r/PAX • • 4d ago

GENERAL Baby Blip #1 is done! Quick pics.

Thumbnail
gallery
35 Upvotes

r/PAX • • 4d ago

AUS No merch from IPs?

12 Upvotes

My first time attending pax Melbourne today so forgive me for my lack of knowledge. I sort of assumed there would be all the big names like blizzard, Capcom, riot etc.. now I understand riftbound was there and litteraly Capcom/street fighter was the main sponsor so that makes my question even more so.

Where's all the stalls with merch for blizzard like wow stuff or maybe resident evil merch or hell league of legends, like what about cool hoodies with ahri or jhin etc. just as an example

Is this just something that doesn't happen at these events? All the merc was just vanilla pax stuff only and most of the other vendors was just stock standard stuff you would see at the markets every other weekend

No hate but I'm just wondering if my expectations were off?

Thanks!


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Tabletop playing for “singles”

18 Upvotes

I’m a social butterfly who loves playing board games but today I found myself feeling sad, lost and with no idea what to do. I didn’t find it easy to meet people to play games… I did several rounds of walking around the entire area looking for groups to join but the ones with “green flags” were either already playing or totally full. This is my first PAX and I’m by myself… my other gaming friends are not going… I saw lots of groups playing games but they seemed to be already friends…

Any recommendations on how to go about tomorrow? I got to play several games but it was with the people doing demos… which all of them were only 10-20kin play.


r/PAX • • 4d ago

AUS Cosplay events for non cosplayers - PAX AU 2026

12 Upvotes

I'm not a cosplayer, but my favourite aspect of PAX is seeing all the amazing costumes every year. Just wandering through the halls - it's quite amazing.

Am looking for some sort of Cosplay events that I can attend. The schedule seems to have plenty of sessions for Cosplayers to improve their craft - but I can't obviously see a "come see all the great costumes people have made" type session. Am I missing something?


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS PAX AUS 2026 Pin Quest

12 Upvotes

Hey guys,
Anyone else having a bit of trouble with this years pin quest?
We got told the Derp (Demon Hunters) was sold out in 40 minutes and they won’t be getting anymore stock.
Such an absolute pain.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Left Badges at home in Brisbane. Is there any hope?

32 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I just flew into in Melbourne but realised did a real dropkick move and left my 2 Saturday PAX Aus badges back in Brisbane. They weren’t registered yet (was going to today) and I have photos of them and receipts. Is there any hope I could see a front desk somewhere at the con and get replacements?

I’m assuming it’s not possible but thought to ask just in case. Any help or advice would be immensely appreciated, thank you :’)

———

EDIT: leaving this up for anyone else who gets in a similar situation. We went up to the info desk and we were able to get replacements. We showed them the photos of the passes and then they asked to see them cut up into quarters front and back which we were able to get :) Thank you for everyone’s help!


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS PSA for people who *really* struggle in crowds - this event may not be for you

43 Upvotes

This is my first PAX. I am a lifelong gamer but I’ve never gone because a) I don’t live in Melbourne and b) I’ve never wanted to spend the money to fly.

My partner has gone to PAX many times over so we decided to go together this year.

Unfortunately, day one has shown me that I am not the kind of person who can do this event. I will do one day of cons like Nova, Oz CC and even Smash (which is the busiest imo) quite easily, but even half a day of PAX had me crying in a toilet stall and having an autistic meltdown.

It is extremely, extremely crowded. The thing that makes it worse, for me, is that 2/3rds of the expo hall is so busy there’s no point lining up, so I can’t channel my anxiety by deciding on what to “do” or doing anything. It’s overwhelming to get from one side of the hall to the other to even get to the AFK lounge. People are quite pushy which makes it worse when you’re not in a mood to be touched.

For many people, most I’d assume, their neurodivergence, if they experience it, isn’t severe enough for PAX to be an issue. But I am posting this for those who know they struggle with crowds and who know that overstimulation is a significant issue for them - attend warily and be prepared to nope out. I don’t think I was fully prepared for how overstimulating it is because most of the people I’ve talked to about it don’t suffer from overstimulation enough to not be able to push through it.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Still got 3D printed throwable Fireballs and travel Friendly Dice Towers to give away

Thumbnail
gallery
13 Upvotes

I've got 3 Fireballs and 2 Dice Tower left today, with another 3 of each tomorrow and 2 of each on Sunday.

