WikiFur - User contributions [en]

FurDU

2026-06-10T09:15:12Z

Zephyr Wusky: Correction of incorporation year and GoH fix

{{wikify}}
{{copyedit}}
{{unref}}
{{Infobox convention
| name = Furry Down Under
| othernames = FurDU
| logo = [[File:Furry_Down_Under_-_logo.jpg|FurDU|225px]]
| caption =
| subject = [[Furry]]
| location = {{flagdiv|aus|[[W:Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast,]] [[W:Queensland, Australia|Queensland]], [[W:Australia|Australia]]}}
| url = http://www.furdu.com.au
| status = Ongoing
| first = April 23-25, 2010
| final =
| organizer = ''[[Furry Down Under Inc.]]''
| resources = {{con resources|FurDU}}
}}
{{FurDU}}
'''Furry Down Under''' ('''FurDU''') is an annual Australian [[furry convention]].

== Overview ==

FurDU is the largest furry convention in Australia, and runs for three days, with programming starting Friday and ending Sunday night (or early Monday morning).

Since 2013, the Thursday before the convention has become popular for 'pre-con' meet-ups by attendees. In 2014 the Thursday was nicknamed 'Day Zero' by convention organizers, even though there was no official programming scheduled for that day. Registration pick-up is typically available on Thursday to reduce rego lines during the con.

=== Organization ===

Since 2015, the FurDU convention has been owned and operated by [[Furry Down Under, Inc]]. a registered [[non-profit association]].
.
The association's committee is elected each year in keeping with its rules and bylaws. Elected management committee members are charged with running the convention, while also managing the association's general affairs.
The elected chairman of the association also resides in the FurDU convention as its chairman.

Before its incorporation in 2015, FurDU was owned by the founders, [[Oz Kangaroo]] and [[FlameDrake]], and operated with a volunteer committee of close friends.

===Art and merchandise===

Since the convention's founding in 2010, FurDU has offered dealers tables for attendees to sell artwork and merchandise. Between 2010 and 2012, due to hotel space restrictions, the dealers' area always shared a common area with the main convention space, and it was only possible to offer a strictly limited number of table spaces.

While available table spaces improved at the [http://www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au/ Watermark Hotel] in 2012, permitting a larger number of dealers to trade, it wasn't until 2013, with the transition to the Outrigger Hotel, that FurDU dealers were for the first time able to be provided with a separate, designated dealers' den in which to trade.

In 2013 and 2014, the dealers' den trading hours were restricted to only two days to allocate the dealers' room for other convention activities on the third.

As of 2019 onwards, FurDU boasts the largest dedicated market for furry artists in Australia. The Dealers Den operates all three days, with the 2023 convention at Crowne Plaza and Oaks Gold Coast also introducing a more laid-back artists' alley. FurDU also offers its own art and merchandise at furdu.com.au and in person at con operations.

===Fursuiting===

There are several events and other facilities for [[fursuiter]]s. These events change each year with the program, except for the [[Fursuit Games]], [[Fursuit Walk]], and [[Fursuit Photography]], which have been traditionally held since the founding.

The [[Headless Lounge]], an area that only fursuiters can enter where they can freely un-[[suit]] and relax, has progressively increased in size each year as the number of fursuiters in attendance has also grown. Between 2010 and 2012, the headless lounge was a simple cordoned-off area with a gazebo set up for privacy; this area usually shared one of the smaller convention spaces, such as a game room or chill-out area.

The transition to the [http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/australia/queensland/outrigger-surfers-paradise/overview Outrigger Hotel] in 2013 saw the introduction of a separate 70 square meter self-contained room used only as a dedicated headless lounge. This was the first time that the convention had ever been physically able to allocate a separate room specifically just for Fursuiters. In 2014, the same layout with this dedicated room was repeated; however, the fursuit lounge was scheduled to open later on day one as this room was temporarily used to house part of the initial registration queue on Friday morning.

== History ==

FurDU was originally intended to be held in [[W:Melbourne|Melbourne]]. Due to the original organizers relocating to Queensland, it was instead changed to the Gold Coast, with the added benefit of being a major Australian holiday destination.

