Perth, Western Australia – The countdown to the 2026 World Trails Conference has gained momentum with two major announcements: internationally renowned adventurer and storyteller Beau Miles has been confirmed as a keynote speaker, while a new Lotterywest-funded bursary program will help regional Western Australians attend the global event.
Taking place in Perth from 19–22 October 2026, the World Trails Conference will be held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, welcoming delegates from more than 25 countries to explore how trails can strengthen tourism, conservation, culture, community wellbeing, and regional economies.
Known worldwide for his inspiring films, books, and unconventional adventures, Beau Miles has built a loyal following by encouraging people to reconnect with nature through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful outdoor experiences.
His keynote presentation will explore the power of trails to inspire connection, stewardship, and adventure, aligning closely with the conference theme, Trails to the Future: Connection, Culture and Conservation.
Lauren Stuart, Conference Director at Outdoors WA, said Beau's authentic approach to storytelling makes him an ideal keynote speaker for a conference focused on the future of trails.
“Beau has an incredible ability to inspire people to see adventure differently,” said Lauren Stuart, Conference Director, Outdoors WA.
“His stories remind us that trails are far more than paths through the landscape. They connect people with place, culture, communities, and themselves. We're excited to welcome him to Western Australia as we host the global trails community for the very first time in the Southern Hemisphere.”
In a further boost for the conference, Lotterywest has partnered with Outdoors WA, the host organisation delivering the 2026 World Trails Conference, to support greater regional participation and ensure Western Australian voices are represented at this international event.
Through Lotterywest's generous support, Outdoors WA has established a Regional Attendance Support Program to help trail professionals from across Western Australia attend the conference and contribute to global conversations about the future of trails.
The Lotterywest-supported program includes a total bursary pool of $12,500, with funding available to support up to 25 regional delegates with travel and accommodation costs associated with attending the conference.
Eligible recipients can apply for assistance towards flights, fuel, bus or train travel, and accommodation. While successful applicants will still need to purchase their conference registration, the bursaries will help reduce the financial barriers often faced by regional organisations, local governments, trail managers, tourism operators, volunteers, and community groups travelling to Perth.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lotterywest for recognising the importance of ensuring regional voices are part of this global conversation,” said Katie Brown, CEO of Outdoors WA.
“Western Australia's trails are driven by passionate people and communities across our regions. Lotterywest's support will enable more regional trail professionals and volunteers to share their knowledge, build valuable networks, and bring new ideas back to their communities, creating benefits that extend well beyond the conference itself.”
Applications for the Lotterywest Regional Attendance Support Program are now open.
An initial allocation of up to $500 per successful applicant is available, with the final bursary amount determined following assessment of eligible applications and based on the number of approved applicants received. Where fewer than 25 applicants are approved, a higher per-person allocation may be considered.
Bursaries will be paid to successful recipients following the conclusion of the conference and prior to 30 November 2026, subject to meeting the program's eligibility criteria.
With registrations from Western Australian delegates continuing to increase, attendees are encouraged to secure their place early and take advantage of available bursary opportunities.
For more information, conference registration, or bursary applications, visit worldtrailsconference.com.