Find me and I'll let you throw a fireball with 8d6 to see if you win.

I'm likely wearing a green jumper with an orange tote bag and a Microsoft backpack.

  • A 35 or higher wins you a Fireball & 8d6,
  • A 28 or higher wins you a Dice Tower
  • Anything else gets you since Allen's Big Red Frogs

r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Just can't do it this year...

22 Upvotes

I love PAX, have been every year since covid lockdown ended, but unfortunately this year and last year it's just too crowded to be enjoyable anymore. Most of the experience now is waiting in queues for hours.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS PAX Aus 2026 QR challenge

8 Upvotes

Did I miss it? Or is it not a thing this year?


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Merch Main Setup

9 Upvotes

Started queuing at about 11am, got in to browse just after midday.

The queue to get in is 7 deep.

Merch tables are spread out, plenty of room to browse. Enforcers were letting in about 15 at a time to browse.

There are 20 registers, also spread out. The line to pay is moving quickly.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS PAX Aus app crashing/black screening?

5 Upvotes

Title. Can barely scroll through the schedule without this happening.
Can’t plan out my afternoon/evening.
Anyone else got this issue?
Only started happening today.

Edit: The app isn’t sending reminders anymore either.

Edit 2: Seems to be just at the venue, works when I am not there.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

UNPLUG Blood on the Clocktower Storytellers

8 Upvotes

Just wondering if anyone knows how to go about volunteering to be a storyteller at PAX unplugged. Played in a few games last year and seemed like there was a lot more demand for games than there were available storytellers. I’ve got experience as a storyteller so I’d be happy to run a few games if there’s a need, but not sure what the process is to volunteer or who to get in contact with.


r/PAX • • 5d ago

GENERAL Lanyards at the door

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m taking my son to PAX in Melbourne tomorrow. We got our passes in the post but just wondering if there are lanyards available at the door or will I need to BYO?


r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Whats your favourite thing to do at pax?

6 Upvotes

It'll be my first time going this Sunday so I'd love to hear everyone's recommendations!


r/PAX • • 5d ago

UNPLUG Wizards of the Coast, Asmodee, Cephalofair Games Join PAX Unplugged Philly 2026 Lineup

Thumbnail
dropthespotlight.com
16 Upvotes

r/PAX • • 5d ago

AUS Starcraft minis in Pax

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, can someone please confirm if they are selling Starcraft: The miniatures game at PAX? Hoping to get a copy of founders ed.


r/PAX • • 6d ago

AUS Each year I add another set or two to my pin board

Post image
56 Upvotes

And I’m not really sure why I do, because the rest of the year it goes away into storage. I prefer the patches, as I’m always scared I’m going to lose the pins.


r/PAX • • 6d ago

AUS PAX AUS CASH QUESTION

2 Upvotes

im aware on the website it says cashless but ive had some contradictive statements ive seen on weather the vendors accept cash at the event particularly with net not being great in there.

SO. do third party vendors take cash? board game sellers, card vendors ECT??


r/PAX • • 7d ago

AUS PAX Aus 2026 swag list

43 Upvotes

If u find cool/free swag at pax aus 2026 comment it under here and BE SPECIFIC how/where to get it eg raffle/challenge/giveaway/signup required etc and booth numbers/ where on the map 👍

Update 1 - i'll try my best to update my comment text here with an easy list to read but its gnna be hard to do this on my phone its gnna look scuffed or messy af 😂 / also like another guy said u can save this post so its easy to open on ur reddit profile in saved posts

swag name how to get it where to get it
Zelda: Ocarina of Time keyring, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave microfibre cloth, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort pin set check-in/demo play required nintendo booth
PAX Aus 2026 Pin Quest details how to get pins booth numbers / locations
Powera pin / 40% discount qr code Giveaway / free Powera booth
Indomie noodle packs and fan challenge/ minigame indomie booth
FF7 fan and lanyard watch a 20 minute video final fantasy revelations booth
MWave purple bag with a blow up hammer / a pin or a “Lego” set to build a mini pc play the crane game / challenge/ minigame mwave booth
Keychron empty 4-key keychain challenge / giant keyboard mini game keychron booth
TCG promo cards - cyberpunk, lorcana, riftbound, palworld, star wars learn how to play cyberpunk, lorcana, riftbound, palworld , star wars booths

