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Australian Opal Exhibition (2026)
Organised by Australian Opal Exhibition Inc., the Australian Opal Exhibition is the premier trade-only event for opal enthusiasts and jewellery professionals, showcasing an extensive display of Australia’s national gemstone. Taking place from Wednesday, 5th August to Thursday, 6th August 2026, at Southport Sharks (Corner Olsen & Musgrave Avenue, Southport, Queensland, 4216), attendees can explore black opal, boulder opal, light and crystal opal, exquisite opal jewellery, unique collector’s pieces, specimens, rough, and rubs from leading wholesalers and miners. All visitors must be associated with the opal, gem, jewellery, or allied industries.
Driving time is approximately one hour from Brisbane and half an hour from the Gold Coast Airport.
Make sure to confirm all exhibition details with the show organisers before planning your trip. Exhibitions, venues and dates may be subject to cancellation or alteration. Please check our Terms of Use.
Tickets
Exhibition Entry: As a trade-only industry event, specific visitor admission pricing details should be confirmed directly via the official Australian Opal Exhibition Website or registration forms.
Exhibition Dinner: $65 per ticket (drinks not included)
Exhibition Hours
Wednesday, 5th August 2026: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, 6th August 2026: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Special Features and Events
- Exhibition Celebration Dinner: Held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, at the Aviary Rooftop Bar (located at the Mantra, Southport Sharks). Tickets are $65 per head (drinks not included).
- Visitor Raffle: Every visitor to the exhibition is automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win three nights’ accommodation (room only) for the 2027 Exhibition.
Exhibitors
Accessibility
The venue for the event, Southport Sharks, is fully committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests. Key accessibility features include:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances & Lifts: Designed to ensure smooth and easy movement throughout the entire club.
- Dedicated Accessible Parking: Designated disability parking spaces are located close to the entrance across three convenient locations on-site (accessible via Melia Court and Musgrave Avenue entries).
- Accessible Restrooms: Spacious accessible restrooms featuring automatic doors are located centrally near the front desk area.
- Staff Assistance: Club team members are readily available on-site to provide special assistance if required during your visit.
Local Attractions
- Broadwater Parklands & Southport Broadwater: Scenic waterfront parklands featuring walking tracks, swimming lagoons, and open green spaces right on the doorstep of Southport.
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Conveniently positioned to explore world-class regional theme parks and attractions, including Sea World (located nearby in Main Beach), Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, and Dreamworld.
- Gold Coast Beaches & Surfers Paradise: World-famous stretches of golden sand and surf culture just minutes away down the coast.
- Shopping & Dining Precincts: Close proximity to major retail hubs, vibrant cafes, and fine dining options throughout the Southport CBD and surrounding Gold Coast areas.
Public Transport
Exploring the Gold Coast and getting to Southport is exceptionally convenient. Visitors can easily navigate the area utilising local transport services including the G:link light rail, local buses, and regional trains, with affordable regional transit pricing capped at 50 cents.
