The Australian Sheep and Wool Show sets the standard for breeds fibre and innovation when it returns to the showgrounds in 2026
Australia’s sheep and wool industry will gather in Bendigo from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026 for the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, the nation’s premier event celebrating breeding excellence, fibre, education and innovation.
Presented by the Australian Sheep Breeders Association (ASBA), the Australian Sheep & Wool Show is recognised as the largest exhibition of its type in the world, featuring more than 3,000 sheep across 30-plus breeds, alongside 30,000-plus attendees, including over 5,000 farmers and 400 trade exhibitors.
Held at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds Bendigo VIC, it has been the permanent home of the Show since 1999, selected for its position as a geographical midpoint across Australia’s major sheep-producing regions and its strong connection to regional agriculture.
Milestone year for wool and fibre
Fibre will take centre stage in 2026, with the Fleece Competition celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter century, the competition has become a national benchmark for wool quality, preparation, and presentation, while also delivering a meaningful impact beyond the show ring.
Since its inception, the Fleece Competition has raised more than $240,000 for charitable causes, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of Australia’s wool industry.
In 2026, funds raised will support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, reinforcing the Show’s commitment to causes that matter to rural and regional communities.
Australia’s best Merinos will again be showcased, with champions from each state competing for national honours and recognition.
Woolcraft education and the future
Creative fibre remains a major drawcard through the Woolcraft Competition, which incorporates Australia’s largest fibre market exhibition.
With the 2026 theme, Echoes of the Past, Woolcraft celebrates the heritage, skill and enduring relevance of wool through art, design and craftsmanship, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of fibre beyond traditional production systems.
Education and innovation will be showcased in the Technology and Education Hub, providing insight into emerging practices, career pathways and the future of the sheep and wool industry.
Designed to engage students, producers and industry professionals alike, the Hub features demonstrations, displays and presentations focused on skills development and modern agriculture.
Looking ahead, the Australian Sheep & Wool Show continues to evolve its educational offering, with plans to introduce a Festival of Lamb, working alongside a butcher to showcase lamb preparation, carcase utilisation and the paddock-to-plate story, further connecting producers with consumers and celebrating the value of Australian lamb.
Feature breed English Leicester
The English Leicester has been named the 2026 Feature Breed, recognising one of Australia’s most historically influential sheep breeds.
Introduced in the early 1800s, the English Leicester has played a foundational role in the development of many modern breeds and remains highly regarded for its heavy fleece, long-stapled wool and calm temperament.
Competition and connection
Shearing will again draw strong crowds, with the Northern Shears opening the sporting season and serving as the sole qualifying event for the Victorian Shearing and Wool Handling Championships final.
The sheepdog trials remain a popular and highly skilled feature of the Show, showcasing the precision, control and teamwork between dogs and handlers in a dedicated trial setting across the weekend.
Breed diversity continues to expand, with Babydoll sheep included at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show for the first time in 2026, reflecting the evolving interests of breeders and exhibitors.
Beyond competition, the Show provides valuable opportunities for connection, including the Stud Masters’ Muster, Sponsors and Breeders Cocktail Party, Women of Wool Lunch, live ram sales, fashion parades, and more than 400 exhibitor sites spanning livestock, agriculture, food, fashion and lifestyle.
The Australian Sheep & Wool Show will be held at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, located at 42-72 Holmes Road North Bendigo VIC 3550, from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026. See a general overview here.
Further visitor information is available here, and exhibitor information here. While tickets can be purchased online here.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show program 2026
