheet, opens in a new tab for more)
- Dickson (Wooley Street, Challis Street and surrounds, see Dickson and surrounds | VisitCanberra, opens in a new tab for more)
- Manuka, Kingston (see Manuka + Kingston: Your ultimate guide to Canberra's most historic suburbs | HerCanberra, opens in a new tab for more)
Activities and Sightseeing
- Check out https://visitcanberra.com.au/, opens in a new tab for current events.
- Go Boat: Hire an electric picnic boat for a day out on Lake Burley Griffin (see GoBoat Canberra | Kingston, opens in a new tab for more information)
Exercise options
Southside:
- Running for Resilience run club: Mondays @ 6:15am / Wednesdays @ 6pm, Kingston Foreshore (Kingston Foreshore | Join Community Runs Today — Running for Resilience, opens in a new tab)
- Burley Griffin Eastern loop (Burley Griffin Eastern Loop - MapMyRun, opens in a new tab)
Northside:
- Running for Resilience run club: Tuesdays @ 6pm, Denman (Denman | Join Us for Resilience Runs — Running for Resilience, opens in a new tab)
- Lake Ginninderra (Lake Ginninderra - Recreational cycle route | RouteYou, opens in a new tab)
- Mount Ainslie (Mt Ainslie Summit Trail, ACT - Walking Maps, opens in a new tab)
City:
- Bridge to Bridge (5km loop, start anywhere along the route) (Bridge to Bridge - MapMyRun, opens in a new tab)
- +/- Parliament House loop (Bridge to Bridge and Parliament House - MapMyRun, opens in a new tab)
Brisbane
Official Conference Events - Brisbane
Brisbane: Friday 8th May
- Tea and coffee available from 7:30am
- Conference proceedings will begin at 8:30am
- Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea provided
- Conference finishes 5:00pm
- Dinner option TBC – South Brisbane
- Optional AFL Game – Brisbane Lions vs Carlton (Further details to follow)
Saturday 9th May:
- Tea and coffee available from 8:15am
- Conference proceedings will begin at 9:00am
- Morning tea and lunch provided
- Conference finishes 3.30pm
Other Recommendations - Brisbane
Food and Drink
Some popular areas with a range of options include:
- South Bank (see https://www.visitsouthbank.com.au/ , opens in a new tabfor more information)
- West End (see West End | Visit Brisbane, Australia, opens in a new tab for more information)
- Brisbane City (see Things to do in Brisbane City, opens in a new tab for more information)
- New Farm Park (see Eat and Drink – New Farm Park , opens in a new tabfor more information)
- Mt Gravatt – close to QSAC - recommendations include Little Black Pug, Steel & Grind, Andonis Café and Bar, Hallowed Grounds Espresso, Little Glass Room, Cenzo’s café and bar, and Lowell Café
Activities and Sightseeing
- Check out https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/, opens in a new tab for great suggestions to meet all tastes, time and budgets.
- Don’t forget to jump on a City Cat (How to See Brisbane by CityCat | Queensland, opens in a new tab) for only 50c and see the city from the river.
- Brisbane is approximately 1 hour (car or train) from the Gold Coast and 1.5 hours from the Sunshine Coast. Check out Get Up & Gold Coast | Experience Gold Coast, opens in a new tab and Find your Sunshine Moment | Visit Sunshine Coast, opens in a new tab for options.
Exercise options
- Check out Top running routes in Brisbane | Brisbane City Council, opens in a new tab and You need these running routes in your life! - Bridge To Brisbane, opens in a new tab for recommended running and outdoor gym locations.
- Parkrun: A free, fun and friendly weekly 5km community running event, parkrun is a popular way for Australians to spend their Saturday morning. Suggested Brisbane Park runs include: South Bank - home | South Bank parkrun | South Bank parkrun, opens in a new tab “One of the best parkruns in Australia” – RunDNA; St Lucia (UQ) - home | St Lucia parkrun | St Lucia parkrun;, opens in a new tab Wishart - home | Wishart parkrun | Wishart parkrun;, opens in a new tab New Farm - home | New Farm parkrun | New Farm parkrun, opens in a new tab
- More information can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/, opens in a new tab and A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Brisbane Parkruns | RunDNA, opens in a new tab
Contact
For further information, please email austidconference@ausport.gov.au