It’s official – the ship’s horn has sounded, the gangway is down, and Brisbane has triumphantly strolled onboard. The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has announced its 2026 Annual Conference and AGM will drop anchor in Brisbane, securing the river city’s reputation as Australia’s next heavyweight in cruise tourism.
This wasn’t a sleepy port-call decision either. According to the ACA, the 2026 host city was determined after the most hotly contested bidding process in the event’s history, with strong proposals from several of Australia’s top cruise hubs. Yet Brisbane’s submission, carefully crafted by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) in collaboration with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Port of Brisbane, carried the day.
Their winning case? A blend of world-class cruise infrastructure, an enviable line-up of tourism experiences, a booming events sector, and a cruise economy already in full sail.
Setting the Course for 2026
(L – R) Brendan Connell, Port of Brisbane; Therese Phillips, Tourism and Events Queensland; Jill Abel, Australian Cruise Association; Tas Webber, Brisbane Economic Development Agency
From 2–4 September 2026, the Brisbane Marriott Hotel will become conference headquarters, hosting around 160 delegates. Expect a roll call of cruise line executives, port authorities, tourism officials, shipping agents and tour operators. In short: the who’s who of Australasia’s cruise industry.
The program includes a dedicated Queensland famil that will whisk international and domestic executives to the Whitsundays and Gladstone, ensuring they leave with more than just lanyards and name badges. It’s a chance to show off the full breadth of the Sunshine State’s seafaring treasures from pristine reef waters to industrial ports turned tourism gateways.
ACA’s Seal of Approval
Announcing Brisbane as the winning host, ACA Chief Executive Jill Abel didn’t mince her words:
“We are delighted to bring the ACA Conference back to Queensland in 2026. Brisbane offers state-of-the-art cruise infrastructure, a dynamic business-events environment, and seamless access to iconic regional destinations such as Townsville, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.”
She pointed to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, opened in 2022, as a game-changer. Finally, Brisbane could welcome the world’s biggest cruise ships without a navigational headache. Add to that BEDA’s Cruise Tourism Trade-Ready Program, which has helped local operators polish their cruise-friendly credentials, and you’ve got the recipe for a city ready to host – and impress.
The Lord Mayor Weighs In
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, never one to pass up the chance to promote his city, rolled out the civic pride:
“Brisbane is proud to host the 28th Australian Cruise Association Annual Conference in September 2026. As Australia’s lifestyle capital, our world-class tourism and experience economy is booming – and we want the cruise industry to get onboard.”
He wasn’t done:
“From vibrant riverfront precincts and iconic destinations to pristine coastlines and lush national parks, Brisbane offers something for everyone. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region and help shape the future of cruising in Australia.”
Momentum Matters
BEDA’s CEO, Anthony Ryan, joined the chorus, calling the announcement a “powerful endorsement of Brisbane’s momentum” as a cruise and events capital. He noted that with one of Australia’s premier cruise terminals, strong support for local operators and a thriving visitor economy, Brisbane is capable of hosting the ACA and delivering a standout event that mirrors the future trajectory of cruising in Australia.
Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, framed the win in the broader context of the state’s 20-year vision:
“Through our 20-year tourism plan Destination 2045, we want to transform Queensland into Australia’s events capital, growing our events calendar to $4 billion by 2045. This business event will bring significant economic benefits to Brisbane, while showcasing our tourism offerings to key leaders in the cruise industry.”
Brisbane by the Numbers
For anyone wondering why Brisbane has been making waves in the national cruise scene, the figures speak volumes:
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Over 150 cruise calls expected in 2024/25 from 13 different lines.
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Australia’s second-largest cruise port, welcoming 196 ship arrivals in 2023/24.
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Each call to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal injects more than A$1 million into the Queensland economy.
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Nationally, cruise tourism delivered A$8.43 billion in output and 26,370 jobs in 2023/24.
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Queensland alone accounted for A$2.4 billion and 7,733 jobs in the same period.
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Across 2023/24, the state hosted 520 ship visit days and 778,000 passenger visit days, adding close to A$1 billion in direct expenditure.
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Brisbane’s broader visitor economy hit A$12.1 billion in spend, supporting nearly 80,000 jobs and attracting 9.4 million visitors.
These aren’t just statistics. They are the most unmistakable evidence that Brisbane no longer plays second fiddle to Sydney.
Why It Matters
Securing the ACA conference is more than an event calendar highlight; it symbolises Brisbane’s new standing in the cruise hierarchy. Once overlooked, the Queensland capital is now firmly at the helm. This port receives the world’s biggest liners and understands how to convert those floating visitors into long-term economic value.
For delegates, September 2026 promises more than speeches and PowerPoint slides. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand how Brisbane has evolved into a dynamic cruise destination and to explore the state’s regional gems, which remain the envy of global competitors.
For Brisbane itself, it’s a chance to show the world that the river city is more than just a gateway, it’s a destination in its own right.