[[File:FurDU_Attendance_Graph.png|thumb|right|300px|FurDU Attendance Statistics]]
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Dates !! Theme !! Attendance !! Location
|-
| [[FurDU 2010|2010]]
| 23 - 25th Apr
| The Beach
| 92
| Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2011|2011]]
| 15 - 17th Apr
| Nightlife
| 150
| Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2012|2012]]
| 27 - 29th Apr
| Carnival
| 300
| Watermark Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2013|2013]]
| 26 - 28th Apr
| Steampunk - The World Of Tomorrow
| 352
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2014|2014]]
| 28 - 30th Mar
| Fhloston Paradise
| 563
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2015|2015]]
| 1 - 3rd May<ref>''[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10152635038923453/ Furry Down Under Announces 2015 Dates & Opens Pre-Registration]'' via FurDU official Facebook group</ref>
| Jurassic Safari<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/490727252665987072 Tweet] on the FurDU account on [[Twitter]]. Dated July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.</ref>
| 490*
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2016|2016]]
| 27 - 29th May
| Toon Town
| 533
| The Mantra on View (previously called Outrigger), Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2017|2017]]
| 5 - 7th May
| The Outback <ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/774497257072783360 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter. Dated September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.</ref>
| 600
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2018|2018]]
| 4 - 6th May
| Film Noir
| 680
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2019|2019]]
| 31st May - 2nd June
| Apocalypse - Back To The Beach
| 800
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2021|2021]]
| 7 - 9th May
| "Mad Science" <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156653927609263 Post] from the FurDU Facebook. Dated June 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref>
| 639
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2022|2022]]
| 29th April - 1st May
| Pirates
| 899
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2023|2023]]
| 12 - 14th May
| Retro Gaming
| 1,219 <ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1659164097470947328 Tweet] - FurDU Twitter. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023''</ref>
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast<ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1565104645915156490 Tweet]'' FurDU announces contract with Oaks Hotel, Gold Coast.</ref>
|-
| [[FurDU 2024|2024]]
| 19 - 21 April <ref>''[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/941 Telegram Channel Message]'' FurDU announces FurDU 2024 dates plus upcoming Tails of Terror event.</ref>
| Space - Furbidden Planet
| 1,421
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
|-
| [[FurDU 2025|2025]]
| 4 - 6 April <ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1809407978589847941 "Get ready to unleash the fur-ocious fun at FurDU 2025!"] on [[W:Twitter | Twitter]]. Posted July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.</ref>
| Gods and Monsters
| 2,086 <ref>''[https://bsky.app/profile/furdu.com.au/post/3lmql24gjhk2a] - FurDU Bluesky. Dated/Retrieved 14 April 2025''</ref>
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
|-
| [[FurDU 2026|2026]]
| 17 - 19 April
| Beyond the Beach
| 2,118 <ref>''[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/2046135435085463963] - FurDU X. Dated 20 April 2026, Retrieved 11 May 2026''</ref>
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
|}
''*'''2015:''' A drop in attendance occurred in 2015, which is believed to be attributed to severe weather closing airports on both the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Friday, May 1st, 2015 (the first day of the convention) which resulted in several flights being cancelled.'' 
''*'''2020:''' FurDU 2020 was originally scheduled for 1 - 3rd May, 2020. It was postponed until 2021 due to issues related to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2518614671732117&id=1712351495691776&sfnsn=mo ''Unfortunately due to the new laws banning gatherings over 500 people, and our concern for attendees health, FurDU will be postponed until 2021''] post on [[Facebook]]. Retrieved May 21, 2020.</ref>

Due to its popularity, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the con has become somewhat infamous for having extremely limited con rego. Standard rego usually goes on sale 6 months before the con, and completely sells out within about 15 minutes of it going live.<ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1830235085280530653/video/1] post on [Twitter]. Retrieved October 26, 2025</ref> Reservations at the con hotel sell out even faster than con rego.

