This Weekend, We Are the DX: Oceania DX Contest Starts Today

Get the antennas tuned, check the logging software and make sure there is still coffee in the cupboard. The 83rd Oceania DX Contest gets underway this weekend, with the SSB contest running from 0600 UTC Saturday 3 October until 0600 UTC Sunday 4 October 2026. The CW contest follows one week later, from 0600 UTC 10 October to 0600 UTC 11 October.

For Australian operators, the Oceania DX Contest offers something a little different from the usual international contest. This time, we are the DX. Stations throughout Europe, Asia, North America and elsewhere will be turning their antennas towards Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and the Pacific looking specifically for Oceania contacts. Even a modest home station can get involved, and you don't need to operate the entire 24 hours to enjoy the experience or submit a log.

The contest operates on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres, excluding the WARC bands. Oceania stations can work stations anywhere in the world, while stations outside Oceania score by working stations within the Oceania region. The exchange is straightforward: signal report plus a sequential serial number. Scoring is based on QSO points multiplied by the number of different amateur radio prefixes worked on each band.

There really is a category for almost everyone, including high power, low power, QRP, single-band, multi-band, single-operator, multi-operator and SWL entries. More than 40 plaque awards are available across the various categories, including recognition for newcomers, YLs and youth operators. OCDX Contest
Computer logging is recommended, with programs including N1MM Logger+ and WriteLog supporting the Oceania DX Contest. Electronic log submission is required, although an online log-entry facility is available for operators who record their contacts on paper.

The Oceania DX Contest has roots stretching back to 1935, when it began as the VK/ZL International DX Contest. After the interruption of amateur radio during the Second World War, it resumed in 1948 and eventually developed into today's Oceania-wide international contest. The 2026 event marks its 83rd running. Wireless Institute of Australia
So whether you're an experienced contester or have never entered a contest before, switch on this weekend and give it a try. Call CQ, hand out some VK contacts and discover what happens when thousands of operators around the world are deliberately looking in our direction.

Oceania DX Contest official website, rules, logging and results - Link

Page Last Updated: Saturday, 03 Oct 2026 at 08:35 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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