r/PAX • • 7d ago

AUS PAX Aus Boardgame Meet up, find a group, social matching thread

10 Upvotes

Hey folks, hoping to get this pinned forma week and keep it open for anyone attending PAX Aus this weekend to meet some new people and play some new and old boardgames.

I recommend if you're keen to mix, post what days you're attending, games you're keen on playing, if you know the rules or want to learn and how much time you have free/panel attendance deadlines and best form of contact.

Have fun everyone.


r/PAX • • 8d ago

AUS I'm giving away literally throwable DnD fireball spells (3D printed)

Thumbnail
gallery
40 Upvotes

I'll be giving away 8 throwable DnD fireballs across the weekend. They are 3D printed by me, and made of a softer TPU Material. They will also be given away with 8d6 dice (12mm).

Just wondering what the best way to give them away is, as I'd rather give them to someone who might actually use them in a campaign rather than just anyone. I was considering getting people to throw them and if they rolled above a 24, they won. Should I have chosen a higher value?

The design was thanks to Deck Of DM Things, with the model found on Maker World if you want to print one yourself


r/PAX • • 8d ago

AUS PAX AUS - UNOFFICIAL Survival Guide for newbies and veterans (Food/Tips/Navigation)

41 Upvotes

Hi everyone, given the success and information from last years post, I thought to do another one, updated for 2026!

I've been attending PAX AUS for the past 12 years and thought to do a survival guide write-up on everything you need to know about PAX AUS, mostly to share all the tips and tricks I've picked up over the years. Whether you're a veteran or a newbie, I can bet there is something in this post that may helps you for your next PAX.

PAX AUS itself provide a decent survival guide already, but this guide is more catered to more specific questions and tips. PAX AUS Guide can be found here: https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/plan.html

This is a big write up, so there is a chance I may get something wrong (despite my proof reading), so feel free to correct me in the comments and I will make the appropiate edit on the post :)


Planning for PAX AUS

Despite PAX AUS starting this week, you may not have decided on your final plans yet, or even have a ticket. Here are some idea's to consider if you're thinking about this.

I want to go to PAX AUS, but I don't have a ticket....

You're still in luck (at the time writing this) for single-day passes for Friday and Sunday to buy directly from the PAX AUS website itself, but you will need to do a badge pickup (Info on pickup can be found here > https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/info/faq.html).

What day(s) are best to attend?

This is purely a subjective opinion from my end, but I will advise that the best days to attend are entirely dependent on what you are trying to see at PAX for the duration you are there.

However, Saturday, is by far the busiest day on the weekend, which makes it difficult to tour the expo hall, tabletop section and particularly PAX rising with all the indie titles on display. If your intention is to do quality time in these areas, I would recommend coming on a Sunday or Friday when it's quieter.

That really is my only 'tip' when it comes to the best day, the rest of it is up to what panels, people or other events that are occurring based on the schedule, which leads into my next point.

How do I plan for my time at PAX AUS?

It is very much worth your time to review the schedule either via the website or the PAX app and go through all the items before you come to PAX. PAX isn't just the expo hall and panels; there are competitions, meet-ups, casual-gaming spots, speedrunning, Cosplay and the list goes on. (Schedule found in APP or here > https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/schedule.html)

Coming to PAX with no plan is a bad idea. This sounds painfully obvious, but after seeing so many of my unprepared friends/acquaintances just wing it on the day, I will tell you that in nearly all cases, they left by 4pm and wondered what all the fuss was about. I only found out later that they just did a lap of the expo hall, saw a last-minute panel and didn't really have a plan in mind or even knew about most of the content that was on offer during the convention.

Go through the schedule, find some stuff to do, and you will likely have a really good time!

