The Australian Opal Exhibition: Showcasing Nature’s Rarest Gem
In the heart of Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast, a truly radiant event takes place each year that captivates gemstone professionals and jewelry enthusiasts alike — the Australian Opal Exhibition. Known internationally as one of the most prestigious trade fairs dedicated exclusively to opals and opal jewellery, this exhibition shines a global spotlight on Australia’s national gemstone and its profound role in the jewelry industry.
Organized and hosted by the Australian Opal Association, the event is held at Southport Sharks, a well-known venue that pairs business with leisure in one of Australia's most scenic destinations. Here, under one roof, the beauty of opals is celebrated in all their forms, from raw stones to finely crafted luxury pieces.
A Vibrant Platform for Australia’s Signature Gemstone
Diversity, Quality, and Craftsmanship on Display
Australia produces over 90% of the world’s opals, and the Australian Opal Exhibition serves as the premier stage to present this unique national treasure to a global audience. Attendees can explore a dazzling variety of opals — from ethereal white and black opals to the coveted boulder and crystal opals — each with its own story, pattern, and play of color.
The range of products featured at the event includes:
Polished opals and collector's stones
Loose opals for setting into jewelry
Fashion and fine opal jewellery
Pearls and mixed-material creations
Opal doublets, triplets, and carvings
This variety appeals to a broad segment of professionals in the gem and jewelry industry, including jewelers, designers, wholesalers, and retailers looking to expand their offerings with high-quality, ethically sourced Australian opals.
A Gathering Ground for Industry Professionals
Who Exhibits and Who Attends
The Australian Opal Exhibition is not a general consumer fair; it is a specialized B2B event focused on the professional community of the gem and jewelry world. Most exhibitors are experienced players in the opal industry, including:
Mine owners and operators
Wholesalers and rough stone suppliers
Custom and commercial jewelry designers
Opal processing and cutting professionals
Exporters and traders
On the other side, the primary attendees are:
International jewelry buyers and resellers
Boutique shop owners sourcing rare stones
Jewelry brands in search of unique centerpieces
Private collectors and high-end gemstone investors
This exclusive and targeted environment fosters meaningful business exchanges, new collaborations, and long-term partnerships — all grounded in a shared passion for the world’s most captivating gemstone.
Exploring the Full Spectrum of the Opal Industry
More Than Just a Gemstone Display
While the star of the show is the opal itself, the Australian Opal Exhibition also serves as an educational and networking platform for everything related to the opal industry. Visitors can learn about the full lifecycle of opals, from their geological formation to their final presentation in a luxury boutique.
Exhibitors often present services and insights related to:
Opal mining and sourcing
Gemstone cutting and grading
Stone treatments and certification
Jewelry manufacturing processes
Packaging, marketing, and distribution
These additional layers of expertise provide value for attendees who want a deeper understanding of the supply chain and wish to ensure ethical sourcing and exceptional quality in their purchases.
The Venue: Business Meets Lifestyle at Southport Sharks
Set against the coastal backdrop of Queensland’s Gold Coast, Southport Sharks offers a venue that perfectly blends functionality with comfort. With ample space, modern facilities, and hospitality services on-site, it’s a location well-suited for international exhibitions of this caliber.
Visitors benefit from:
On-site restaurants, bars, and cafes
Nearby accommodation options
Easy access to public transport and airports
A relaxed environment for both business and leisure
Furthermore, the venue’s location allows attendees to take advantage of one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations. After a productive day at the exhibition, guests can unwind at some of the Gold Coast’s renowned attractions.
A Destination Worth Visiting — Beyond the Exhibition
The Australian Opal Exhibition is not only a business event — it's also a great reason to visit one of Australia’s most scenic regions. The Gold Coast is famed for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class culinary scene, making it the perfect backdrop for a professional event with leisure potential.
Top things to enjoy while in town include:
Surfers Paradise Beach and waterfront walks
Theme parks like Dreamworld and Sea World
Local art galleries and cultural hubs
Luxury spas and wellness centers
Fine dining and international cuisine
Combining professional networking with unforgettable travel experiences, the event offers value beyond the show floor.
Why the Australian Opal Exhibition Matters
The global jewelry market is constantly evolving, with customers seeking authenticity, rarity, and ethical sourcing more than ever. In this climate, Australian opals stand out for their natural beauty and traceable origin. By offering direct access to producers, designers, and experts, the Australian Opal Exhibition creates a transparent, high-trust environment for sourcing some of the world’s rarest gems.
This exhibition is a cornerstone for:
Promoting Australia’s global leadership in opal production
Strengthening the local opal economy and small miners
Educating the global market on opal diversity and value
Facilitating sustainable growth in the gemstone trade
It’s not just a showcase — it’s a mission-driven platform that supports both commerce and culture.
A Gem of an Event in Every Sense
The Australian Opal Exhibition offers an exceptional combination of business, education, and cultural immersion. With its focus on high-quality opals and opal jewellery, its strong ties to Australian identity, and its strategic location in the thriving city of Gold Coast, the event continues to draw global attention and praise.
Whether you're in the business of fine gems, looking to introduce a unique product line, or simply passionate about the beauty of natural stones, this exhibition is a must-attend. It's where the magic of Australia’s outback meets international luxury — and where the future of opal trade continues to be written, stone by dazzling stone.
