There are few gaming conventions with a primary boardgame focus in Australia.
The ones listed below are boardgaming centred and are family friendly. The intent at all of these conventions is to have families and new friends play together, but not to act as babysitters, so check any age restrictions before planning on your child going to the convention on their own.
Most video game / role-playing / science-fiction conventions will feature some board gaming, but might not be suited to hopeful game players walking in off the street.
The Australian Toy and Games Expo (Sydney)
This convention is the biggest aimed at casual gamers. It runs over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (mid-June). It is based at Showgrounds (ex-Olympic venue) at Homebush.
There are many retailers as well as small publishers demonstrating their games. Lots of games are available to borrow.
In the evenings, the gaming moves to another venue.
Border Con (Albury-Wodonga)
This convention runs in Albury, on the NSW/Victoria border. It takes place on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (mid-June). It has been run in the Hume Inn Motel, which provides the gaming venue and also offers accommodation.
CanCon (Canberra)
CanCon in held over the Australia Day long weekend.
This long-running games convention is held in Canberra, in the Exhibition Park (EPIC).
General entry is free and there are always lots of board and card games as well as wargaming with miniatures. There are many retailers as well as a second-hand stall.
ConCentric Games (South Australia)
ConCentric takes place in the Barossa Valley, just an hour north of Adelaide. It’s a family friendly event located at a motel crafted from converted railway carriages.
MeepleCon (Melbourne)
MeepleCon is run in Melbourne’s north in the first weekend of December by Melbourne Meeples. Highlighting the great games of the year and the best of the past with open play and some organised play.
Tasmanian Spring Gamesfest (near Hobart)
Tasmanian Spring Gamesfest is an annual gaming event occurring on the last weekend of November each year. A ticket includes meals and accommodation to allow you to get the most of your gaming. All Tabletop (e.g. Board, LCG/CCG, Miniatures & Roleplaying) gamers are welcome and there is a library of board games available during the event.
Other Conventions
There are lists of some other gaming-related Conventions at ConCentric Games and at Game Convention Central