The Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) is marking its 'golden' 50th anniversary in style in 2025, with its annual convention descending on the Victorian Goldfields in Greater Bendigo for two days of celebration and inspiration from 30 October to 1 November. 

The event will gather up to 90 writers, publishers, editors, photographers and public relations members from across Australia and New Zealand and is being held in collaboration with City of Greater Bendigo and Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, in partnership with Business Events Victoria with support from the Victorian Government's Regional Business Events Program.  

“Celebrating our society's golden anniversary in Bendigo, which was the richest city in the world during the 1880s gold rush, was too perfect an opportunity to miss,” says ASTW president Chris Ashton. 

“We're thrilled that the City of Greater Bendigo and Business Events Victoria shared our vision for this year's convention. We thank them for their support and look forward to giving our members a taste of the historic, cultural and gastronomic delights of the city.” 

The ASTW convention will be held at Quality Hotel Lakeside, with offsite gatherings at Ulumbarra Theatre and MacKenzie Quarters, followed by a curated familiarisation program program of the Greater Bendigo and Loddon region, designed to inspire a year's worth of stories, blogs and social posts. 

Among the highlights are a seminar program featuring a host of inspiring panellists and guest speakers, a cocktail function spotlighting local producers and artisans, and the much-loved Awards for Excellence gala dinner. 

Sponsors in this year's awards include Virgin Australia, TravMedia, Salter Brothers Hospitality, World Expeditions, Intrepid Travel, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), TravelKon, CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, Celestyal Cruises, Walk Japan, G Adventures and Bunnik Tours. 

“We are excited to welcome the Australian Society of Travel Writers to Bendigo for their 50th anniversary convention,” says City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt.

“This event aligns perfectly with our vision to showcase the city's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and thriving tourism sector. We look forward to hosting delegates from across Australia and New Zealand and sharing the stories that make the Greater Bendigo & Loddon Region truly remarkable.”

Business Events Victoria General Manager Chris Porter adds: “Business Events Victoria is proud to support this milestone conference through the Victorian Government's Regional Business Events Program. This conference will celebrate significant achievements of the ASTW and showcase Bendigo's rich heritage, vibrant culture and outstanding capacity as a premier destination for conferences with a lasting legacy.”

Registration is open now, until 26 September 2025. 

Additional information is available at https://www.astw.org.au/eventdetails/33085/astw-convention-2025-bendigo 

ENDS