2025 AOC International Conference & Show

15/10/2025

IT’S A WRAP!

What a magnificent event. 4,500 people passed through the Wiigulga Sports Complex entrance door, which was truly amazing when you consider Woolgoolga has a population of around 7,000.

These people came not only from throughout the width and breadth of Australia but, America; Canada; Ecuador; India; Vietnam; China; and New Zealand.

We have received many wonderful accolades from throughout Australia and overseas. “The best Show since 1988!” “This is going to be hard to beat!” exclaimed another visitor. “This memorable event will be used as a benchmark about how to stage a successful collaborative event, long into the future!”

Thank you to all our magnificent volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Woolgoolga and the Northern Beaches - What's happening !

03/10/2025

Day 1 of the show and conference complete and wasn’t it magnificent. Come on down for the show Saturday and Sunday open from 9am.

02/10/2025

The 2025 Australian Orchid Council Show kicks off tomorrow from 9am running Friday (9am-3pm), Saturday (9am-3pm) and Sunday (9am-2pm).

Entry is $5 adults, Kids free (or $10 for a 3 day pass)

Official opening 8:45am. We look forward to seeing you all there.

In the words of the late great Peter Cundall it's going to be "blooming marvellous".

Woolgoolga and the Northern Beaches - What's happening ! Wiigulga Sports Complex

30/09/2025

Good morning everyone. Happy October. We're busy with exhibitors setting up for the show which will be judged tomorrow October 2.

October 3 is our official opening with the show open to the public and the conference kicks off too.

Latest show schedule can be found on our website: https://www.aoc2025.org.au/program/

Have a great day and we're looking forward to seeing you.

26/09/2025

Another must do whilst visiting the area for the 2025 AOC International Conference & Show is to check out the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is dedicated to conservation education and the long-term care of native marine wildlife.

Since 1970, it has provided a safe haven for animals like dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and turtles.

Through interactive programs and immersive experiences, the sanctuary educates visitors on the importance of protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems. Home to over 40 animals, many of which cannot return to the wild, it promotes awareness, research, and responsible stewardship of the natural world.

24/09/2025

Curryfest is this weekend and hopefully you're arriving soon for your extended stay whilst attending the 2025 AOC International Conference & Show.

After the festival pay a visit to the Sikh Heritage Museum and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple.

The Museum showcases the Sikh identity and religion, explores the complexities of Sikh spirituality, and the dedication of Sikh people throughout history in both Australia and the world. The exhibits contain information on the Sikh understanding of the origins of the universe, the lives and teachings of the Ten Gurus, the Sikh empire, Sikhs in the world wars, the Sikh ANZAC contribution, the first migration of Sikhs to Australia and finally, the establishment of a Sikh community in Woolgoolga.

Coffs Coast, ,

23/09/2025

If it's views you're after, then the forest sky pier is the place to be.

Only a short drive off the Pacific Highway from Coffs Harbour, the Forest Sky Pier at Niigi Niigi - Sealy Lookout sits within a flora reserve in Orara East State Forest, part of the amazing State Forests of the Coffs Coast, on Gumbayggirr country.

Whilst at the lookout, grab a coffee from Nyanggan Gapi cafe, check out Coffs Treetops (maybe even book ahead - it's a popular canopy adventure!), or walk 500 metres down the road to the beautiful Gumgali Track (which ends at Korora Lookout). Gumgali Track shares the Gumbaynggirr story of Gumgali the black goanna in sculpture, art and sound.

(Images courtesy of VisitNSW)

22/09/2025

Conference dinner tickets are still available for purchase until this Saturday.

For information and to purchase visit:

AOC 2025 Conference Dinner C.ex WoolgoolgaJoin us at the bowling club in the heart of Woolgoolga for a buffet dinner with drinks provided for each table. Book your TicketsAbout C.ex WoolgoolgaC.ex Woolgoolga is a bowling club located 20 minutes from Coffs Harbour in the heart of the community of Woo...

22/09/2025

Here's a snap of another of our conference speakers: Chris Cobb.

Chris is from Northern Queensland and his subject at the 2025 AOC International Conference & Show will be Tropical Dendrobiums and their hybrids, particularly in the Cape York region.

Look at these beauties.

20/09/2025

This must see orchid show, this is the first and last time an orchid show of this size and calibre will be held on the Mid North Coast. Specifically, in the quaint seaside village of Woolgoolga. Entry is only $5.00 adult, children are free. Growers from across Australia will converge with hundreds of orchids in flower. Commercial orchid vendors will be selling thousands of plants, along with everything you will need to successfully grow your own orchids.
Judges from Australia and overseas have the daunting task of choosing the winners. Will it be one of your favourites?
The poster has more info. We hope to see you over the NSW Labour Day long weekend at the Wiigulga Sports Complex just north of Woolgoolga.

20/09/2025

If it's nature you love then you're spoiled for choice on the Coffs Coast.

Muttonbird Island is a great spot for watching birds up close; it’s one of the only easily-accessible places in NSW where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests. It is also an important Aboriginal place, harbouring stories of the Dreaming and a wealth of traditional resources.

No visit to the Coffs Coast is complete without walking up Muttonbird Island.

Full visitor information is available via the NSW National Parks website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/muttonbird-island-nature-reserve/visitor-info

18/09/2025

Introducing another of our Australian Orchid experts...

David Banks, is a leading expert on native Australian orchids (especially Indian Dendrobiums), and rare and unusual orchids. A world-renowned author, traveller and photographer.

Conference dates Friday October 3 and Saturday October 4.

Register here: https://www.aoc2025.org.au/conference-registration/