2026 Asia Pacific Open Championship
FIRST LEGO League
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Experience UNEARTHED on the Global Stage in Sydney!
The 2026 FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Championship will take place from 9–12 July 2026 in Sydney, Australia, bringing together inspiring young innovators from across the region. Teams will showcase their skills in robotics, research, and teamwork as they take on the UNEARTHED℠ season theme, exploring challenges inspired by archaeology, discovery, and understanding the past.
Over four dynamic days, teams will compete, share ideas, celebrate diverse cultures, and connect with peers from around the world. More than a competition, the Asia Pacific Open Championship is a collaborative learning experience that empowers young people to think critically, work together, and see themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of the future.
Event Details
Thursday 9 July - Sunday 13 July, 2026
Capacity for 60 FIRST LEGO League teams
9:00am - 5pm (Times will vary depending on day)
1 Central Courtyard (1CC) Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
TBA (AUD) per person - 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.
Season theme will be UNEARTHED
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
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Mercure, Macquarie Park: Directly on the Macquarie University campus - 10 minute walk to venue.
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Meriton Suites, North Ryde: Across the street from the shopping centre - 15 minute walk to venue.
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Holiday Inn Express, North Ryde: Down the road from shopping centre - 20 minute walk to venue.
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Courtyard by Marriott, North Ryde: Across the street from fast food outlets - 30 minute walk to venue.
Budget hotels
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ibis Hotel, Thornleigh: Located near train station and grocery store - 20 minute drive to venue.
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Ascot Motor Inn, Wahroonga: Pool and restaurant - 20 minute drive to venue.
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Seranin Motel, Gordon: Offers group bookings - 15 minute drive to venue.
On-campus accommodation
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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.
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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.
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Parking: A link will be emailed to attendees to register for free parking.
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Opal Card information: You have the option to get a physical Opal card, or 'tap and pay' from your phone.
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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.
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Macquarie University Metro Station: Across the street from the shopping centre - 10 minute walk to venue.
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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.
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Uber: Uber is an alternative to taxis that can be called via the Uber app.
In 2026, meals are not included as part of event registration. Please plan to organise your own food throughout the competition.
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Macquarie University Hub: Located at venue with many takeaway food options, including:
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Cult Bake Bar: cafe with breakfast and lunch options
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Chatime: popular tea chain
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Soul Origin: cafe offering a meal deal of wraps and a drink for $12.90
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Roll'd: Vietnamese takeaway offering a meal deal of 3 rice paper rolls and a drink for $15
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Indi GoGo: Indian takeaway
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Ubar: open 12 noon to 6pm, offering a meal deal of a large margherita pizza for $12
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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.
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Eden Park Centre: Multiple food chains such as McDonalds, KFC and Subway - 10 minute drive to venue.
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Woolworths Marsfield: Additional grocery store to Macquarie Shopping Centre.
Stay an extra day (Monday 13 July) after the excitement of APOC 2026 and dive into the next season’s challenge before anyone else!
This 2026-2027 Season Enrichment Experience is a full-day, hands-on learning opportunity designed for FIRST LEGO League teams attending the 2026 Asia-Pacific Open Championship (APOC).
Delivered by FIRST Australia in partnership with Macquarie University, this optional experience extends the season journey beyond competition by immersing students in authentic, real-world inquiry guided by university researchers and educators.
Why Take Part?
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Get a head start on the new season’s innovation project!
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Extend your team’s season learning beyond competition
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Engage directly with university researchers and STEM professionals
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Experience Australia’s unique learning environments
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Strengthen teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking
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Inspire future study pathways across science, engineering, and related fields
Who can attend?
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FIRST LEGO League teams attending APOC 2026
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Students, coaches, and team leaders
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Places are limited — registration details shared with APOC teams closer to the event
What does it cost?
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The program will be delivered for free by FIRST Australia and Macquarie University. A catering charge of AU$30 per person will apply (approx. €17 or US$20)
Relive the energy and excitement of last year’s Asia Pacific Open Championship. Teams from across the region came together for four unforgettable days of robotics, innovation, and collaboration.
From high-intensity robot matches to inspiring innovation projects, cultural exchange, and exciting adventures, the event captured everything that makes FIRST LEGO League special. Explore the highlights below — and get ready for what’s coming in Sydney in 2026.