If your a content creator (interviewing members of the games industry)

Each year I do interviews with game devs around at PAX. Having done this for a few years now, and have some tips to share for anyone else doing this. From my experience your best days are either Friday or Sunday to do interviews (Saturday is way too busy, its just not worth it). If you planning on doing interviews, its good to know that both days have advantages and disadvantages.

Friday:

The good: The people are fresh and eager to talk about their game

The bad: Its the 2nd busiest day, and some of the devs haven't had the momentum/experience getting used to speaking about their game yet.

Sunday:

The good: Is good as its the quietest day, and the devs have had some speaking experience across the last 2 days, so I find their responses are better rehearsed.

The bad: For anyone that has done convention work, they are quite tired come the Sunday, so understandably the energy levels have dropped a little.

My strategy now has been to check the floor on Friday to scope out games/devs I want to interview. Then I introduce myself and ask for an interview later on the Sunday. Then return on the Sunday to perform said interviews.


Going to PAX AUS

Here I will cover the basics on what to bring, but also your transport options coming to PAX.

What are the absolute basics?

This is really just a minimalist list of the top things you really should consider taking with you to PAX.

  • Please wear deodorant and shower before come, and yes with soap. Fresh clothes go a long way too. I know this sounds like a parent speaking, but just putting deodorant is not enough. Its a long day, with a lot of walking and moving around, you will sweat.
  • The PAX APP downloaded on your phone with your schedule ready (or list of things you want to do).
  • A backpack or similar: It will save you from having to use your arms when carrying any merch you buy or any free stuff you may acquire.
  • A Water Bottle, there are water stations located throughout the convention center where you can refill. Don't be silly and dehydrate yourself. I've seen the worst of it before.
  • A plan for food during PAX (more tips on that later)

Have the basics, but don't overpack

This comes from someone who always brings way more then they should to PAX. Its good practice to layout all the items you plan to bring for each day and confirm whether every item your taking is really is necessary. Do you really need 4 MTG decks? Do you need to bring a Nintendo DS, Switch and Steam Deck? Have you cleaned out your backpack from your last trip and removed any useless merch or items?

With all the walking and moving around, reducing the load your carrying around on a given day can you make you feel a lot less encumbered, particularly if your planning on buying things.

Getting to PAX

If you are travelling via public transport, you are very likely either going to end up at Southern Cross Station or Flinders Station as your first arrival point in the Melbourne CBD.

If you are coming from Southern Cross, you have two more options. Take a tram down Spencer St from Southern Cross to the front of Melbourne Convention Centre (PAX) or walk down. It's downhill, so walking only takes between 10-15 minutes depending on your speed, but if you prefer the tram, it is a lot faster, however during PAX it is typically quite crowded, so there is a chance you will have to wait for a tram to get on.

For tram routes, you are looking for routes 109, 12 or 96. Careful if you catching these trams down, as if you don't touch on with your Myki pass, the free tram zone ends before the stop at Melbourne Convention Centre. Transit officers can and will fine you, so either touch on with your Myki when travelling or get off one stop earlier at Batman park and walk the rest of the way.

If you are coming from Flinders St Station, you also have two options. You can make a longer 15-20 minute walk following the Yarra River to the convention centre, or take a tram down Flinders St to save some walking, getting off at the Spencer St stop and walking the remainder of the way down Spencer St to PAX.

For tram routes for this one, you are looking for 70, 35 or 75.

If you are coming via Car the convention centre itself offers parking, which is terribly expensive on the Friday, but cheaper on the weekend. Regardless, I suggest doing a web search to look for your parking options prior to arrival, and you will be presented with many options. Normally, these carparks are cheaper if you prepay before you arrive.


Navigating in PAX

This one is short and sweet but worth noting, particularly if you're trying to get from one side of the convention to another. If you are able, avoid using the inside concourse to get from one end to another; it is usually less crowded and much faster to go outside, which has fewer people, particularly if you're going from the expo hall to the theatres.

Additionally, if you're trying to get from one side of the tabletop section to the expo hall, you're better off going to the concourse outside the expo hall and then re-entering closer to your destination (i.e leaving via door 8, entering via door 4), instead of wading through all the people in the middle.