Due to this, the FurDU website has an entire system to pre-fill registration details in order to increase people's chances of buying rego as soon as it goes on sale.<ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1958879400595759239] post on [Twitter]. Retrieved October 26, 2025</ref>

== Special guests ==

FurDU first started featuring [[special guest]]s (akin to [[guests of honor]]s elsewhere, usually one local and one international) as part of the convention content in 2012. Since then, it has featured the following special guests;

* 2012 - [[ActFur on Air|Actfur On Air]], Dustin, Lupie, [[Anthrax]], [[W:Matt Hollywood|Matt Hollywood]]
* 2013 - [[StuCat]], [[Foxamoore]]
* 2014 - [[Silverfox5213|SilverFox]], Foxamoore, [[Vurt]]
* 2015 - [[Jaye Stoat]], [[Macroceli]]
* 2016 - [[Pepper Coyote]]
* 2017 - [[KKyell Gold]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/787928267164487680 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2017 GOH Announced Dated 13 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, [[PJ Saber]] (aka [[Kaz_(Australia)|Kaz]])<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/786480625389674496 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, First 2017 GOH Announced Dated 17 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, Deus Ex Moose
* 2018 - [[Darren Close]], [[Luvbites]] (BearPatrol, Electrixocket), [[Tracey Butler]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/891892631906603008 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2018 GOH Announced Dated 31 Jul 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.</ref>
* 2019 - Foxamoore, Pepper Coyote, [[Muttasaur]], [[StuCat]]
* 2021 - [[Faux Veritas]], [[Skyhigh Studios]]
* 2022 - [[SunsetScorpion]]
* 2023 - [[Magicdawolfy]], [[Adler the Eagle]]
* 2024 - [[Toxi De Vyne]], [[Jib Kodi]]
* 2025 - [[Rick Griffin]], [[Loprov]], [[CoolKoinu]]
* 2026 - [[Savaj]], [[Astris Fursuits]]
* 2027 - TBA

== Charities ==

Furry Down Under has sponsored the following [[charities]]:

* 2010 - '''[http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/ Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors]''' (AUD ??? / US ???)
* 2011 - '''''Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors''''' (AUD ??? / US ???)
* 2012 - '''''Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors''''' (AUD ??? / US ???)
* 2013 - ''[http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Animal Welfare League of Queensland]'' (AUD4,600 / US ???)<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10151656794613453/?comment_id=10151656873853453&offset=0&total_comments=4 Comment by FurDU volunteer] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated April 30, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref>
* 2014 - Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,296.80 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152142712390945&set=gm.10152481845143453&type=1 Post] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref>
* 2015: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $5,883.60 AUD<ref>[https://twitter.com/JetDingo/status/595504102819278848 Tweet] by [[Jet Dingo]] on [[Twitter]]. Dated May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.</ref>
* 2016: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $3,740 AUD
* 2017: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,318.25 AUD
* 2018: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,095 AUD
* 2019: [http://freshstartrescue.wixsite.com/freshstart Fresh Start Rescue], raised $7,000.00 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartRescue/posts/2367617153295730 Post] from the Fresh Start Rescue Facebook. Dated June 6, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref>
* 2021: Fresh Start Rescue and [https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/nsw-rfs-and-brigades-donations-fund The NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund], raised $5,570 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/622 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref>
* 2022: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $7,500.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/703 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref>
* 2023: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $14,000.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/913 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023</ref>
* 2024: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $17,220.00 AUD <ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1783737210577232125 "A huge thanks to everyone who made it to FurDU 2024."] on [[W:Twitter | Twitter]]. Posted April 26, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.</ref>
* 2025: WildLife Empire, raised $29,310.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/1453 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved April 5, 2025</ref>
* 2026: WildLife Empire, raised $14,603.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/1647 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved April 19, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.</ref>
* 2027 - TBA (TBD)

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==

* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/furdu FurDU] on [[Fur Affinity]]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/ FurDU] on [[Facebook]]
* [https://twitter.com/FurDUcon FurDU] on [[Twitter|X]]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/furrydownunder/profile FurDU] on [[LiveJournal]] (inactive)

