Hockey Australia officially unveil the 2026 National Championships Calendar
Hockey Australia is pleased to officially unveil the 2026 National Championships calendar, with dates now confirmed for state and territory teams across the country.
Check out the 2026 HA National Championships Calendar.
All events will be streamed live and on-demand at livehockey.com.au.
The events will replicate what was delivered in 2025 with the Under 14s, Under 16s, Under 18s, Under 21s, Indoors, Country and Women’s and Men’s Masters all returning for next year.
Hockey Australia Chief Events Officer Simon Butterly is excited to release a full calendar that will see some of the best hockey players from right across the country come together in their respective events in what is a crucial player pathway system.
“Hockey Australia’s National Championships continue to be the foundation of the sport’s growth and development across the country,” Simon said.
“We’re proud to deliver another exciting calendar that brings hockey to communities nationwide and showcases participation across all ages. Together, the National Championships create a strong pathway for players from our Hookin2Hockey program for 5–12-year-olds, through their teenage years, and right up to the Masters Championships for players aged from 34 to over 80. It truly reinforces that hockey is a sport for life.”
“I’d like to acknowledge the continued support of governments and our state and territory member associations, whose collaboration makes it possible to deliver eight premier National Championships each year.”
The year will kick off in Canberra and Goulburn, where the Indoor Championships will run from 11–24 January, featuring five men’s and five women’s age divisions. Competitions will be held at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra and the Goulburn Veolia Arena, marking the start of another exciting year of national competition.
"On behalf of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, I’m proud to welcome the Hockey Australia Indoor National Championship events, for under 14 and under 16 boys, to Goulburn. We look forward to hosting players, families, officials, and spectators in our vibrant region. Events like these bring significant economic and community benefits, and we sincerely thank Hockey Australia for choosing Goulburn as a host city." said Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Nina Dillon.
In April, the spotlight will shift to Hobart, as the Under 16 Championships take place at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre from 14–21 April. Over eight days of high energy hockey, 24 teams will battle it out in what promises to be a showcase of Australia’s future stars.
Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said Tasmania is proud to welcome the next generation of hockey talent. “Hosting the Under 16 Championships is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Tasmania’s world-class sporting facilities and our State’s passion for sport,” Minister Howlett said.
“Events like this bring hundreds of players, families, volunteers and supporters to Hobart, providing a significant boost to local hotels, restaurants and tourism operators. “We’re delighted to work with Hockey Australia to bring such an important development event to Tasmania, and I know the local hockey community will turn out in force to cheer on these young athletes.”
Shortly after, the National Hockey Centre in Canberra will play host once again, welcoming the nation’s top emerging talent for the Australian Under 21
Championships from 23–30 April. The tournament serves as a vital opportunity for National Junior and Elite selectors to identify the next generation of Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.
The Under 18 Championships will follow in Darwin from 3–11 July, marking the third Hockey Australia event to be held in the Top End in four years, following the 2025 Oceania Cup and the 2023 Under 15 Championships. Underpinned by Hockey NT’s integral support and drive, this key development tournament plays an integral role in the high-performance player pathway, with an Australian Under 18 squad to be selected following the event.
Hockey’s strong presence in regional Australia will once again be highlighted when the Country Championships head to Bendigo, Victoria from 17–20 August. Proudly supported by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government through the Significant Sporting Events Program, the event will bring together the best country hockey players from across the nation.
“The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to host the 2026 Hockey Australia Country Championships at our world-class Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex,” said James Myatt, Manager Economy & Experience at City of Greater Bendigo.
“This major sporting event will celebrate the spirit of country hockey and community pride, and I encourage these top-tier athletes and their supporters to
make the most of their time in Greater Bendigo during this thrilling tournament.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos MP said it’s exciting to showcase elite hockey in regional Victoria thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program.
“This will boost local businesses and the economy while giving fans the chance to see Australia's best hockey players in action in beautiful Bendigo."
The largest event on the calendar, the Men’s Masters Championships, will take place in late September and early October 2026. The Men’s Masters
Championships will be played on the Gold Coast at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Performance Centre between 25 September and 10 October 2026.
Queensland Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, said “The Hockey Men’s Masters Championships are a cherished tradition in Australia’s sporting story, and
Queensland is honoured to play host in 2026.
“This event will be a celebration of lifelong passion, where players who have shaped the game over the years reunite, rekindle old rivalries and share the spirit that makes hockey so special.
“The Gold Coast Hockey Centre, set to host hockey at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be the backdrop for these legends of the sport, inspiring the next generation of hockey players.
“Beyond the matches, the championships will showcase Queensland’s ability to put on great sporting events and deliver an estimated $8 million boost to the state’s economy, with more than 2,300 visitors expected.”
Next year is shaping as one of the biggest for hockey, not only in Queensland, but Australia-wide,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“Our city has earned a huge slice of the action with the Masters confirmed for the coast across September and October 2026. This tournament is a huge drawcard and presents an opportunity to test our facilities for players, officials and spectators. Congratulations to Hockey Australia for backing our city.
“The countdown to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics is on and I can’t wait to see the Gold Coast stage both programs, for Olympians and Paralympians.’’
The host city for the 2026 Women’s Masters Championships is nearing confirmation and official dates and venue details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 National Championships will conclude back in Canberra at the National Hockey Centre, with the Under 14 Championships closing out the year from 4-10 October and also rounding out a significant year of support from Hockey ACT as event hosts.