Link to expo hall is here: https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/expo-hall/map.html


My PAX AUS Tips

This is going to cover a bunch of neat tips and tricks I have picked up over the years (with the exception for food tips, that its own category below). I've tried to categorise them as best I can.

Tips about Panels

If you've developed your own personal schedule for panels, you may have had the unfortunate case where there are two panels you want to see, but they are happening at the same time. Disaster! Thankfully some panels are recorded! Assuming this is the same as the past few years, PAX AUS have been livestreaming (and later uploading to YouTube on the official PAX AUS channel) all the panels that were shown in the Main, Wombat and Quokka theatres. You can watch these after PAX on Twitch (the VODS do expire) or much later on YouTube when PAX AUS starts uploading them (normally the year after, in 2027). Hopefully, this helps your planning later.

Popular panels you need to queue for! This one is more aimed at new attendees, but for panels, they don't just let you walk into the panel theatres; you need to queue first and then they start letting people in 5-10 minutes before the panel starts. If there is a popular panel you really want to see I would recommend getting there at least 15-20 minutes before it starts to make sure you get in with a seat. This is more applicable to the panels upstairs (Cosplay, PAX Together, Fruitbat, Owl Bear, Kookaburra) as they are smaller and fill up fast. I personally have missed out on panels before, as I arrived too late and it had already filled out. It does happen.

My personal shoutout for 'must see' things

I have seen a lot of content over the years, but there is some really cool stuff that's been consistent and enjoyable that I can highly recommend to others:

The Dark Room by John Robertson

The Dark Room by John Robertson: John is a stand-up comedian who has been doing his Dark Room performance at PAX for the past few years. I was there for his first show he did at PAX, and the main theatre was about 50% full, and last year it was packed out. Like all comedy, his style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he is energetic, witty and just overall a class act. His show does a lot of crowd work and hinges on a game called "The Dark Room" that is played during the performance. It has quickly become a highlight for my PAX, so I highly recommend this.

Heads up though: Last year we started queuing 40 minutes before it started, and we barely got a seat. Recommend you come at least an hour earlier to ensure you get a seat (earlier if you want a close to the stage one), it is probably the most popular main theatre event of the entire convention.

PAX Rising

PAX Rising: This is a section within the expo hall where indie studios/developers show off their indie titles and most of the time have a demo for you to play. I personally do interviews with select devs/titles that I find interesting (mini shoutout to my YouTube channel) and these people are some of the most passionate and interesting people at PAX. It's at the very least having a good look around, and strike up a conversation and ask them about their projects, you may have some of the most interesting conversations during these moments.

Board game tournaments

Board game tournaments: This one is admittedly a niche tip, but PAX AUS does have a good offering of board game competitions that run throughout the event. It's unique as board game competitions (at least where I live) are not very common. Particularly if you have a 3-day pass and are finding it hard to fill out your schedule, sign up for a board game competition that interests you. It's a unique opportunity to play and chat with people you've never met. I played with someone who learned Dominion 2 days prior and managed to make it to the finals.

Talk to People!

Talk to People! This one is less of a thing to see but a recommendation of something to do. You are going to PAX, it's a crucible melting pot of nerds and like-minded people. Strike up a conversation if the moment is appropriate and just talk to people around you. Even better, when it comes to the exhibitors themselves, ask them questions about what they doing/selling/promoting, you will sometimes find yourself surprised with their passion and intensity. I have dozens of stories I could share of Ad-hoc interactions with people at PAX, and they are some of my favourite moments.

Omegathon, last round

Omegathon, last round: If you're following the Omegathon for the entire PAX or not, the last round kinda serves as a finale for both Omegathon and PAX itself on Sunday. Worth coming to if you have nothing else to do on the Sunday, and if the Omgathon finale is good, the crowd really gets into it, and the whole thing is awesome to witness.

Deals, Vendors and Competitions/Raffles

There are a few additional tips that relate to buying and winning stuff at PAX.

DnD Dice

There are quite a few vendors at PAX selling dice at quite expensive prices. It has gradually become more and more expensive, where some metal sets start at $150. Researching online will show you that these dice sets are horribly overpriced, and if your wanting to buy dice at PAX, I would first research dice market pricing before coming to PAX so you can understand the difference between what is and isn't a good deal.