{{Australia}}
{{Conventions Southern Hemisphere}}
[[Category:Conventions]]
[[Category:Queensland]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[Category:2010 births]]
[[Category:18+ event]]

[[it:FurDU]]

FlameDrake

2025-09-23T07:55:53Z

Zephyr Wusky: Removed FurDU Staff Tag

'''FlameDrake''' (born January 12, 1984)<ref>[http://brisdrake.livejournal.com/profile FlameDrake's profile] on [[LiveJournal]]. Retrieved January 10, 2014.</ref> is a [[furry]] who lives in [[Wikipedia:Brisbane|Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FlameDrake FlameDrake's profile] on [[Twitter]]. Retrieved January 10, 2014.</ref>

FlameDrake's [[fursona]] is a two-foot-tall red [[dragon]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{Contributor}}
* [http://brisdrake.livejournal.com/ ''The FlameDrake Show''] - FlameDrake's [[LiveJournal]]
* [https://twitter.com/FlameDrake FlameDrake] on [[Twitter]]
{{person-stub}}

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Dragon characters]]
[[Category:Brisbane]]
[[Category:1984 births]]

Joeyjoejoe

2025-09-23T07:55:29Z

Zephyr Wusky: Removed FurDU staff tag

'''Joeyjoejoe''', also known as '''Joey''', is a [[furry artist]] who lives in [[Brisbane]], Queensland, [[Australia]]. His [[fursona]] is a [[RedFox]].

== Fandom involvement ==

Joeyjoejoe discovered the [[furry fandom]] from his online friends [[Syriel]] and [[Mahi]] in 2004. Very social online and offline, Joeyjoejoe attends [[Coffee Night]] and sometimes other similar local [[furmeet]]s. He attended [[Anthrocon]] in 2009. He has been an active fur in the Brisbane community since March 2009.

== Fursona ==

Is a [[red fox]] with blue eyes and brown head fur.

== External links ==
{{Contributor|Joeyjoejoe_Shabadoo}}
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/joeyjoejoe Joeyjoejoe] on [[Fur Affinity]]
{{person-stub}}
[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Fox characters]]
[[Category:Brisbane]]

Ace Fawx

2025-09-23T07:54:58Z

Zephyr Wusky: Updated to reflect more recent information on position with FurDU and removed FurDU staff tag

'''Ace Fawx''' (born December 20,<ref>[https://acefawx.deviantart.com/ Ace Fawx's profile] on [[DeviantArt]]. Retrieved October 21, 2017.</ref> 1994) is a [[furry]] who lives in [[w:Adelaide|Adelaide]], South Australia, Australia.<ref>[http://steamcommunity.com/id/AcEFaWx Ace Fawx's profile] on steamcommunity.com. Retrieved October 21, 2017.</ref> His [[fursona]] is an [[Arctic fox]] with blue tribal markings.<ref name="FA">[https://www.furaffinity.net/user/acefawx/ Ace Fawx's profile] on [[Fur Affinity]]. Retrieved October 21, 2017.</ref>

Ace attended [[FurDU]] on the Gold Coast where for many years as one of the core team members, initially responsible for FurDU Social Media and later becoming head of Convention Operations. He stepped down from this role in July 2025.<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/1477 FurDU Announcements Post]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

== External links ==
{{Contributor}}
* [https://www.furaffinity.net/user/acefawx/ Ace Fawx] on [[Fur Affinity]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/UnHoLyAcE1?&ytbChannel=null Ace Fawx] on [[YouTube]]

{{person-stub}}

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Arctic Fox characters]]
[[Category:South Australia]]
[[Category:1994 births]]

Flicker

2025-09-23T07:51:23Z

Zephyr Wusky: Removal of tags linking user to FurDU staff, Brisbane, and ACT

[[File:Pancakes.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Orokana with pancakes]]
[[File:Orokana.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Character Reference, drawn by [[Horo]].]]
[[File:fursuit.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Fursuit created in 2013 by [[LazyLupe]].]]
'''Flicker''', also known as '''FlickerPanda''', formerly as '''Orokana''' (born 1991 in [[W:Canberra|Canberra]], Australia), is a [[furry fan]] and [[fursuiter]] who has lived in [[W:Brisbane|Brisbane]] since 2005 until 2023 when he moved to Sydney.

