Asia Pacific Open Championships

The Asia Pacific Open Championships (APOC) consist of two events run in the June/July period each year and are hosted by the home of FIRST Australia, Macquarie University. These events provide wonderful opportunities to explore Sydney and celebrate the international FIRST community!

FIRST LEGO League: 3 - 6 July 2025

FIRST Tech Challenge: 17 - 20 July 2025

1 Central Courtyard (1CC)

Macquarie University

Macquarie Park NSW 2113

The event is free and open to spectators from the general public - tickets are not required.

FIRST LEGO League

FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Championship: 3 - 6 July 2025

The FLL Asia Pacific Open Championship is an international invitation-only FIRST LEGO League Challenge event. FIRST LEGO League regional partners around the world will select teams to advance to this event based on Champions Award criteria.

The event is four days, with registration on the first morning, two days of competition and a closing ceremony on the last day. Teams will participate in an official FIRST LEGO League Challenge event, as well as fun activities such as a Friendship Night with cultural performances, a team activity exploring the flora and fauna of Australia and a scavenger hunt across Macquarie University.

2024 Team Guide

2024 Event Schedule

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge Asia Pacific Open Championship: 17 - 20 July 2025

The FTC Asia Pacific Open Championship is an open event that all registered FIRST Tech Challenge teams are welcome to register for. Teams can place an expression of interest from the November prior to the event and will have until April to officially register.

The event is four days, with registration on the first afternoon, two days of FIRST Tech Challenge official competition and a closing ceremony on the final day. In addition to the competition, teams will participate in fun activities.

Starting November 1st 2024, the FIRST Tech Challenge Asia Pacific Open Championship 2025 is taking RSVP applications from FTC teams around the world that meet the following criteria:

All teams officially registered with FIRST for the INTO THE DEEP℠ season are eligible to participate.
Registration is based on the order that RSVPs are received.
The event can accommodate a maximum of 44 teams.
Teams who RSVP after the 44 team cut-off will be placed on a waiting list in order of RSVP.
The 44 RSVP'd teams will receive an official registration and payment link in December 2024 to finalise participation.
If you are registering for more than one team, please submit a separate form for each team.

2025 participation cost: $240* AUD per person (inclusive of GST)

Cost includes competition participation, event gift pack and activities. Team students and at least one mentor/coach must register. Paid registration is also open to parents and siblings travelling who wish to receive a gift pack and participate in extra activities. Please note that this cost does not include meals during the event.

* This may be subject to change as the registration window approaches.

Expression of Interest

Below are some recommendations for accommodation for teams that will be attending the Asia Pacific Open Championships. We strongly suggest that teams book early.

Nearby hotels

Mercure, Macquarie Park: Directly on the Macquarie University campus - 10 minute walk to venue.
Meriton Suites, North Ryde: Across the street from the shopping centre - 15 minute walk to venue.
Holiday Inn Express, North Ryde: Down the road from shopping centre - 20 minute walk to venue.
Courtyard by Marriott, North Ryde: Across the street from fast food outlets - 30 minute walk to venue.

Budget hotels

ibis Hotel, Thornleigh: Located near train station and grocery store - 20 minute drive to venue.
Ascot Motor Inn, Wahroonga: Pool and restaurant - 20 minute drive to venue.
Seranin Motel, Gordon: Offers group bookings - 15 minute drive to venue.

On-campus accommodation

Robert Menzies College, Macquarie Park: Robert Menzies College is a student dormitory that offers short-stay accommodation and group discounts - 10 minute walk to venue.
Macquarie University Village, Macquarie Park: MQ Village is student accommodation that offers short stays - 10 minute walk to venue.

If you are not renting cars, there are many options for public transport in the area. Please note that for all public transport, you will need an Opal card. See below for details.

Parking: A link will be emailed to attendees to register for free parking.
Opal Card information: You have the option to get a physical Opal card, or 'tap and pay' from your phone.
Transport NSW: Transport NSW offers a 'trip planner' which will map out a route via public transport for you; the website also offers route maps for buses and trains.
Macquarie University Metro Station: Across the street from the shopping centre - 10 minute walk to venue.
Taxi Rank, Macquarie Shopping Centre: There is a taxi stop located at the bus interchange at Macquarie Shopping Centre if you are looking for more direct and private transport.
Uber: Uber is an alternative to taxis that can be called via the Uber app.

In 2025, meals are not included as part of event registration. Please plan to organise your own food throughout the competition.

Macquarie Shopping Centre: Macquarie Shopping Centre offers a food court and many sit-down dining options as well as grocery stores - 15 minute walk to venue.
Macquarie University Hub: Located at venue with takeaway food options- please note that it is possible not all of the listed food options will be open as the event takes place during university holidays.
Eden Park Centre: Multiple food chains such as McDonalds, KFC and Subway - 10 minute drive to venue.
Woolworths Marsfield: Additional grocery store to Macquarie Shopping Centre.