National-level competition meets school holiday adventure – Australia’s next generation of archers head to one of the country’s most stunning destinations this April.
The 2026 National Youth Championships are coming to Launceston, Tasmania, from 9–13 April 2026 –the week following Easter in the school holidays. This is a fantastic opportunity for young archers across Australia to compete on a national stage, and with the event set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most beautiful regions, it’s the perfect excuse to turn a competition trip into a family holiday in Tasmania.
Entries close 9 March 2026 – spots are filling fast and the celebration dinner is already at capacity. Don’t miss out.
The National Youth Championships bring together the best young archers from every state and territory for five days of target, field, and matchplay competition. For many, it’s their first time representing their state and themselves at a national event. These experiences and event exposure builds confidence, sharpen skills, and creates friendships that last far beyond the event.
The National Youth champs offer a welcoming, supportive environment where young athletes can challenge themselves and form strong bonds with the youth archery community to be part of our sport’s next generation of archers..
Who Can Enter
The 2026 National Youth Championships are open to all archers in the U14 to U21 age divisions (age as at 1st January 2026). If you’re a young archer looking to test yourself against the best in the country, this is your stage.
Event Program
Five days of competition spanning target, field, and matchplay disciplines:
| Day | What’s On |
|---|---|
| Thursday 9 April | Official Practice and Opening Ceremony |
| Friday 10 April | 24 Target Marked Field (half of archers) / 900 Rounds (half of archers) |
| Saturday 11 April | 24 Target Marked Field (half of archers) / 900 Rounds (half of archers) |
| Sunday 12 April | 720 Ranking Rounds and Matchplay |
| Monday 13 April | Matchplay Finals |
Competition Venues
- Target: Churchill Park Sports Complex, Invermay Rd, Launceston
- Field: Paringa Archery Club, 201 Reatta Rd, Launceston
With competition wrapping up on Monday afternoon, families have the rest of the school holidays to explore everything Launceston and Tasmania have to offer. We’d encourage everyone to plan an extended stay – you won’t regret it.
Make It a Holiday – Discover Launceston
Launceston is Tasmania’s northern gem – a city rich in heritage, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and home to some of Australia’s best food and wine. Here are just a few reasons to extend your stay:
- Cataract Gorge Reserve – Just minutes from the city centre, explore walking trails, gardens, a chairlift, and a natural swimming pool surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
- Food and wine – The Tamar Valley is a foodie’s paradise, with award-winning wineries, local produce markets, and restaurants showcasing Tasmania’s world-class ingredients.
- Heritage and culture – Discover beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, local galleries, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
- Adventure and the great outdoors – From mountain biking and kayaking to wildlife encounters and scenic drives, there’s something for every member of the family.
Start planning your Launceston experience at Experience Launceston or explore more of the region at Visit Northern Tasmania.
Plan Your Trip to Tasmania
Why stop at Launceston? Tasmania is one of Australia’s most rewarding travel destinations, and with the championships timed during the school holidays, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore the island state before or after the event. From the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain to the charm of Hobart’s waterfront, there’s no shortage of experiences for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Your best starting point for trip planning is Discover Tasmania – the official guide to everything the state has to offer, from accommodation and itineraries to events and hidden gems across the island.
For trip planning on the go, download the free Discover Tasmania app. Build a personalised itinerary, find things to do near your location, get real-time tips and recommendations, and access everything even when you’re offline – perfect for getting the most out of your time in Tasmania.
- Download on the Apple App Store
- Download on Google Play
Getting There and Planning Ahead
Launceston Airport offers direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, making it easy to get to from most capital cities. With the event falling over the school holidays and just after Easter, accommodation in the region is likely to fill quickly – so we’d recommend booking early to secure the best options for your family.
For accommodation, transport, and travel planning, head to Discover Tasmania to start putting your trip together.
Thank You to Our Partners
The 2026 National Youth Championships would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. A sincere thank you to the Tasmanian Government, Events Tasmania, the City of Launceston, and Archery Tasmania for their support in making this event possible.
Register Now
Ready to take your shot at the 2026 National Youth Championships? Entries close 9 March 2026, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
For questions about the event, contact Archery Australia at NTC@archery.org.au.