== Biography ==

Flicker works full-time in the aviation industry and has had previous experience in the tourism industry including events management.

Flicker enjoys hanging out with friends, or just enjoying a day at the beach, or at one of the many theme parks on the [[W:Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]].

When night falls on a Friday or Saturday night, he can often be found at one of Sydney's restaurants with friends or relaxing at home with friends and having a few drinks.

== Fandom involvement ==

Flicker has been an active member of the [[Brisfurs]] since 2007. He attends the [[South Bank Fur Meet]] on Tuesdays occasionally along with the occasional [[meet]] on the Gold Coast.

In 2013, Flicker was part of the [[RivFur]] [[staff|volunteer team]], working [[Con Ops|con-operations]], the [[headless lounge]], and various odd jobs until 2016. From 2017 until his departure in 2023, he took the role of external events coordinator at [[FurDU]]. He was also one of the main coordinator for [[South Bank Fur Meet]] ('''SBFM''') from 2015 to 2018. He has since stepped down from running the meets as of July 2018 but did briefly help out again in 2022 to help restart the meets after [[COVID-19]] restrictions eased.

As of 2022, he has also helped coordinate the [[Gold Coast Fur Meet]] which is run on a fortnightly basis at various locations on the Gold Coast.

=== Fursona ===

Flickers's [[fursona]] is a blue and white [[anthropomorphic]] [[red panda]].

=== Fursuit ===

In late 2013, Flicker purchased a [[fursuit]] made by [[LazyLupe]] which made its debut at [[CBFM]] and had its first major debut at the 2014 [[Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras]]. As of July 2016, his original suit was donated to a friend as he upgraded his suit to a new full suit by LazyLupe. As of 2020 the suit was retired.

=== Convention/meet attendance ===

* [[Central Brisbane Furmeet]] - 2013
* [[Confurgence]] - 2018*
* [[FurDU]] - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,* 2019,* 2023*
* [[FurJAM]] - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2022, 2023
* [[Aurawra]] - 2023
* [[RivFur]] - 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013,* 2014
* [[South Bank Fur Meet]] - 2015,* 2016,* 2017,* 2018*
* [[Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras]] - 2010, 2013, 2014, 2023, 24

(*) Staff member

== External links ==
{{Contributor|Flicker}}
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/orokana/ Orokana] on [[Fur Affinity]] (inactive)
* [https://t.me/flicker91 Flicker] on [[W:Telegram (software)|Telegram]]

{{person-stub}}

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Fursuiters]]
[[Category:Red Panda characters]]
[[Category:1991 births]]

FurDU

2025-09-23T07:41:02Z

Zephyr Wusky: Minor updates - Correction of venue order and addition of 2026 theming

{{Infobox convention
| name = Furry Down Under
| logo = [[File:Furry_Down_Under_-_logo.jpg|FurDU|225px]]
| caption =
| subject = Furry
| location = {{flagdiv|aus|[[wikipedia:Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast,]] [[wikipedia:Queensland, Australia|Queensland]], [[wikipedia:Australia|Australia]]}}
| url = http://www.furdu.com.au
| status = Ongoing
| first = April 23-25, 2010
| final =
| organizer = Furry Down Under Inc.
| resources = {{con resources|FurDU}}
}}
{{FurDU}}
'''Furry Down Under''', commonly referred to as '''FurDU''', is a [[furry convention]] that is held annually on the [[W:Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], in [[W:Queensland (Australia)|Queensland]], Australia, and is currently the largest, most attended furry convention in the country.

FurDU is currently held at two hotels in Surfers Paradise that are connected to each other, Crowne Plaza Gold Coast and Oaks Gold Coast.

