Social Program

Sunday 24 August 

UPAV Dinner -Rainforestation Nature Park          

5:30pm – 10:30pm                       

Rainforestation Nature Park 

$185 for delegates & guests.     

Includes return coach transfer from Cairns. 

Get ready for an unforgettable night of nature, culture, and adventure at the stunning Rainforestation Nature Park, just 30 minutes from Cairns! 

Step into ancient rainforest and explore where natural beauty meets rich heritage and incredible wildlife.

All aboard the iconic WWII Army Duck for a thrilling land-and-water tour through lush tropical surrounds. 

Feel the spirit of Country with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience—an immersive celebration of Indigenous dance, culture, and storytelling. 

Encounter Australia’s most iconic wildlife up close at the Koala & Wildlife Park, including crocodiles, wombats, devils, dingoes, reptiles, and the elusive Southern Cassowary. 

Savour the evening with delicious fare from our food stations and bar, nestled within a tropical fruit orchard. 

This unique dinner event blends adventure, connection, and celebration—set under a canopy of stars in the heart of the rainforest. 

Nature. Culture. Wildlife. Magic. Are you in? 

Monday 25 August 

Welcome and Exhibition Opening Night  

5:30pm – 7:30pm 
Auditorium A, B & D                             

Cairns Convention Centre 

Complimentary for all registered delegates.

$155 for non-delegates & guests. 

Kick off the conference in style with a relaxed and vibrant evening of connection, conversation, and celebration! 

Reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and explore the exhibition space, featuring leading companies from across Australia showcasing the latest in veterinary products, services, and innovations. 

Start your Passport Competition journey for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, all while enjoying drinks, canapés, and the warm buzz of our professional community coming together. 

This is your perfect chance to ease into the week, catch up with friends old and new, and get inspired for the days ahead! 

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Tuesday 26 August 

Happy Hour - Cheers to Connections! 

5:30pm – 6:30pm 
Auditorium A, B & D                             

Cairns Convention Centre 

Complimentary for all registered delegates. 

$105 for non-delegates & guests. 

Unwind, mingle, and raise a glass with us at this relaxed networking event. Enjoy complimentary drinks as you connect with colleagues, engage with our incredible exhibitors and sponsors, and soak in the atmosphere.  

It’s the perfect way to wrap up the day—spark conversations, discover opportunities, and toast to shared passions in great company! 

Tuesday 26 August 

Recent Graduate Dinner -Paw-ty at the Salt House!

6:30pm – 10:30pm 
Sailing Bar & Trinity Deck | Salt House 

Complimentary for recent graduate delegates. 

$135 for delegates & guests 

Calling all graduates from the classes of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 – it’s time to paws and celebrate! 

Join us for a night of laughter, shared stories, and reconnecting with your fellow recent grads as we raise a glass to your early achievements in the veterinary profession. 

The evening kicks off with pre-dinner drinks in the sailing bar thanks to Bank of Queensland, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars on trinity deck, generously sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

Let’s toast to your journey so far and the exciting path ahead – this is your time to shine, celebrate, and paw-ty in paradise! 

Tuesday 26 August 

Tuesday Social Night - Salt House Soiree!

7:00pm – 10:30pm 
The Garden & Deck | Salt House 

$90 for delegates & guests. 

As the sun sets over Cairns, join us for an unforgettable evening at one of the city’s most iconic waterfront venues — Salt House. With sweeping views of the marina and a lush tropical vibe, it’s the perfect place to soak up the scenery and the good vibes. 

Kick back in the garden oasis and enjoy a night of flavour-packed food, refreshing drinks, and chilled tunes, all while connecting with friends old and new. 

Whether you're winding down or just getting started, this relaxed social evening promises a memorable blend of tropical charm, great company, and coastal cool. 

Don’t miss the chance to toast the tropics in style! 

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Wednesday 27 August

Awards Gala Dinner - Fur, Feathers, Fangs & Fins Fiesta!    

7.00pm - Late                                     

Trinity Room, Cairns Convention Centre 

$200 for delegates & guests. 

Step into the wild for an unforgettable evening at the Awards Gala Dinner - Fur, Feathers, Fangs & Fins Fiesta!   

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements within our veterinary community. This special night will shine a spotlight on excellence, leadership, innovation, and dedication, as we proudly present the ASAV Awards.  

Reconnect with colleagues, honour our profession’s finest, and let your hair (or feathers!) down for a night of celebration, connection, and dancing!  

Dress Code: Fur, Feathers, Fangs & Fins 
(Think animal-inspired glam – creative flair encouraged!) 

Dinner & Drinks | Awards Ceremony | Live Entertainment 

Proudly sponsored by Guild Insurance and Vets Choice. 

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Thursday 28 August 

Farewell Drinks - Tropic Like It’s Hot!

5:30pm – 7:30pm 
Hemingway's Brewery, Cairns Wharf 
Cash Bar | All welcome! 

Wrap up an incredible week with a relaxed evening of good vibes, great company, and tropical toasts at the iconic Hemingway’s Brewery. 

Located at the heritage-listed Cairns Wharf Cruise Liner Terminal, this laid-back venue boasts stunning views over Trinity Inlet—the perfect backdrop to say farewell in style. 

Expect cold drinks, warm memories, and plenty of smiles as we raise a glass (or two) to new friends, lasting connections, and unforgettable moments. 

Let’s make this farewell one to remember!