Top 5 Australian Gem Shows You Can’t Miss in 2026
The hunt for the perfect Australian opal, sapphire rough, or rare mineral specimen leads to one place: the Australian Gem Shows circuit. For rockhounds, lapidary artists, and professional jewellers alike, 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year.
Forget endless fossicking trips; these shows are your one-stop shop for world-class Australian gemstones, cutting-edge equipment, and invaluable knowledge.
Here are the Top 5 Australian Gem Shows for 2026 that should be marked in bold on your calendar, featuring the biggest national and state-level events.
1. GEMBOREE 2026 (The National Gem Show)
As the annual flagship event of the Australian Federation of Lapidary and Allied Crafts Associations (AFLACA), GEMBOREE is the ultimate gathering of the nation’s lapidary community. If you only attend one show in 2026, make it this one.
Dates: Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026 (Easter Weekend)
Location: Nambour Show Grounds, Nambour, Queensland
Why it’s a Must-Attend:
National Competition: Features the highest level of lapidary competition in Australia, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship in faceting, cabochon cutting, and jewellery making.
Massive Trade Hall: Traders come from every corner of Australia to sell rough material, finished stones, tools, and equipment. This is the place to buy that hard-to-find machinery or top-tier opal rough.
Community Hub: Staged by the Queensland Gem Clubs Association, it’s a friendly and educational event perfect for connecting with clubs you might be interested in joining (like the ones we feature in our [Gem Clubs guide](/Gem Clubs ACT NSW Qld Victoria Tasmania WA NT South Australia)).
2. Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show
Nestled in the heart of the New England sapphire country, Minerama is renowned for its fantastic location and focus on the practical side of gem hunting. It’s an ideal show for those who love to get their hands dirty!
Dates: Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, & Sunday 8th March 2026
Location: Glen Innes Showground, Glen Innes, New South Wales
Why it’s a Must-Attend:
Fossicking Field Trips: Uniquely, Minerama coordinates official field trips to local fossicking areas. You can buy rough at the show and then go hunt for your own sapphires and zircons nearby.
Sapphire Experts: Given the Glen Innes Highlands’ mineral-rich history, you’ll find some of the best sapphire dealers and experts here.
Regional Charm: It offers a more rustic, high-country experience compared to the major Australian Gem Shows .
3. GEMKHANA 2026 (The NSW State Show)
Hosted by the Gem and Lapidary Council of NSW (G&LCNSW), GEMKHANA is one of the premier annual Australian Gem Shows for New South Wales, attracting major state traders and clubs.
Dates: Saturday 26th September and Sunday 27th September 2026
Location: Hawkesbury District Agricultural Showground, Clarendon, New South Wales
Why it’s a Must-Attend:
Quality & Variety: This show prides itself on high-quality mineral and lapidary displays, similar to the national event, but with a strong NSW focus.
Competition Displays: The state competition entries offer inspiration for any aspiring lapidary artist or jeweller.
Easy Access: Being held near Sydney, it’s easily accessible for a weekend trip for a huge population base, ensuring a vibrant marketplace.
4. Toowoomba Gemfest – Gems and Jewellery
One of Queensland’s best two-day shows, the Toowoomba Gemfest is known for its strong community atmosphere and excellent array of traders, making it a reliable and exciting mid-year event.
Dates: Saturday 17th October and Sunday 18th October 2026
Location: Centenary Heights State High School, Toowoomba, Queensland
Why it’s a Must-Attend:
Family Focus: It’s renowned for its kid-friendly activities, particularly the popular “Fossicking for Children” section, making it a great family day out.
Opal Central: With Queensland being an opal state (Opalton, Yowah, Koroit), you often find excellent opal miners and traders showcasing their material here.
Local Expertise: Hosted by the Toowoomba Lapidary Club, it’s a perfect place to speak to local experts about the Darling Downs’ unique geology.
5. Perth Gem and Mineral Show
For West Australian enthusiasts, or those planning a cross-country gem trip, the Perth Gem and Mineral Show offers an essential western fix, focusing on local treasures like gold, nickel specimens, and world-class minerals.
Expected Dates: November 2026 (Likely 6-8 November, as per previous years)
Location: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), Western Australia
Why it’s a Must-Attend:
Gold and WA Minerals: Western Australia is synonymous with gold. Expect top-tier gold nuggets, rare nickel and iron ore mineral specimens, and unique materials not often seen on the East Coast circuit.
Professional Focus: Typically attracts a strong contingent of mineral collectors, geologists, and commercial dealers.
Modern Venue: Held in the modern Perth Convention Centre, providing a large, comfortable space for a major metropolitan show.
💡 Pro Tip for 2026 Show Visitors
Before you go, check out our recent guides on [Learning Jewellery Casting in Australia](/Learn Jewellery Casting in Australia) and the [Cowell Jade](/Cowell Jade) discovery. Knowing what you want to cut or what material you’re looking for will help you score the best deals on rough and equipment at these major shows!
2026 Australian Gem Show FAQs
1. What is the entry cost for the major national and state gem shows? Most Australian gem shows are very affordable for families. For GEMBOREE 2026 in Nambour, adult entry is typically around $10, while children and concession holders are $5. State-level shows like Toowoomba Gemfest follow a similar pricing structure ($5 for adults, kids under 12 free), and the Perth Gem and Mineral Show often offers free entry for children under 16 when accompanied by an adult.
2. Can I bring my own stones to these shows to be identified or valued? Yes! One of the biggest benefits of attending shows like GEMKHANA or Minerama is the access to experts. Many lapidary clubs and professional dealers are happy to help identify a “mystery rock” you’ve found. However, for a formal valuation for insurance purposes, it is best to check if a registered gemologist is booked for the event, as they may charge a small fee for a written certificate.
3. Do I need to book in advance for the Minerama fossicking field trips? Absolutely. While you can browse the trade stalls at the Glen Innes Showgrounds without a booking, the guided fossicking field trips are extremely popular and often sell out months in advance. If you want to hunt for sapphires and zircons in the New England Highlands during Minerama 2026, keep an eye on their official website starting in late 2025 to secure your spot.
4. What should a beginner bring to their first gem show? To make the most of your day, we recommend bringing:
A small torch or loupe: To inspect the clarity and color of rough stones.
Cash: While many larger traders have EFTPOS, some smaller hobbyist stalls (especially for “bargain buckets”) may only accept cash.
Sturdy bags: Gemstones and mineral specimens can be surprisingly heavy!
A notebook: To jot down the names and origins of the specimens you buy.
5. Is there parking available for large caravans or motorhomes at these venues? Most shows, like GEMBOREE at the Nambour Showgrounds and Minerama at Glen Innes, are held at regional showgrounds specifically designed to handle large vehicles. These events often provide dedicated camping areas for attendees for a nightly fee. However, for metropolitan shows like the Perth Gem and Mineral Show at the PCEC, you will need to utilize city parking or public transport, as on-site caravan parking is generally not available.
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