FurDU was first held in the [http://www.vibehotels.com.au/default.asp?page=/vibe-locations/gold-coast-hotels/vibe-hotel-gold-coast 'Vibe' Hotel], Surfers Paradise, between the 23rd and 25th of April, 2010. The convention was originally intended to be held in [[W:Melbourne|Melbourne]], but it was later decided during the planning stages (and in conjunction with the original organizers relocating to Queensland) that hosting FurDU on the Gold Coast, a major Australian holiday destination, would prove far more beneficial.

==Programming==
FurDU runs for three days, with programming starting Friday and ending Sunday night (or early into Monday morning). The convention changes its programming each year, these changes are reflected by the addition of new key events and the removal of events that have grown stale in the opinion of the organizers.

Since 2013, the Thursday prior to the start of the convention has become a very popular day for 'pre-con' meet-ups by attendees. In 2014 the Thursday prior to commencement was nicknamed 'Day Zero' by convention organizers even though there was no official programming scheduled for that day. Registration pick-up is typically available on the Thursday to faciliate a more seamless convention experience throughout the days with programming.

===Art and merchandise===

Since the conventions founding in 2010, FurDU has offered dealers tables for attendees to sell artwork and merchandise. Between 2010 and 2012 due to hotel space restrictions, the dealers area always shared a common area with the main convention space and it was only possible to offer a strictly limited number of table spaces.

While available table spaces improved at the [http://www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au/ Watermark Hotel] in 2012, permitting a larger number of dealers to trade, it wasn't until 2013 with the transition to the Outrigger Hotel that FurDU dealers were for the first time able to be provided with separate designated dealers den in which to trade from.

In 2013 and 2014 the dealers den trading hours were restricted to only two days in order to allocate the dealers room for other convention activities on the third.

As of 2019 onwards, FurDU boasts the largest dedicated market for furry artists in Australia. The Dealers Den operates all three days, with the 2023 convention at Crowne Plaza and Oaks Gold Coast also introducing a more laid back artists alley. FurDU also offers its own art and merchandise at furdu.com.au and in person at con operations.

===Fursuiting===

There are several events and other facilities for [[fursuiter]]s. These events change each year with the program, with the exception of the [[Fursuit Games]], [[Fursuit Walk]], and [[Fursuit Photography]] which have been traditionally held since the founding.

The [[Headless Lounge]], an area that only fursuiters can enter where they can freely un-[[suit]] and relax, has progressively increased in size each year as the number of fursuiters in attendance has also grown. Between 2010 and 2012 the headless lounge was a simple cordoned-off area with a gazebo set up for privacy, this area usually shared one of the smaller convention spaces such as a game room or chill-out area.

The transition to the [http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/australia/queensland/outrigger-surfers-paradise/overview Outrigger Hotel] in 2013 saw the introduction of a separate 70 square meter self-contained room used only as a dedicated headless lounge. This was the first time that the convention had ever been physically able to allocate a separate room specifically just for Fursuiters. In 2014 the same layout with this dedicated room was repeated, however, the fursuit lounge was scheduled to open later on day one as this room was temporally used to house part of the initial registration queue on Friday morning.

