Rockhampton Annual Gem Expo (2026)

Presented by the Rockhampton Lapidary Club, the Rockhampton Annual Gem Expo is a premier regional community event celebrating lapidary arts, jewellery making, and earth sciences. Taking place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026 at the Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds (New Exhibition Road, Wandal, QLD), this two-day event features a wide array of indoor traders, gemstone and jewellery vendors, lapidary displays, and on-site food and drinks.

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 and Entry

• Adults: $10
• Concession & Children (12–18 years): $5
• Family Pass: $25
• Children under 12: Free

Event Schedule and Program

• Saturday, August 15, 2026: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday, August 16, 2026: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Special Features and Highlights

• Gemstone & Jewellery Vendors: Extensive displays and sales featuring polished gemstones, handcrafted jewellery, opals, crystals, fossils, minerals, rough rocks, and lapidary supplies.
• Club Displays & Demonstrations: Showcases of member workmanship, craftsmanship, and lapidary arts.
• Refreshments: Food and hot/cold drinks available on-site.

Venue, Visitor, and Important Rules

• Address: Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds, New Exhibition Road, Wandal, QLD 4700.
• Important Rules: No dogs allowed on the grounds, with the exception of registered service dogs, in accordance with local council regulations.
• Contact Organiser: For specific enquiries or event details, please reach out directly to the Rockhampton Lapidary Club.

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Flat, grade-level access points suitable for mobility devices.
• Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking bays available within the showgrounds precinct.
• Accessible Restrooms: On-site accessible toilet facilities.

If attendees require specific assistance, drop-off arrangements near the pavilion entrance, or have targeted inquiries, they can contact the venue management directly at +61 7 4924 5600.

Public Transport

Out of town visitors can consult Journey Planner for public transport options.

Local Attractions

• Rockhampton Botanic Gardens & Zoo: One of Queensland’s oldest public gardens (established in 1869), featuring heritage-listed Banyan fig trees, a Japanese Garden, and an on-site zoo that houses native and exotic animals (with free entry to the zoo grounds).
• Mount Archer National Park (Nurim Circuit Boardwalk): An elevated boardwalk that juts out over the escarpment, offering sweeping panoramic views across the city, the Fitzroy River, and the surrounding ranges—especially popular at sunrise or sunset.
• Rockhampton Riverside Precinct & Quay Street: Queensland’s longest National Trust heritage-listed street. Running alongside the Fitzroy River, it features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, walking paths, and local dining spots.
• Capricorn Caves: Located just north of the city, these privately owned, above-ground limestone caves offer guided underground tours and a walk through an ancient cave system.
• Rockhampton Heritage Village: A living history museum spread across 11 hectares of bushland, showcasing the region’s pioneer and early settlement history with historic buildings, vintage vehicles, and farm displays.