Australia’s Proud Worldcon and Science Fiction History
Australia knows what we are doing. We know science fiction and fantasy, and we know how to host major science fiction and fantasy events. Let us tell you…
A Brief History
2-4 July, 1939
Worldcon 1: NYcon
First World Science Fiction Convention. Held in New York City, USA.
Guest of honour: Frank R. Paul
3-5 July, 1948
Worldcon 6: Torcon
First Worldcon outside of the United States. Held in Toronto, Canada.
Guests of Honour: Jo Walton, Yves Maynard, and Chris M. Barkley
14–17 August, 1975
Worldcon 33: Aussiecon One
Australia’s first Worldcon. Held in Melbourne.
Guests of Honor: Ursula K. Le Guin (pictured), Susan Wood, Mike Glicksohn, and Donald Tuck
22–26 August, 1985
Worldcon 43: Aussiecon Two
Melbourne takes a second turn at hosting Worldcon.
Guests of Honor: Gene Wolfe and Ted White
2-6 September, 1999
Worldcon 57: Aussiecon Three
Worldcon comes back to Melbourne.
Guests of Honour: George Turner and Greg Benford, and fan author Bruce Gillespie. J. Michael Straczynski
2–6 September, 2010
Worldcon 68: Aussiecon Four
Australia’s most recent Worldcon, held in Melbourne.
Guests of Honour: Kim Stanley Robinson, Shaun Tan, and Robin Johnson
27-31 of July, 2028
Bid for Worldcon 86:
Aussiecon Five
On the banks of the delightful Brisbane River, our experienced convention team bids to hold Worldcon in 2028.
Our Proud History
Australia has a strong and confident history of hosting major science fiction events, including four successful Worldcons, in 1975, 1985, 1999, and 2010. Each one demonstrated our ability to deliver well‑run, engaging, and memorable conventions, supported by passionate fan communities and experienced organisers. Alongside our Worldcon past, Australia regularly hosts long‑running events such as Natcon, Swancon, Supanova, and Oz Comic‑Con, proving our ongoing commitment to the global science fiction and fantasy community.
Australia’s roots in science fiction and fantasy run deep. As early as the 19th century, Australian writers were imagining bold futures, strange worlds, and transformative technologies. Through the early 20th century, fans connected across vast distances via letters, fanzines, and the first local fan clubs, building a uniquely Australian style of speculative‑fiction community. By 1952, these networks came together for Australia’s first national convention in Sydney, marking the beginning of a thriving, organised fandom.
From there, Australian fandom only grew stronger. Clubs such as the Melbourne Science Fiction Club and the Futurian Society of Sydney became foundational hubs for discussion, creativity, and community‑building. The establishment of the Ditmar Awards in 1969 and the Aurealis Awards in 1995 helped formalise the recognition of excellence within Australian speculative fiction, supporting generations of writers, artists, and fans.
Today, Australian creators continue to be celebrated internationally, with Hugo‑winning contributors such as Shaun Tan, Rovina Cai, Likhain (Mia Sereno), and Foz Meadows showcasing the strength of our artistic and fan‑driven culture. This rich heritage, spanning writers, fans, organisers, clubs, and convention, forms a community that is ready and excited to bring Worldcon back to Australia again
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