Australian Alpaca National Show runs 7 to 9 August 2026
More than 300 alpacas will enter the ring at the Australian Alpaca National Show in Bendigo from 7 to 9 August 2026. Prince of Wales Showgrounds will host the three-day event, and entry is free with no ticket required.
Australian Alpaca Association organisers list it as the most important event in the national calendar for alpaca farmers. Across 7 to 9 August 2026, locals, breeders and fibre buyers will gather at the Bendigo venue in Victoria.
Visitors will see alpaca parades, halter judging, fleece judging, trade booths, craft stalls and art displays. Organisers also plan alpaca fleece products, local artwork, artisanal creations and an Art and Photography Show.
Over three days, hundreds of entries will be judged. That total includes handcrafted alpaca products, fleece classes and more than 300 Suri and Huacaya alpacas.
Mark Gumbley and Darren Hard
AAA president Mark Gumbley said the show gives the public a closer look at the industry behind the animals. “We’re excited to welcome the community to the Bendigo Showgrounds, as well as alpaca farmers from all over Australia to celebrate our world-class standard of livestock.”
According to the association, Australia has more than 160,000 alpacas. That is the second-highest alpaca population in the Southern Hemisphere, behind Peru.
Gumbley linked that herd size to sustainable agriculture and premium fibre production in Australia. He also said industry expertise and fleece remain in demand around the world.
Show convenor Darren Hard will help run the 2026 event. Hard keeps his own herd in the Macedon Ranges and called the national show the biggest event in the AAA calendar.
Meanwhile, halter judging will be led by a highly respected Australian judge. Fleece judging will sit alongside the animal classes as a core part of the programme.
Hard said the scale of the operation reflects the commitment of alpaca farmers across Australia. He added that bringing the community together in Bendigo makes the work rewarding.
From Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, the Bendigo showgrounds will host farmers, shoppers and alpaca enthusiasts in one place. Free public access means visitors can watch judging, browse trade booths and buy fibre products without booking ahead.
