Future students and their families turned out in record numbers across Coffs Harbour, the National Marine Science Centre, Northern Rivers and Gold Coast this August, making 2026 our biggest Open Day series yet.
But the best measure of Open Day might not be how many people came through the gates. It’s what happened once they got here.
Across the four locations, prospective students explored campuses and facilities, joined panels and hands-on experiences, met current students and spent time talking one-on-one with academics about the courses and careers they were considering.
For some, those conversations helped turn possibility into a plan, with around one application generated for every five Open Day check-ins.
Others travelled a long way simply to find out whether Southern Cross University felt like the right fit. At Gold Coast Open Day, the team welcomed visitors from Victoria and a family who had made the journey from Norfolk Island.
“We’re incredibly pleased to have welcomed more people than ever before, but the moments we hear about afterwards are what really bring Open Day to life,” said Evan Crandon, Director of Future Students and Outreach.
“It might be a conversation with an academic that answers the question someone has been carrying around for months, hearing from a current student about what university is really like, or simply walking around campus and starting to picture yourself here.
“That’s what we want people to take away from Open Day – a clearer sense of what their next step could be.”
Behind the scenes
And while Open Day might look effortless once the signs are up, the coffee is flowing and the campus is buzzing, bringing four events to life is anything but.
Behind every tour, panel, conversation, demonstration and friendly face pointing someone in the right direction was a community of academic and professional staff, current students, student ambassadors and alumni giving their time to help future students feel welcome.
“Open Day really is a whole-of-University effort, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed across all four locations.
“What prospective students experience on these days is our community at its best – academics sharing what they love about their field, students talking openly about their experience, alumni giving back and professional staff helping people navigate what can be a really big decision.
“You can tell people that Southern Cross University is a welcoming community, but there’s something much more powerful about giving them the opportunity to experience that for themselves,” said Evan.
After three big Sundays, plenty of kilometres travelled and more conversations than we could possibly count, that feels like a pretty good way to wrap Open Day 2026.
