Social & Networking Events

Join us for 18 holes of golf at Albert Park Golf Course, just 2kms from the Melbourne CBD. The golf course borders Albert Park’s beautiful lake and follows the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix racetrack, with views of the Melbourne skyline from most holes.

All green fees, rental clubs, push buggies, golf balls and tees are included in the package, and a light meal will be served at the end of the tournament.  There will be a competitive element (nearest pin, longest drive) and presentations will be held in the clubhouse after the 18^th hole. 

Tee off will be from 11:10am in groups of 4, please dress appropriately (i.e. golfing attire, no denim, sneakers or non-marking shoes only)

Price per person: AUD $467, incl. 10% Australian tax (GST). 

Schedule of the day:
09:30 - Bus departs from MCEC to Albert Park and arrives at 10am
10:00 - Registration of participants
10:30 - Briefing / collecting of equipment
11:00 - Tee off
15:30 - Meal provided
17:00 - Bus departs from Albert Park to MCEC

Join us for the IFA Congress 2026 in Melbourne and experience the excitement of the 1st Tennis IFA Tournament. This exclusive fast moving, social and engaging event offers a half-day tennis tournament at the National Tennis Centre, the iconic home of the Australian Open.
Competition Format: a Round Robin Switch Tournament. A Round Robin Switch Tournament is a fast-paced, inclusive format designed for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Players are divided into teams (typically doubles), and each court has a coach who feeds the ball onto the court to start each point — i.e. there is no serving. By removing the serve and using a coach to start each point, rallies begin quickly, and every player has more opportunities to hit the ball.
Sessions are timed — i.e. eight minutes — during which teams aim to win as many points (not games) as possible. At the end of each session, teams rotate to play the next session. Points are accumulated throughout the tournament, with the highest-scoring teams progressing to the semi-finals and the final.The afternoon will conclude with a social hour at St Andrews Brewery a few paces away. St Andrews Beach Brewery brings the flavours and coastal flair of the Mornington Peninsula to one of Victoria’s most popular sporting precincts! The event is open to both participants and accompanying persons, providing an exceptional opportunity to network. Don't miss out — reserve your spot by September 19th through the registration form (kindly note that no spots can be guaranteed after that date)!
Limited spots available; first-come, first-served.
Price per person: AUD $220, incl. 10% Australian tax (GST). 
Bus transportation and refreshments included. 
Tennis racquets and balls included.
Schedule of the day:
13:30 - Buses depart from MCEC to National Tennis Center
14:00 - Arrival at National Tennis Center + Briefing
15:00 - Tournament begins
17:00 - Tournament finishes + Walk to St Andrews Beach Brewery (drink and nibble)
18:15 - Buses depart to MCEC

Story of Melbourne Walking Tour (09.00-11.00 & 11.00-13.00)
Explore the history and charm of Melbourne on this insightful guided walking tour, offering fascinating story and a deeper understanding of the city's origins, culture, and iconic landmarks.
Melbourne Botanical Gardens, Heritage Walk, National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square (09.00-11.00 & 11.00-13.00)
Head to the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens. Then head across to our central National Gallery Victoria and Federation Square. This provides insight into Melbourne’s history – gardens, heritage walk and Australian National Gallery.
Melbourne River Cruise (08.30-11.00)
Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise along the Yarra River, offering stunning views of Melbourne’s landmarks. This tour provides a unique perspective of the city, perfect for unwinding and appreciating Melbourne from the waterfront.

Included in the registration fee. Limited spots available; first-come, first-served. The choice of tour cannot be changed after the registration.

The Opening Ceremony will mark the official commencement of the Congress, bringing delegates together to celebrate the start of an unforgettable week of discussions, networking, and collaboration.

The programme will feature welcome addresses by Congress President Miranda Stewart and IFA President Natalia Quiñones, followed by a keynote address from the Assistant Treasurer of the Australian Government, Hon. Dr. Daniel Mulino MP.