==History==
[[File:FurDU_Attendance_Graph.png|thumb|right|300px|FurDU Attendance Statistics]]
FurDU has been held in the following locations;
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Dates !! Attendance !! Location
|-
| [[FurDU 2010|2010]]
| 23 - 25th Apr
| 92
| Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2011|2011]]
| 15 - 17th Apr
| 150
| Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2012|2012]]
| 27 - 29th Apr
| 300
| Watermark Hotel, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2013|2013]]
| 26 - 28th Apr
| 352
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2014|2014]]
| 28 - 30th Mar
| 563
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2015|2015]]
| 1 - 3rd May<ref>''[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10152635038923453/ Furry Down Under Announces 2015 Dates & Opens Pre-Registration]'' via FurDU official Facebook group</ref>
| 490*
| Outrigger, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2016|2016]]
| 27 - 29th May
| 533
| The Mantra on View (previously called Outrigger), Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2017|2017]]
| 5 - 7th May
| 600
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2018|2018]]
| 4 - 6th May
| 680
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2019|2019]]
| 31st May - 2nd June
| 800
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2020|2020]]
| 1 - 3rd May
| Postponed*
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2021|2021]]
| 7 - 9th May
| 639
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2022|2022]]
| 29th April - 1st May
| 899
| The Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise
|-
| [[FurDU 2023|2023]]
| 12 - 14th May
| 1,219 <ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1659164097470947328 Tweet] - FurDU Twitter. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023''</ref>
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast<ref>''[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1565104645915156490 Tweet]'' FurDU announces contract with Oaks Hotel, Gold Coast.</ref>
|-
| [[FurDU 2024|2024]]
| 19 - 21 April <ref>''[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/941 Telegram Channel Message]'' FurDU announces FurDU 2024 dates plus upcoming Tails of Terror event.</ref>
| 1,421
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
|-
| [[FurDU 2025 | 2025]]
| 4 - 6 April <ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1809407978589847941 "Get ready to unleash the fur-ocious fun at FurDU 2025!"] on [[W:Twitter | Twitter]]. Posted July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.</ref>
| 2,086 <ref>''[https://bsky.app/profile/furdu.com.au/post/3lmql24gjhk2a] - FurDU Bluesky. Dated/Retrieved 14 April 2025''</ref>
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
|}
''*'''2015:''' A drop in attendance occurred in 2015, which is believed to be attributed to severe weather closing airports on both the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Friday May 1st, 2015 (the first day of the convention) which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled.'' 
''*'''2020:''' FurDU 2020 was postponed until 2021 due to issues related to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2518614671732117&id=1712351495691776&sfnsn=mo ''Unfortunately due to the new laws banning gatherings over 500 people, and our concern for attendees health, FurDU will be postponed until 2021''] post on [[Facebook]]. Retrieved May 21, 2020.</ref>

===Themes===

Furry Down Under features unique theme for each year that it runs. Although the convention has officially been themed since its founding in 2010, this became much more apparent in 2012 during "Carnival" where the venue began to reflect the theme more clearly through the use of stage props, decorations, and theme-specific events. Furry Down Under was postponed in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.

* 2010: "The Beach"
* 2011: "Nightlife"
* 2012: "Carnival"
* 2013: "Steampunk - The World Of Tomorrow"
* 2014: "Fhloston Paradise"
* 2015: "Jurassic Safari"<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/490727252665987072 Tweet] on the FurDU account on [[Twitter]]. Dated July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.</ref>
* 2016: "Cartoons - Toon Town"
* 2017: "The Outback" <ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/774497257072783360 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter. Dated September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.</ref>
* 2018: "Film Noir"
* 2019: “Apocalypse - Back To The Beach”
* 2021: "Mad Science" <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156653927609263 Post] from the FurDU Facebook. Dated June 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref>
* 2022: "Pirates"
* 2023: "Retro Gaming - Game On!"
* 2024: "Space - Furbidden Planet"
* 2025: "Gods and Monsters"
* 2026: "Beyond the Beach"

===Special guests===

FurDU first started featuring special guests (usually one local, and one international) as part of the convention content in 2012. Since then, it has featured the following special guests;

* 2012: [[ActFur on Air|Actfur On Air]], Dustin, Lupie, [[Anthrax]], [[W:Matt Hollywood|Matt Hollywood]]
* 2013: [[StuCat]], [[Foxamoore]]
* 2014: [[Silverfox5213|SilverFox]], [[Foxamoore]], Vurt
* 2015: [[Jaye Stoat]], [[Macroceli]]
* 2016: [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]]
* 2017: [[Kyell_Gold|Kyell Gold]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/787928267164487680 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2017 GOH Announced Dated 13 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, PJ Saber (aka [[Kaz_(Australia)|Kaz]])<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/786480625389674496 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, First 2017 GOH Announced Dated 17 Oct 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.</ref>, Deus Ex Moose
* 2018: [[Darren Close]], Luvbites (BearPatrol, Electrixocket), Tracey Butler.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/891892631906603008 Tweet] from the FurDU Twitter, Second 2018 GOH Announced Dated 31 Jul 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.</ref>
* 2019: [[Foxamoore]], [[Pepper_Coyote|Pepper Coyote]], [[Muttasaur]], [[StuCat]]
* 2021: [[Faux Veritas]], [[Skyhigh Studios]]
* 2022: [[SunsetScorpion]]
* 2023: [https://magicdawolfy.com/ Magicdawolfy], [[Adler the Eagle]]
* 2024: [[Toxi_De_Vyne|Toxi De Vyne]], [[Jib_Kodi|Jib Kodi]]
* 2025: [[Rick_Griffin|Rick Griffin]], [[Loprov|Loprov]], CoolKoinu

