The Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc
2026 National Show
Bathurst, New South Wales, 5th - 7th June 2026
Highland Cattle Set to Take Centre Stage in Bathurst for the
2026 AHCS National Show
The 2026 AHCS National Show is coming to Bathurst Showground from 5–7 June 2026, proudly hosted by the NSW Highland Breeders Group on behalf of the Australian Highland Cattle Society.
Bringing together breeders, exhibitors, AHCS members, Highland cattle enthusiasts, rural businesses and the wider Bathurst community, the National Show is Australia’s largest showcase of Highland cattle. Across the June Long Weekend, visitors can enjoy top-quality cattle, serious competition, trade stalls, family-friendly activities, country hospitality and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The highlight of the weekend will be the judging of Highland cattle by an internationally renowned judge, culminating in the crowning of the Supreme Highland Exhibit. Whether you’re a breeder, a long-time Highland enthusiast, a local family, or simply curious to see these iconic cattle up close, this is an event not to miss.
Buy tickets, plan your day, see what’s on at the 2026 AHCS National Show!
Featuring over $13,000 worth of items donated by generous sponsors and supporters. Closes 29/5/26
Sponsorships start from $300 in cash or donated items, with class sponsorships available from $550.
What to Expect: 2026 AHCS National Show
Event Dates & Location
📅 5 – 7 June 2026 (June Long Weekend)
📍 Bathurst Showground
Whether you’re a long-time Highland enthusiast or just looking for a great day out, this is a weekend not to miss. Bring your friends, bring the family - and come enjoy a great country show weekend in Bathurst. Expect a full weekend of:
Up to 100 Highland cattle on display
Judging by an internationally renowned judge
Family-friendly activities
Trade stalls & local businesses
Costume Classic & Grand Parade
Tickets can be pre-purchased (Saturday & Sunday only) or are available at the gate (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Pre-purchase your tickets to skip the queue and receive the digital Show Program FREE!
Family ticket bonus:
At the gate: $25 = 2 adults + 2 children
Online pre-purchase: $25 = 2 adults + up to 3 children
What is the best day to attend the AHCS National Show? It depends on what you’d like to see! Saturday and Sunday are the best days for the full spectator experience.
Friday 5 June – Workshops & Education Day for AHCS members. Friday is quieter and education-focused - a full day of learning, including junior judging and commercial classes (Graded Females and Market Steers). Please note, Friday will feature less stalls and spectator activities than Saturday and Sunday - therefore, Friday entry ticket sales are at the gate only.
Saturday 6 June – Stud Judging Day 1! See female and male Highland cattle judged individually, then watch the Paraders competitions, including Junior, Senior, Open and Novice classes.
Sunday 7 June – Stud Judging Day 2 - the big finale! The day begins with judging Stud Steers, Calf at Foot, then Champion judging, including Supreme Exhibit, and Group Classes. Don’t miss the Grand Parade and Costume Classic, perfect for a fun family experience.
Saturday and Sunday are the most action-packed for spectators, while Friday offers a more relaxed, educational glimpse into the world of Highland cattle. Please note Friday entry tickets are at the gate only, and Friday will feature less stalls and spectator activities than Saturday and Sunday.
Our 2026 AHCS National Show fundraising online auction is now live, with over $13,000 worth of fantastic items generously donated by our sponsors and supporters.
There’s something for everyone - from livestock equipment and cattle supplies to Highland Cow Experience tour vouchers, giftware, apparel and unique Highland-themed items. All proceeds go directly towards supporting the National Show and helping us deliver a high-quality event for members and the wider Highland community.
The auction is open to all Australian residents - not just AHCS members - so anyone can bid. Please feel free to share the link with family, friends, fellow enthusiasts and anyone who might like to support the show.
More items will be added over the coming days, so it’s worth checking back in regularly.
Bid now!
Auction closes: Friday 29 May 2026
Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors for their generous support!
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open
Businesses and supporters of regional Australia are invited to be part of the show as sponsors, with a full range of packages now available. Sponsoring the 2026 National Show provides a unique opportunity to connect with Highland cattle owners, breeders and enthusiasts. Sponsors will also reach a broad range of hobby farmers and tree changers throughout Australia, and a wide audience of spectators from across the Central West region of NSW.
Sponsorship can be offered as cash, goods or services, and all supporters will be recognised throughout event judging, social media, and printed material.
“Being involved in the show is a great way to get your brand in front of a highly engaged and loyal rural audience,” said committee member Hugh Hayden. “We’ve focused this year on making our sponsorships more valuable - especially online - with tailored social media content, livestream exposure, and targeted marketing.”
With in-person attendance expected to exceed 5,000 visitors, and online views topping 5,500 across Australia, the UK and the US, sponsors will enjoy strong visibility and direct connection to a fast-growing agricultural community.
From trade stall space and awards dinner tickets, to premium ad placements and banner displays in the judging ring, there’s a package to suit every budget.
Get Involved:
To find out more, please download the Sponsorship Prospectus, or contact the committee: show@australianhighlandcattle.org
Convenors:
📞 Jenna McAtamney - 0420 936 121
📞 Hugh Hayden - 0481 237 707
Secretary:
📞 Sarah Vaughan - 0493 965 684
Entries Closed!
We warmly invite newcomers and novice exhibitors who are interested in showing their own cattle, or those looking to get involved in the cattle showing world, to join us at the 2026 National Show.
The Highland show community is incredibly supportive and always ready to lend a helping hand, and the National Show is a fantastic place to learn, gain experience, and become part of the community. If you’re new to showing, don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re here to help. Please note that cattle exhibit entries are open to AHCS members only.
Merchandise orders are exclusively available to AHCS members and are completed via the online entry form (the cattle entry section can be skipped if ordering merchandise only).
Join us at Bathurst in 2026
Save the Date! 5 - 7 June 2026
Join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, community spirit, and top-quality Highland Cattle.
Planning to stay for the weekend? Accommodation is available throughout Bathurst, with the Panorama Motel located a short walk from the showground. Camping for AHCS members and exhibitors is available at Bathurst Showground. Camping can be booked directly through Bathurst Showground.
THANK YOU TO THE GENEROUS SPONSORS OF THE
2026 AHCS INC NATIONAL SHOW
Royal Partners
Elite Sponsors
Premium Sponsors
