Minerama is one of the best shows in Australia, packed with field trips, training sessions and gem and jewellery Bargains!
You can phone Jo to meet on 0400124676
Minerama is produced by the Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club this show is exceptional with a huge number of activities
What’s On at Minerama
7, 8 & 9 March 2025
Glen Innes Showground, NSW
From fossicking to fine jewellery and everything in between, a bounty of hidden gems is waiting to be unearthed at the annual Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery show in Glen Innes, NSW.
Entry Fee
$5 entry
FREE for ages 16 and under if accompanied by a paying parent/guardian!
Entry fees support our local community groups and help fund the show’s kids’ activities.
Thank you to the Glen Innes Lioness Lions, Lions and Men’s Shed for their support on the gates at the showground.
Stallholders & Traders
Discover unique collections and creations from the many stallholders and traders at Minerama, both indoors and outdoors.
From rough stones and fossils to fine jewellery and everything in between, you’re bound to find something special.
Trading times
Friday 7 March: 9am to 4pm
Saturday 8 March: 9am to 4pm
Sunday 9 March: 9am to 2pm
Food & Drinks
There will be plenty of delicious food and beverages to ensure you are energised for the show.
Trading times
Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday: 9am to 4pm
Sunday: 9am to 2pm
Jurassic Jack Roarsome Adventure
9am to 4pm, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 March
Jurassic Jack and his rangers are returning to Minerama for a ROARsome adventure!
Dinosaurs have captured our imagination for generations with a sense of wonder and awe, and Jurassic Jack invites you to stomp by the campsite.
While you’re there, check out the fossil dig boxes, take a selfie in the giant dinosaur egg, meet some baby dinosaur pals, chat with cheeky Spike the Spinosaurus, and check out the prehistoric tribute Jeep that roars like a T-Rex.
You will be en-RAPTOR-ed!
Base Zero Climbing Wall
9am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
Located to the left of the New Pavilion
Get ready to rock CLIMB at the Base Zero mobile rock climbing wall. This exciting activity offers an on-site adventure for all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, the walls have specially designed routes for all abilities.
Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club
The Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club will be hosting fossicking field trips, demonstrations, and other activities.
Visit them at Minerama for:
- Kids’ fossicking experience
- Bags of sapphire wash
- Crystal geodes – break open on-site
- Variety of jewellery & gems (cut/polished/rough)
- Variety of local rocks
- Cabochon polishing, gem cutting & faceting demonstrations held in the kitchen area of the New Pavilion each day of the show (times will be displayed on a notice board at the venue each day)
Rockhounds Rest Area
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 March in the Old Pavilion
See times and days below for FREE kids’ activities
Calling all rockhounds, little explorers, and starry-eyed adventurers! Welcome to the Rockhounds Rest Area – Where rocks and space collide…
The Rockhound Rest Area is the ultimate pit stop at Minerama, where adventure meets relaxation.
Parents can kick back with a coffee and sweet treat from The Little Sunshine Cafe, while the kids can get stuck into free activities, including:
- Face painting
- Rockhound badge making
- Rock creations
- UNE Discovery Team
- Stargazing Adventures astrophotography
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Stargazing Adventures astrophotographer, who will be sharing mind-blowing photography displays and chats about the wonders of the universe. From meteorites to mesmerising deep-space photography, this is a chance to discover the connection between Earth’s rocks and the cosmos.
So whether you’re here to create, explore, or chill out, the Rockhound Rest Area is a must-stop for the whole family.
Stargazing Adventures
9am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Stargazing Adventures to share mind-blowing photography displays and chats about the wonders of the universe. From meteorites to mesmerising deep-space photography, this is a chance to discover the connection between Earth’s rocks and the cosmos.
Photographic prints will also be for sale.
UNE Discovery Voyager
9am to 4pm, Friday 7 March – Free school activity sessions
BOOKINGS REQUIRED: To book, email eventsofficer@gisc.nsw.gov.au
Teachers, bring your students along for an interactive learning adventure! UNE Discovery is presenting engaging, curriculum-linked activities for all ages, including:
Palaeontology Puzzles & Think Like a Rock (K-6)
Explore fossils and uncover the secrets hidden in ancient rocks!