===Charity===

Furry Down Under has sponsored the following [[charities]]:

* 2010: [http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/ Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors]
* 2011: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
* 2012: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
* 2013: [http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Animal Welfare League of Queensland], raised ~$4,600 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/permalink/10151656794613453/?comment_id=10151656873853453&offset=0&total_comments=4 Comment by FurDU volunteer] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated April 30, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref>
* 2014: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,296.80 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152142712390945&set=gm.10152481845143453&type=1 Post] on the FurDU Group on [[Facebook]]. Dated May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.</ref>
* 2015: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $5,883.60 AUD<ref>[https://twitter.com/JetDingo/status/595504102819278848 Tweet] by [[Jet Dingo]] on [[Twitter]]. Dated May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.</ref>
* 2016: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $3,740 AUD
* 2017: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,318.25 AUD
* 2018: Animal Welfare League of Queensland, raised $4,095 AUD
* 2019: [http://freshstartrescue.wixsite.com/freshstart Fresh Start Rescue], raised $7,000.00 AUD<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartRescue/posts/2367617153295730 Post] from the Fresh Start Rescue Facebook. Dated June 6, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.</ref>
* 2021: Fresh Start Rescue and [https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/nsw-rfs-and-brigades-donations-fund The NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund], raised $5,570 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/622 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref>
* 2022: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $7,500.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/703 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved December 6, 2022</ref>
* 2023: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $14,000.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/913 FurDU Announcements] screenshot & message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved May 18, 2023</ref>
* 2024: Fresh Start Rescue, raised $17,220.00 AUD <ref>[https://x.com/FurDUcon/status/1783737210577232125 "A huge thanks to everyone who made it to FurDU 2024."] on [[W:Twitter | Twitter]]. Posted April 26, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.</ref>
* 2025: WildLife Empire, raised $29,310.00 AUD<ref>[https://t.me/FurryDownUnderA/1453 FurDU Announcements] message from FurDU's [[Telegram]] channel. Dated/Retrieved April 5, 2023</ref>

===Venues===

Furry Down Under has been held in the following hotel venues;

* 2010: Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2011: Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2012: Watermark Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2013: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2014: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2015: Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast.
* 2016: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2017: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2018: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2019: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2021: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2022: Mantra On View, Gold Coast.
* 2023: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
* 2024: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
* 2025: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast
* 2026: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise & Oaks Hotel Gold Coast

==Organization==

Since 2016, the FurDU convention has been owned and operated by [[Furry Down Under, Inc]]. a registered [[non-profit association]].
.
The association's committee is elected each year in keeping with its rules and bylaws. Elected management committee members are charged with the running of the convention, while also managing the association's general affairs.
The elected chairman of the association also resides in the FurDU convention as its chairman.

Prior to its incorporation in 2016, FurDU was owned by the founders; [[Oz Kangaroo]] and [[FlameDrake]], and operated with a volunteer committee of close friends.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://furdu.com.au/ FurDU] - official website
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/furdu FurDU] on [[Fur Affinity]]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/305047158452/ FurDU] on [[Facebook]]
* [https://twitter.com/FurDUcon FurDU] on [[Twitter]]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/furrydownunder/profile FurDU] on [[LiveJournal]] (inactive)

{{Australia}}
{{Conventions Southern Hemisphere}}

[[Category:Conventions]]
[[Category:Queensland]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[Category:2010 births]]
[[Category:18+ event]]
[[it:FurDU]]