During the Ceremony, the IFA Awards will be presented, recognising outstanding contributions to international and comparative tax law. The awards presentation will be facilitated by Prof. Dr. Adolfo Martín Jiménez, Chair of IFA's Permanent Scientific Committee (PSC); Prof. Frank Pötgens, Vice-Chair of the PSC and Chair of the IFA Congress Award Jury; Shefali Goradia, Vice-Chair of the PSC and Member of the Poster Programme Jury; and Prof. Dr. Kees van Raad, Honorary Member of IFA and Chair of the Mitchell B. Carroll Award Jury. The session will be moderated by the IFA Secretary-General and Head of Secretariat, Alexia Kardachaki.

The evening will also feature a special performance by Djirri Djirri, a Wurundjeri Women's Dance Group, offering delegates an opportunity to experience and celebrate the culture and traditions of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne stands.

Location: Plenary 2, Congress venue (MCEC)
Catering: Delegates will enjoy a combination of cold and hot canapés at the Welcome Reception after the Opening Ceremony.
Dress code: Business/Business Casual

Included in the registration fee.

After the Opening Ceremony, delegates are invited to join the Welcome Reception, where they can connect with their peers in a relaxed, social atmosphere while enjoying a selection of hot and cold canapés.

The Museum Evening is centred around a visit to the Melbourne Museum, located in Carlton Gardens, which showcases Australia’s natural and cultural history through interactive galleries, including Indigenous heritage, science, and wildlife. It also features the Science & Life Gallery, including Triceratops and Treetops, offering an immersive educational experience for all ages.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a drink, followed by a selection of canapés and light bites as they enjoy a stroll through the Museum, accompanied by live music from Orlando Combo, one of Melbourne's leading jazz ensembles. Drawing inspiration from swing, rhythm & blues, bossa nova, Motown and New Orleans jazz, the band's vibrant repertoire will set an elegant and lively tone for the event.

Location: Melbourne Museum
Transportation: Bus transportation at 17.45 h from MCEC Convention Centre Place, next to the Pan Pacific Hotel, and return to the same place.
Catering: Delegates will enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival and a combination of canapés and light bites.
Dress code: Business/Business Casual

Included in the registration fee. 

Participants wishing to enjoy a meal are invited to explore the nearby restaurant options listed below.

Dining options
For delegates attending Museum Night, there are numerous dining options along Lygon Street between Queensberry Street and Elgin Street, including several of the restaurants listed below.

The IFA 2026 Congress team has curated this list as a recommendation for delegates; it does not form part of the official Congress programme.

Carlton Wine Room
Carlton Wine Room occupies a treasured corner in old Carlton. Distinct dining spaces over three levels are linked by a common offering: solid informed service and good times. Come in for honest, generous dishes, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Opening hours: Monday 12:00-23:00 
Bookings: Recommended

Leonardo's Pizza Palace
It's the kind of place you could accidentally spend hours in. Apart from pizza and house-made pasta, the kitchen also serves approachable Italian-inspired dishes.
Opening hours: Monday 17:00-22:00 
Bookings: Recommended

Embla
Embla offers an uncomplicated approach to food and wine, featuring seasonal dishes, grilled proteins, and an exceptional selection of local and international wines.
Opening hours: Monday from 15:00
Bookings: Recommended

Lee Ho Fook
Lee Ho Fook reinterprets the multi-regional vibrant cuisine styles of China with a focus on refined flavours and premium Australian ingredients. Showcasing exclusively Australian wines, champagne, and emerging Chinese wines.
Opening hours: Monday from 17:30 
Bookings: Recommended

DOC Osteria
Traditional Italian dining.
Opening hours: Monday from 12:00
Bookings: Recommended, but walk-ins welcome

Photo: Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building. Credit: Naomi Andrzejeski

The Cultural Evening will feature a bespoke performance curated by Matt Hoy, showcasing contemporary Australian music and cultural expression. Created exclusively for delegates of the Annual IFA Congress 2026, this high-calibre programme has been specially designed to offer an authentic and memorable Australian cultural experience. Upon arrival, Congress participants will be welcomed with a glass of champagne before enjoying an evening of music, culture, and shared experience.

