Welcome to the Queensland Arms Fairs

Queensland hosts several major Arms Fairs each year, along with numerous antique and collectable shows across the state. Our events bring together collectors, licensed dealers, historians, sporting shooters and hunters — all united by a shared interest in responsible ownership, preservation, education and the collection of history.

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Supporting the Firearms & Collecting Community

Our events provide a strong show of support for the firearms industry, including:

• Licensed commercial dealers

• Private dealers

• Collectors

• Recreational shooters

• Sportsmen and women

These fairs are community‑focused, educational events — not commercial expos. Unlike gun expos, our shows actively represent collectors, private sellers and historical enthusiasts.

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A Long History in Queensland

Queensland Arms Fairs began in Brisbane in the 1970s at Watkins Place and the Police Youth Club in the Valley, later moving to the Downey Park Table Tennis Centre. Over the decades, fairs have been held across Brisbane and South‑East Queensland — including Redbank, Ipswich, Belmont and Distillery Road Marketplace — as the events continued to grow in size and popularity.

Many early dealers from the 1970s have long since retired, but interest in collecting remains strong. Today, the fairs continue to attract enthusiasts, historians, collectors and dealers from all over Queensland. It’s not just about firearms — it’s about preserving history and sharing knowledge.

y and sharing knowledge.

 

 

What You’ll See at the Arms Fairs

Our shows feature an impressive range of historic, modern and collectable

items. Historical societies and private collectors regularly display flintlocks, 

matchlocks, muskets percussion pistols, obsolete calibre firearms, pinfire

pistols and rare one-off pieces.

Many historic firearms can be purchased without a weapons licence

depending on age and category.

Alongside the historical displays, visitors will find a wide selection of practical

items such as swords, bayonets,knives, edged weapons, antique and modern

parts,books, manuals, expert advice, hard-to-find sporting items,and modern

or rare ammuntion - with one dealer stocking over 150 calibres.

Militaria such as uniforms, patches, helmets and holsters are also available

from multiple dealers. 

International experts and product releases are common. If you've seen 

The Hurt Locker you'll be excited to know we host real bomb disposal

technicians and ordnance experts

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For Sporting Shooters & Hunters

Our fairs also cater to sporting shooters and hunters, with a range of modern

equipment, accessories and practical hunting gear. You'll find reloading

components, optics, cleaning supplies, hard-to-get ammunition and outdoor 

equipment with expert advice from experienced dealers. Whether you're 

preparing for next season or looking to upgrade your set-up, there's plenty on

offer for the modern shooter too

 

 

 

Vintage Arms & Expert Knowledge

Vintage collections — including Colt and Australian arms — are frequently displayed. Books remain an essential part of collecting, and many respected authors attend our shows.

Ian Skennerton, internationally recognised for his work on military firearms, is a regular attendee. Paul Fowkes has recently published a new arms identification book and conducts training courses, with his latest book available at the fair.

Many of our dealers are veterans, including SAS bomb technicians and frontline soldiers. They always have a story worth hearing.

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Table Bookings

Table bookings can be made directly through our Become a Dealer Tab. Collectors’ exhibits, commercial dealers and private sellers are all welcome.

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