Cairns will host the 6th World Ecoacoustics Congress from August 17 to 20, 2026, marking only the second time the event has been held in Australia.
Organised by the International Society of Ecoacoustics in partnership with James Cook University, the congress will convene global researchers and engineers at the Cairns Convention Centre to study the relationship between sound and environmental change.
Paul Roe, dean, research, at James Cook University, said Cairns offered an exceptional setting for a global gathering focused on listening to the environment.
“Cairns is a natural fit for the World Ecoacoustics Congress because it gives delegates access to one of the most acoustically and ecologically diverse regions in the world. From rainforest soundscapes to reef environments, this is a place where ecoacoustics can help us better understand ecosystem health, biodiversity and the impacts of environmental change.”
The 2026 programme is also set to highlight the evolution of the field, including collaborative projects that integrate ecoacoustics with First Nations land and sea management.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the event is designed to immerse delegates in the local environment, with organisers encouraging visitors to extend their stays to explore Tropical North Queensland.
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef General Manager – Partnerships & Events Tara Bennett said: “The World Ecoacoustics Congress is exactly the kind of international meeting that aligns with Cairns’ strengths in science, sustainability and nature-based experiences…”
This 2026 edition follows Brisbane in 2018 and Madrid in 2024.