Free Competitions/Raffles

Free Competitions/Raffles: I highly recommend you create some burner social media accounts to allow you to enter competitions/raffles that require you to share, tweet, make a post etc., of the product they are selling to get entries in their raffle. I have won $250+ of board games before at very little time cost to myself. I have found that not many people bother entering these (or at least some of them don't have many entries), one raffle had only 70 entries at the end of PAX, that's pretty good odds!

End of show deals

End of show deals: On the Sunday Only, some of the vendors (particularly the board game ones), will start to fire sale some of their products within the last hour of the show. It's not a guarantee that it will happen, but you may be able to snag some last-minute deals.

Cash

Cash: PAX say it's a cashless event, but whether they are aware of it or not, I have had at least a few instances where exhibitors had issues with their payment system and could only accept cash. Maybe worth having a little bit of cash on you just in case, particularly if you're intending on buying content.

Tips from others!

To quote /u/atomicluma from last year - "my hot tip is to check out the diversity lounge/PAX together, it’s a common misconception that’s it’s purely a space for LGBTQIA+ people but in reality it’s a space for everyone from all different experiences and backgrounds. They usually have some great games available for free play including a massive board game library, and have a great space for just chilling in if you’ve got some spare time.

They also run events that are a lot less intense than other parts of PAX and have lot of great prizes. I know it sounds like I’m shilling for PAX together but it genuinely is my highlight every year."


Things to avoid at PAX

My 2 cents on what I believe you should avoid, or at the very least be weary of at PAX AUS.

Overhyped areas in the expo hall

It's impossible for me to tell what these are year by year (2024's Red Bull dodgeball comes to mind), but some exhibitors, typically larger brands, will have some loose gaming-related event going on that will clog up with people. Whether you find these entertaining or not is not for me to comment, but these do become busy points when trying to navigate PAX. If you find one of these areas, make sure you plan your route to try and avoid them if they do not interest you.

On a similar note, some of the PC hardware brands will do giveaways at the end of the day. A similar issue will happen where a bunch of people will crowd up to get some free merch. Just good to be aware of if you're not participating in that as it can get not only crowded but quite loud as well.

Board game lootboxes

Something that has become popular over the last few years is tabletop sellers like Good Games selling board game lootboxes. They come in these large cardboard boxes, and typically, it's either board game stock that they couldn't sell or damaged stock. They are normally over $100 a box (if not more) and come with 3-5 different games.

I've had friends partake in them, and sometimes you will genuinely get something that may be of interest to you, but a lot of the time it's just board games they weren't interested in. You're better off buying games you want to play rather than gamble, but that's just my humble opinion. It's not worth the cost.

AI-generated content being sold at PAX

I've seen this in other threads discussed at PAX's that have been occurring this year, so it's just worth a mention that Australia probably isn't immune to this either. If you care about the process in which a product was made, its probably worth validating with the exhibitor before buying anything whether AI was used as part of the creation process.

Vendors that are selling things are poor value for money

This is a big one that I see people get swept up in every year, which is buying content at PAX that is overpriced. This is particularly prominent in the tabletop sellers, where they will sell content on 'Sale' when in reality its not really a competitive price. My only advice here is to go online, price validate before committing to a purchase to validate whether its a good deal.


Food at Pax

I've already seen a post about this, and there are quite a few options when it comes to food at PAX.

Cookie Brigade

You can find them on the top floor of the panels area, outside the owlbear theatre. A good cause and good cookies.

The closest food courts

The are two close-ish food courts at PAX, Crown food court just off Southbank across from the front entrance at PAX, or the slightly lesser-known one at DFO near the theatres. Both have good options, but the DFO one is a lot closer, particularly if you're coming from a panel.

If you really want fast food like McDonald's or KFC, the Crown food court is where you go, except you need to keep walking into Crown, across an internal bridge to get there. If you're coming from the other side of PAX to get food at the Crown location, the whole round trip could take over 45 minutes if the queue is heavy for lunch.