Melbourne Recital Centre, in the Southbank Arts Precinct, is a world-class venue for live music. Opened in 2009, it features the 1,000-seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and the intimate Salon, renowned for exceptional acoustics and striking architecture, hosting over 500 concerts annually across diverse genres.

Dining options

For delegates attending the Cultural Evening, there are numerous dining options in the Melbourne Arts Precinct and the Central Business District, including several of the restaurants listed below.

The IFA 2026 Congress team has curated this list as a recommendation for delegates; it does not form part of the official Congress programme.

Miss Pearl
Miss Pearl Bar and Dining brings vibrant Asian flavours to the Melbourne Arts Precinct in a lively contemporary setting. Noodles, seafood and house specialities pair perfectly with a selection of crafted cocktails and lively music, making Miss Pearl a fun and vibrant destination on any occasion. 
Opening hours: Tuesday 15:00-late
Bookings: Recommended

Blondie Bar
Blondie Bar offers an exciting menu inspired by Asian cuisine, an interesting mix of Australian and European wines, carefully selected craft beer, and cocktails.
Opening hours: Tuesday from 20:30
Bookings: Recommended

The Meat & Wine Co
The Meat & Wine Co is a steak restaurant where the dining is Afro-centric, the steaks come from hand-selected farms around Australia, and the wines are as much a highlight on the menu as the meals. 
Opening hours: Tuesday from 12:00
Bookings: Recommended

Asado
Asado is a contemporary Argentinian steakhouse renowned for its wood-fired cooking and premium cuts of meat.
Opening hours: Tuesday 12:00-22:00
Bookings: Recommended

Supernormal
Supernormal offers a wide range of Asian-inspired dishes, wines, sake, whisky and cocktails. The menu offers beautifully executed takes on classic Asian food, including dishes from Japan, Korea and China. 
Opening hours: Tuesday lunch and dinner
Bookings: Recommended but walk-ins welcome
Located in the CBD, slightly further from the Melbourne Recital Centre but still within walking distance.

Nomad
The Nomad kitchen is centred around local produce and the open grill while the menu is inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco and the Middle East. 
Opening hours: Tuesday from 17:00
Bookings: Recommended
Located in the CBD, slightly further from the Melbourne Recital Centre but still within walking distance.

MoVida
Melbourne's iconic Spanish restaurant serving authentic tapas and Spanish wines.
Opening hours: Tuesday 17:00-22:00 
Bookings: Recommended
Located in the CBD, slightly further from the Melbourne Recital Centre but still within walking distance.

Following the Cultural Evening at the Melbourne Recital Centre, all Congress delegates are invited to join the YIN Party at Ms Collins.

Although organised by the Young IFA Network (YIN), the event is open to the entire Congress community and provides an ideal opportunity to connect with peers in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

With music provided by the resident DJ, guests will enjoy exclusive access to one of Melbourne's most renowned venues for dining, entertainment, and nightlife.

Dining options

The IFA 2026 Congress team has curated this list as a recommendation for delegates; it does not form part of the official Congress programme.

Trattoria Emilia
An intimate Italian restaurant serving authentic dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region, with handmade pasta and seasonal produce at the heart of the menu.
Opening hours: Tuesday 17:00-22:00
Bookings: Recommended

Longrain
A Melbourne favourite serving modern Thai cuisine designed for sharing, complemented by an excellent cocktail programme.
Opening hours: Tuesday from 17:30
Bookings: Recommended

Lollo
Classic Italian flavours meet contemporary flair in the heart of Melbourne, where sharing-style dishes take centre stage. 
Opening hours: Tuesday 18:00-22:00
Bookings: Recommended

Maha
Maha’s menus bring together bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, seasonal produce and a generous shared dining style in the heart of Melbourne CBD. 
Opening hours: Tuesday from 18:00
Bookings: Strongly recommended

Separate registration is required, and places are limited — don’t miss out and reserve your spot. You can book your table for the Congress dinner starting Monday, 19 October at the Social Events desk located in the Registration area.

Location: 1-Hotel Melbourne, 9 Maritime Place, Docklands, Melbourne. 
Transportation: Walking distance from/to the Congress venue. No bus transportation will be provided.  
Dress code: Cocktail Attire