Explore. Connect. Reimagine the Future of Trails.
The World Trails Conference 2026 is where the global trails community comes together — to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and celebrate the power of trails to connect people, cultures, and landscapes.
This year’s agenda has been thoughtfully crafted to take you on a journey — from inspiring keynote presentations and engaging panel discussions to immersive field experiences and cultural events that showcase the best of Western Australia.
Across four dynamic days, you’ll hear from international leaders, local innovators, First Nations voices, and passionate trail advocates shaping the future of sustainable recreation, tourism, and conservation. You’ll have the chance to learn, collaborate, and contribute to global conversations about how trails can regenerate land, support communities, and inspire meaningful connection with nature.
Beyond the sessions, the conference is an experience in itself — with opportunities to walk the land, meet fellow trailblazers, and celebrate shared achievements under WA’s vast southern skies.
This isn’t just a schedule of sessions — it’s a living, breathing celebration of what trails represent.
Discover what’s planned below and start mapping your path through an agenda designed to inform, inspire, and transform.
View of the Perth City Skyline from Optus Stadium. Credit: Tourism WA
Monday Trail Experiences
Start your conference experience out on the trail. Our Monday half-day and full-day trail experiences offer a unique opportunity to explore Western Australia’s diverse landscapes, connect with fellow delegates, and see world-class trails in action. These curated experiences are available to book during registration and are designed to showcase the very themes of connection, culture, and conservation that underpin the conference.
Explore the full list of trail experiences and find the journey that’s right for you.
Tuesday 20 October 2026
| Time | Agenda | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 | Morning Walk: Urban Trail #1 | East Perth |
| 8:00 | Registration | Foyer 3 |
| 8:45 | Welcome to Noongar Boodjar | Grand River Ballroom |
| 9:15 | Welcome to WTC2026 | Golden Ballroom |
| 9:45 | Opening Keynote | Golden Ballroom |
| 10:15 | Morning tea | Grand River Ballroom |
| 10:55 | Keynote | Breakout Rooms |
| 11:55 | Room change | |
| 12:05 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 13:20 | Lunch | Grand River Ballroom |
| 14:20 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 15:35 | Room change | |
| 15:45 | Concurrent Sessions | Golden Ballroom |
| 17:00 | Welcome reception | Grand River Ballroom |
Wednesday 21 October 2026
| Time | Agenda | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Morning Walk: Urban Trail #2 | West Perth |
| 8:00 | Registration | Grand River Ballroom |
| 9:00 | Welcome: Day Two | Golden Ballroom |
| 9:10 | Keynote | Golden Ballroom |
| 10:10 | Morning tea | Grand River Ballroom |
| 10:55 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 12:10 | Room change | |
| 12:20 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 13:35 | Lunch | Grand River Ballroom |
| 14:35 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 15:50 | Room change | |
| 16:00 | World Trails Film Festival – Premiere | Golden Ballroom |
Thursday 22 October 2026
| Time | Agenda | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 | Morning Walk: Urban Trail #3 | Northbridge |
| 8:00 | Arrival tea and coffee | Grand River Ballroom |
| 9:00 | Welcome: Day Three | Golden Ballroom |
| 9:10 | Keynote | Golden Ballroom |
| 9:55 | Morning tea | Grand River Ballroom |
| 10:40 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 11:55 | Room change | |
| 12:10 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 13:25 | Lunch | Grand River Ballroom |
| 14:25 | Concurrent Sessions | Breakout Rooms |
| 15:40 | Room change | |
| 15:55 | World Trails Network 2028 | Golden Ballroom |
| 16:25 | World Trail Network 2026 Awards | Golden Ballroom |
| 17:10 | Conference closing remarks | Golden Ballroom |
| 18:00 | The Last Hurrah! | The Kingsman |
Conference snapshot:
| Over 70 case study sessions | Inspirational keynotes |
| Interactive workshops | Roundtables |
| Outdoor workshops | World Trails Network Awards |
| World Trails Network Ambassadors | Trails Film Festival |
| Live painting | Aussie animal encounters |
| Daily urban trail walks | Dedicated networking expo area |
| Sunset party on the Swan River |
John Forest – Off the Beaten Track