Weighing Giants (7-10)
How do we measure prehistoric creatures? Discover the science behind Earth’s biggest beasts!
9am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
Check out some of the incredible specimens from the UNE Science & Environment’s Earth Science department.
Whether you’re a future scientist, rockhound, or just curious about the world beneath your feet, this is a must-do experience at Minerama!
Ask an Expert Sessions
Hourly from 9am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
Drop by the UNE Discovery area for a chance to chat with real scientists! Meet a Geologist and Palaeontologist, ask them your burning questions, bring along any rocks or fossils you would like identified, and check out some incredible specimens up close.
Find out more about UNE Discovery Voyager.
Rock Creations
9am to 4pm, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 March
Turn ordinary rocks into extraordinary masterpieces!
Create your very own rock critters, rock monsters, or a cute rock cactus in a pot to take home.
Whether you’re a budding artist or just love to craft, we can’t wait to see what wild and wonderful creations you come up with.
So roll up your sleeves, grab some paint, and let’s get rockin’!
Rockhound Badge Making
9am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
Calling all junior explorers and gem hunters! Get creative by designing and wearing your very own official Rockhound badge.
Whether you’re a fossil fanatic, crystal collector, or just love rocks, this is your chance to show off your rockhound pride!
Join in, get hands-on, and take home a special keepsake from your Minerama adventure.
This activity is proudly presented by Arts North West.
Face Painting
10am to 2pm, Saturday 8 March
Step into a world of colour and creativity and let your face become a mini masterpiece.
This experience is perfect for kids (and kids at heart!) looking to add a little extra magic to their Minerama adventure.
So stop by, pick your design, and let The Face Paint Lady bring your imagination to life!
Watch this space for program updates & additions
Workshops & Other Events
Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club Fossicking Field Trips
Thursday 6 March, Saturday 8 March & Sunday 9 March
Various locations
Fossicking field trips are back! Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, these trips are a great opportunity to try your luck panning for hidden gems in the beautiful Glen Innes Highlands.
Beginner Macramé Jewellery Workshop
9am to 4pm, Saturday 1 March
Hosted by Dutchies Delights at the Glen Innes Girl Guide Hall
Learn how to weave crystals into beautiful wearable art using macramé, an ancient knotting technique.
Advanced Macramé Jewellery Workshop
9am to 4pm, Sunday 2 March
Hosted by Dutchies Delights at the Glen Innes Girl Guide Hall
Learn how to weave a cabochon into a beautiful wearable bracelet using macramé, an ancient knotting technique.
This is an advanced class designed for those who already have experience wrapping flat stones with macramé knots (beginner’s workshop).
Wire Wrapping Workshop
10am to 12pm, Saturday 8 March
Presented by the Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club at Minerama
Design your own wire-wrapped sterling silver pendant.
Wire Wrapping Workshop
2pm to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
Presented by the Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club at Minerama
Design your own wire-wrapped sterling silver pendant.
Wire Wrapping Workshop
10am to 12pm, Sunday 9 March
Presented by the Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club at Minerama
Design your own wire-wrapped sterling silver pendant.
Silver Workshop with Richard Moon
10am to 4pm, Friday 7 March
The Makers Shed, Deepwater
Create a unique piece of sterling silver jewellery under the skilled supervision of Richard Moon, The Makers Shed’s resident silver-worker.
This workshop will guide you through the entire silver-working process, from designing your piece to cutting, soldering, heating, cold-connecting, fold-forming, bezel-setting, and polishing.
Silver Workshop with Richard Moon
10am to 4pm, Saturday 8 March
The Makers Shed, Deepwater
Create a unique piece of sterling silver jewellery under the skilled supervision of Richard Moon, The Makers Shed’s resident silver-worker.
This workshop will guide you through the entire silver-working process, from designing your piece to cutting, soldering, heating, cold-connecting, fold-forming, bezel-setting, and polishing.
A Starry Night at Bens Falls Retreat
6.30pm to 10pm Saturday 8 March
Come and explore the night sky and discover the wonders above us. Including planets, star clusters, and nebula utilising the telescope of your guide, Matt Dodds of Stargazing Adventures.
All ages welcome. Light supper included. Drinks available for purchase.