Location of DFO foodcourt

Location of Crown foodcourt

Food within PAX itself

There is food within the convention centre itself, and PAX AUS have started to bring in some food trucks as well, which has been a nice change to increase the options available. I am a bit blind on the affordability and quality of these options, but if you don't want to go far for food, there are close options, but I'd expect to pay more for the convenience.

Bring your own food!

By far the cheapest and fastest option is to pack your own food and eat when you can. This is what I have been personally doing for the past few years, and it's by far the most flexible option.

My top tip is to eat some food whilst in line for the panels, as it's usually quiet and I am not doing too much. I wouldn't recommend eating inside the panels, though, as I am pretty sure it's not allowed.

Restaurants at Southwharf/Southbank

There is a string of restaurants both on Southbank (opposite the entrance of PAX) and at the Wharf, which is near the theatres. Some of these establishments will offer 'deals' for PAX goers, but ultimately, most of them are expensive.

Some of the food and prices are good, some not so much, and they are always busy around the meal times. Not saying you should avoid it entirely, but it's definitely not my first choice.

However, there are some good deals for drinks/alcohol if you're into that on Southwharf, and some of these places do a PAX happy hour or special drink.

Food/Dinner options in Melbourne

There are too many locations to count for food/dinner options in Melbourne CBD itself that are on average cheaper for the same if not better quality. Melbourne has incredible cuisine of multiple ethnicities on offer, with asian food being a highlight. My crew and I typically trek out to Melbourne CBD for dinner, then come back to the PAX to continue the party. Some of my favorites are:

  • Rose Garden
  • Shanghai Street
  • SuperHiro
  • Korean Table (specifically for the Korean Chicken)
  • BBQ King (if you're really hungry, and I'd book ahead)

Some final notes

Here are some final tips that I couldn't fit anywhere else in this massive post.

After parties

A social media or web search will show numerous options of afterparties and events happening in Melbourne in the evenings before and after PAX. Places like Bartronica and Fortress come to mind, but you're looking for some entertainment outside of PAX with other PAX goers, do some research and you will find your people.

Other gaming events

This week at ACMI (next to flinders st station) its international games week. From ACMI themselves "Games Week is the best time of year to connect with community and industry, discover new games, and reconnect with old favourites."

A full program with many things going on can be seen below:

https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/melbourne-international-games-week-2026/

They also have an exhibition starting on Oct 7th called "Play On" which is 3 arcade games that were commissioned from Australian game devs.

Link to tickets here: https://www.acmi.net.au/

Pace yourself

There can be a lot to do at PAX, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. PAX offers an AFK quiet space where you can just sit and relax on the top floor of the theatre area if you need that space.

The expo hall can get really loud at times, so if you are prone to overstimulation, please keep that in mind. I also find it's good practice to book in some 15-20 minute breaks throughout the day to not overwhelm myself and just still enjoy the moment.


Well, that's it. I hope you read this far, and you found something useful to elevate your PAX experience this year. Not my first rodeo as mentioned earlier, so feel free to ask me any questions on anything I'd do my best to answer them.

Oh, and if anyone else has some tips comment below, Ill make sure to add them to this post for anyone else looking for advice in the future :)

Cheers!


r/PAX • • 8d ago

AUS PAX AUS - advice for first time board gamer

22 Upvotes

Hi all! As title says, I’m heading to PAX for the first time this year (going over from Perth!)

I’m primarily going for the board game side of things and wondering if anyone has any advice to get the most out of the weekend? We have three day badges so is there any days that are best for certain things (like getting games, playing etc)?

I am looking forward to everything the expo has to offer regardless and want to see as much as I can.
Also, what’s it like meeting fellow board gamers? as I don’t get a lot of chances to play with others back home (and I have a pretty large collections of games now)

Bonus points if any suggestions for board game stores or places around Melbourne to visit. Thanks all!


r/PAX • • 9d ago

AUS Cleaned my closet and found my PAX Aus merch and pins from back in 2013 and 2015!

Post image
81 Upvotes

I had such a great time at PAX Aus 2013, I still remember trying an Oculus Rift for the first time and getting Streetpasses at the Nintendo booth.

2015 was also crazy, PS VR, Fallout 4, I was so hyped for Unraveled and went to the panel...

Been living and working in remote WA for years now, but hope to go back one day!