The country's finest alpacas set to strut their stuff at the Australian Alpaca National Show in Bendigo
Soda Communications
- Australian Alpaca National Show runs 7–9 August 2026
- Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo (Victoria)
- Free entry – no tickets required
- Alpaca parades and judging, trade booths, craft and art stalls
The most important event in the calendar for Australia’s alpaca farmers is back, with the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) inviting the best of the country’s alpacas to ‘walk the walk’ at the Australian Alpaca National Show, to be held at Bendigo Showgrounds from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August.
A hub of show animals, fleece judging, alpaca products and local art, this open and free event is an opportunity for locals, farmers and alpaca enthusiasts alike to learn more about the inquisitive and loveable animals, whilst shmoozing with the best in class.
Australian Alpaca Association President Mark Gumbley said the Australian Alpaca National Show is the perfect opportunity to introduce more people to alpacas, taking them beyond the ‘fluff’ and really showcasing what the industry is all about.
“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. It’s all about bringing together expert voices in the industry with engaged community members who are driven to learn more about the curious animals and what makes them a strong livestock opportunity,” Mark said.
“The 2026 Australian Alpaca Show will not only have a range of award-winning Suri and Huacaya alpacas, but we’ll also have fleece judging and a range of alpaca fleece products, local artwork and artisanal creations for sale, along with our Art and Photography Show.
“We’re celebrating the huge contribution alpacas make to sustainable agricultural and premium fibre production in Australia, with our fleece and industry expertise consistently in high demand around the world. We are proud to have the second highest population of alpacas in the Southern Hemisphere, behind Peru, with more than 160,000 calling Australia home.”
The Australian Alpaca National Show Convenor Darren Hard said he’s looking forward to bringing the community together at the Bendigo Showgrounds to celebrate the finest alpacas in the country.
“I’m very involved with the alpaca community in Australia and have my own herd in the Macedon Ranges, so I was incredibly excited to play a larger role this year in putting on the biggest event in the AAA’s calendar. It’s a big operation, but the passion and dedication from our farmers make the job extremely rewarding,” Darren said.
Over three days, hundreds of entries will be judged, including beautifully handcrafted alpaca products as well as more than 300 alpacas strutting their stuff in the ring. Halter judging will be led by highly respected Australian judge Natasha Clark and Mary Jo Smith, a judge from the British Alpaca Society. Rubey Williams will act as this year’s fleece judge.
Renowned for their exceptional fleece, alpacas produce one of the world’s most sought-after natural fibres, celebrated for its softness, durability and sustainability. Their fleece comes in 22 naturally occurring colours, from pure white to black, along with a wide spectrum of browns, fawns and greys, making it uniquely versatile for fashion and textiles.
As part of the festivities, AAA is also hosting its National Art and Photography Show which is open for entries until 19th of July. Art and photography submissions are open for all ages and all mediums that highlight alpaca imagery or alpaca fibres. The creativity will culminate at 7pm on Friday 7 August with a fun paint night. Aspiring alpaca-artists can sip wine, nibble and paint their best alpaca for just $80 each – right in the centre of the show ring – no experience required.
To learn more about alpacas and all the action happening at the Australian Alpaca National Show, please visit alpaca.asn.au/
About us:
The AAA was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 1990 and is recognised by the Australian Government as the peak industry body for the alpaca industry in Australia. The Association has evolved into a company representing owners at all levels and is the collective voice of hundreds of producers in all states of Australia, providing tools, information and support to bring owners together for the future of alpaca farming as a fully commercial industry. www.alpaca.asn.au
Contact details:
Angel Tully
Soda Communications
M: 0456 542 990
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Australian Alpaca National Show
