SOCIAL EVENTS
Tickets to the social events can be added on when registering for the conference.
Just want a ticket to the social events and not the conference? Click the link below!
Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 6.30pm-7.00pm
Location: Wharf One | 19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City
Cost: Free to attend (for Newbies only!)
Dress code: Romance Queens of the Desert (however you interpret that!)
NEWBIES
WELCOME
First conference? Hello, newbie!
'Newbie' is our affectionate term for people who have never attended our RWAus conference before.
To help you network, we have an optional Newbies meet and greet. This event is for Newbies only, and will feature a short speech from a longstanding RWAus Member before you all head into the cocktail party together. No Newbie left behind!
COCKTAIL
PARTY
Our annual costume cocktail party is a beloved way to kick off our conference in style! This year our theme is 'Romance Queens of the Desert', and we encourage you to come dressed up! We can't wait to see how you interpret this theme and of course there will be prizes for best dressed, but if you'd prefer, you're welcome to come along in cocktail wear.
Substantial canapes and one (1) free drink voucher (there will be a cash bar to purchase additional drinks).
Tickets are included with conference registration. You can indicate your attendance during the registration process and have the option to purchase additional tickets.
Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Location: Wharf One | 19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City
Cost: $80 (included with conference registration)
Dress code: Romance Queens of the Desert (however you interpret that!)
Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 1700 - 1900
Location: RWA Watering Hole (The Precinct)
Cost: Free to attend | included in conference ticket
QUEER
BEERS
SPONSORED BY DRAFT2DIGITAL
Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual plus or someone who advocates for the equal treatment for all people regardless of their sex, sexuality, gender identity or relationships, we’d love you to share in our networking event. Join us for a beer or soft drink! L
There’s no RWAus LGBTQIA+ community without you! Discuss your writing journey, the publishing industry, and share ideas about what RWAus can do to support you.
HQ GALA
AWARDS DINNER
Join us for a fabulous night where we celebrate all things romance! You’ll enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes, before entering the magical room for a delicious two-course meal and socialise and network with your fellow writers. All beverages included in the ticket price. If you aren’t ready to end the party there, we’ll kick on with music and dancing at our after party! There’ll be plenty to celebrate with presentations and awards, so put on your finest and join us for a night you won’t forget!
Huge thanks to our Foundation Sponsor, HQ for supporting the Gala Awards Dinner.
Tickets are NOT included with conference registration. You can purchase a ticket during the registration process.
Saturday 22 August 2026
Time: 6.30pm - 11.30pm
Location: Darwin Convention Centre, Hall 2
Cost: $120
Dress code: Semi-formal to black-tie – your choice!
Sunday 23 August 2026
Time: From 1700 (informal finish time)
Location: RWA Watering Hole (The Precinct)
Cost: No ticket cost, just drinks cost when you are there
MEET
& MINGLE
WITH DARWIN BOOK BESTIES
Join your fellow conference go-ers at the RWA Watering Hole (The Precinct Tavern) from 5pm on Sunday 23 August to have a drink and mingle with the book lovers from Darwin Book Besties!
Darwin Book Besties have a huge romance loving community right here in Darwin, who are really excited to have RWAus in the Top End so come and grab an informal drink with the besties!
GALLERY
