Are you a fan of creepy crawlies?
Want to see and hold some bugs?
The 2025 National Insect Expo is the event for you! Running 3rd-5th of October, 10 AM-5 PM, located in Woodend, Victoria!
For the fourth year running, the National Institute of Entomology will hold its annual 3-day event entirely revolving around bugs! The Expo features a vast range of exhibitors, including conservation experts, entomologists, insect breeders, and a variety of artists.
Throughout the expo, there is plenty to see and interact with. There are live stick insects for you to hold and learn about, workshops for children, entomological collections from over the years, and plenty of other live insects to see. Giant millipedes and various-sized spiders (watch out, all you arachnophobes!), scorpions which are UV reactive and colourful isopods were some of the standouts from my last visit.
Another highlight from last year’s expo was the aquatic section, unique from previous years. There were anemones, corals, small crabs and mussels, and even a cuttlefish that demonstrated its camouflage skills.
Aside from the informative aspect of this Expo, there are plenty of trinkets and bugs that are available to buy and take home to enjoy. Ant farms and spider/stick insect enclosures are there, as well as people who handcraft their own unique enclosures. You can pick up a whole supply kit to get you started on your bug-keeping journey. If live insects aren’t something you’re into, there are plenty of taxidermized insects to browse as well. These specimens have been beautifully preserved and displayed so that we can continue to admire them once they have passed.
The event also features a multitude of wonderful, creative artists, each showcasing their unique art styles—so there’s truly something for everyone! Additionally, expect Lots of prints, stickers, jewellery, tote bags, and other small craft items.
Everyone is always so excited to share their collections and pass on knowledge about insects and the conservation efforts they are undertaking. The artists love sharing their works as well, and the whole event is packed with enthusiasm!
The expo is definitely worth the trip. I have been going for the last two years, and this year, I’ll have a stall! So come say hi if you do pop by! My stall name is ‘sara ellen’ (instagram: s.araellen), with lots of pink branding, you won’t miss it! I’m teaming up with my friends and local artists, Vanessa Campi (clown cult) and Hannah Dixon (cherryspiked).
How to get there:
There is an hourly train from Bendigo to Woodend, which only takes 50 minutes. From the train station, it’s a quick 15-minute walk to the Buffalo Sports Stadium, just past a good selection of local cafes, pubs, and businesses to also check out.
Woodend is also an hour’s drive south of Bendigo, on the Calder Freeway.
This event is ticketed. You can buy tickets online at https://programs.entoinstitute.org/collections/2025-national-insect-expo, OR you can pay as you enter.
PRICING
1-day adult $25
1-day concession $20
Children $10
Children under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 2 children) $60
For more information about the National Insect Expo website at: https://insectexpo.com.au/ it includes a full list of exhibitors, details of the last few years of the Expo, and what else to expect!
