2026 QICA Conference – Mareeba Shire (26-29 October)
Join us for the QICA Conference 2026 in Tropical North Queensland, where Visitor Information Centre professionals, tourism operators, industry leaders and partners from across the state will come together to connect, learn and celebrate.
Hosted in the stunning Mareeba Shire, this five-day conference combines professional development, networking opportunities and immersive local experiences. Delegates will enjoy a unique blend of keynote presentations, industry discussions and hosted tours showcasing some of the region's most iconic attractions, including Kuranda, Skybury Farms, Birdworld, Rainforestation and Chillagoe.
From the welcome event in Cairns to the conference sessions and gala evening in Mareeba, QICA Conference 2026 promises valuable insights, meaningful connections and an unforgettable North Queensland experience.
Registrations Now Open - Book Early to Avoid Missing Out!
Conference Registration
Register now: 2026 QICA Conference Registration
Accommodation Options
First Night in Cairns
Discounted accommodation is available for delegates on the first night in Cairns. An affiliate booking code will be provided shortly.
Mareeba Motor Inn – Discounted Delegate Rates
- Superior Queen Rooms (6): $185/night
- Superior Twin (1): $185/night (1–2 ppl), +$15 per additional person
- Standard Twin Rooms (4): $185/night (1–2 ppl), +$15 per additional person
- Standard Family Rooms (3): $185/night (1–2 ppl), +$15 per additional person
- Disability Access Twin (1): $185/night (1–2 ppl), +$15 per additional person
- Queen Cabins (4): $195/night (self-contained)
- Family Cabins (4): $215/night (1–2 ppl), +$15 per additional person
Click here to book.
Cape Gateway Motel – Standard Rates (No Discount)
- Budget Single: $169/night
- Superior Queen: $229/night
- Deluxe Queen + Single: $299/night
- 2 Bedroom Cabin: $469/night (sleeps up to 5)
Click here to book.
Jackaroo Motel – Standard Rates
- Queen room with single bed: $165/night (single) or $175/night (2 people sharing)
Click here to book.
Cystalbrook Flynn
- Urban Room: $295/night (one king bed or 2 king singles)
- Urban Master: $335/night (one king bed)
- Sea Room: $385/night (one king bed or 2 king singles)
- Family Urban: $595/night (sleeps up to 4)
- Urban Suite: $545/night (sleeps up to 3)
- Sea Suite: $545/night (sleeps up to 3)
- Flynn's Suite: $995/night (sleeps up to 3)
An update on the promo code to enter if booking at the Crystalbrook Flynn (or any other Crystalbrook property in Cairns).
Guests simply need to book directly via our website, enter “TheCrowd” in the promo code field, and follow the prompts.
Rooms are currently 30% using this code, so now is a GREAT time to book!
Click here to book.
With accommodation numbers limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Become a QICA Conference Sponsor
Connect with Queensland's frontline tourism advocates and showcase your organisation to the people who help shape visitor experiences across the state. With sponsorship packages designed to suit a range of objectives and budgets, the 2026 QICA Conference offers a unique opportunity to increase brand awareness, build industry relationships and support the visitor information centre network.
View the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus below.
2026 QICA Sponsorship Prospectus
We look forward to welcoming you to Mareeba Shire for what is shaping up to be a fantastic 2026 QICA Conference. More information on speakers will be coming soon!
Conference FAQs
Will a shuttle bus be provided during the conference?
Coach transport is available on Days 2–4 of the conference for delegates who pre-book coach transport as part of their conference registration.
As we are required to charter the coach based on confirmed passenger numbers, it is essential that you indicate your transport requirements when registering. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests for coach transport after registrations have closed.
If I’m driving, can I park my car in Cairns and join the shuttle bus until I return to Cairns?
Yes, you’re welcome to leave your vehicle in Cairns for the duration of the conference and join the coach transport from there.
If you’re planning to do this, there are a number of long-term parking options available within the Cairns CBD. The Cairns City Council multi-storey car park on Lake Street offers all-day parking with a capped daily rate of around $10, while privately operated facilities such as the Pier Shopping Centre provide overnight parking options (approximately $16 per night).
As parking availability, pricing and conditions can change, we recommend contacting your chosen parking provider directly before making arrangements to ensure it meets your needs. Delegates are responsible for organising and confirming their own parking arrangements.
If I’m driving, can I just follow the bus or meet at the next location?
Yes, you’re very welcome to travel independently by car if that suits you better.
While many delegates find it convenient to follow the coach, we will also provide clear Google Maps pins and location details for each stop, so you can navigate directly to each venue even if you’re not travelling behind the group.
This ensures you can move comfortably at your own pace while still arriving at each scheduled experience in time to join the program.
Where in Mareeba is the conference being held?
The Mareeba conference sessions are hosted by the Mareeba International Club. Located on the outskirts of town.
Where is the Gala Awards Dinner being held and what is the theme?
The Gala Awards is hosted by the Mareeba Heritage Centre and Savannah Cafe with a tropical theme.
Will there be a shuttle from the airport to Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns for the first day, or do I make my own way?
No pre-arranged airport transfers are included for delegates arriving into Cairns for the conference.
Cairns Airport is located just a short 10-minute taxi or rideshare trip from the Cairns Esplanade, where Crystalbrook Flynn is situated.
Tea, coffee and lunch will be available from midday, with the formal program commencing at 12:45 pm.
Where should I be booking my first night in Cairns?
Day One of the conference is hosted at Crystalbrook Flynn which serves as an ideal overnight option for delegates. Guests simply need to book directly via our website, enter “TheCrowd” in the promo code field, and follow the prompts. Rooms are currently 30% off using this code. However, Cairns Esplanade has many accommodation options to choose from and delegates are welcome to choose a provider that best suits their needs and budget.
Where should I be booking my second to fourth night in Mareeba?
Accommodation options in Mareeba include:
Jackaroo Motel https://www.jackaroomotel.com/
Cape Gateway Motel https://capegatewaymotel.com.au/
Mareeba Motor Inn https://www.mareebamotorinn.com.au/
Please also ask for a rate that includes breakfast if available. Where breakfast is not available at the hotel, delegates will be provided with breakfast.
Will there be shuttle to the airport on Friday morning, and what time will it arrive to the airport?
Yes, there will be a coach to take delegates from Mareeba to Cairns on Friday mornings. We are required to charter the coach based on confirmed passenger numbers, it is essential that you indicate your transport requirements when registering. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests for coach transport after registrations have closed. The coach will depart Mareeba between 9 and 10am. Delegates should arrange for outbound flights from Cairns with departures scheduled after 2pm.
What’s the cost per day if I can only attend some days of the conference?
Staff and volunteers are welcome to attend with their line manager’s approval - $120 pp / day and $220 pp Gala Awards Dinner.
What’s the additional cost for the Friday famil to Chillagoe Caves?
The additional cost for the Friday famil to Chillagoe is $100 per person, which contributes to the charter coach transport. This experience includes entry to the caves, a guided tour, and lunch at no additional cost.
Due to the travel distance (approximately five hours return by coach), it is a full-day excursion with a late afternoon/early evening return to Cairns. Delegates choosing this option will need to book an additional night of accommodation in Cairns on Friday night and plan their departure flight for Saturday morning.
Chillagoe Caves offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most remarkable limestone cave systems, located in a unique outback setting and well worth the journey.