Landmark partnership sees Tourism Western Australia back 2026 and 2030 UniSport Nationals

UniSport Australia has revealed a new partnership with Tourism Western Australia that will see Perth host the 2026 and 2030 editions of the UniSport Nationals.

The commitment will bring one of the country’s largest annual multi-sport events back to Western Australia twice over the next five years, delivering significant benefits to the student sporting community and the state’s tourism economy.

UniSport's Nationals bring together roughly 7,000 student-athletes from 41 universities nationwide, competing across 30 different sports for national titles. More than just a competition, Nationals is a celebration of university spirit, athletic excellence, and social connection.

In 2026, the Nationals are scheduled to take place between 26th September and 3rd October with a key highlight of the event set to be the second edition of UniFest, a midweek festival introduced in 2025 that provides students with a unique opportunity to connect beyond the field of play. Set against some of Perth’s most iconic backdrops, UniFest offers live music, entertainment, cultural activations, and a vibrant social atmosphere, cementing the Nationals as a truly holistic student experience and something not to be missed.

Welcoming the announcement and acknowledged the important role Tourism Western Australia is playing in supporting university sport at scale, UniSport Australia Chief Executive, Mark Sinderberry stated "we’re thrilled to be returning to Perth not once, but twice over the next five years.

“Tourism Western Australia’s commitment to supporting the 2026 and 2030 Nationals is invaluable, and their investment in student sport will deliver lasting benefits for participants, the local community, and the broader university sector.

“Western Australia’s outstanding sporting venues and welcoming hospitality make it a natural home for this event, and we look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver two unforgettable editions of Nationals."

Advising that the hosting the Nationals in Perth will be part of the state’s commitment to hosting a year-round calendar of major, regional and mass-participation events, Western Australian Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby stated "mass participation events are an incredibly important part of our events strategy, as they offer a timely reason for an engaged community of participants to travel to WA, creating vibrancy in the community, jobs for West Australians, and bringing people to our state to experience all we have to offer as a world-class tourism destination.

“By growing WA’s reputation as a world-class host of events, we put the state in great stead to attract bigger and better events every year, which will continue to deliver economic returns for our tourism and hospitality sectors and the broader state."

Image: Aerial view of the Perth suburb of Fremantle.