At a glance
- When
- Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026; no public entry on Friday
- Entry
- Saturday $15, Sunday $5, paid at the gates only; no other concessions
- Children
- Free with an adult; the age limit is worded two ways (see below)
- Not allowed
- Scooters, skateboards, dogs, alcohol and pushbikes
- Exceptions
- Registered assistance dogs; motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters that meet the rules
- Big parts
- A parts pick-up service runs on site, with a last booking time each day
- Who it’s for
- Visitors going to the Bendigo National Swap Meet on Saturday 14 or Sunday 15 November who want to know what it costs and what to leave at home
- What to do now
- Leave dogs, bikes, scooters, skateboards and alcohol at home, and plan to pay at the gate
- Last checked
- Wednesday 28 October 2026, against the swap meet’s Visitors page, FAQ, Conditions of Entry page and 2026 map
- Not yet confirmed
- Which payment methods the gates accept, and the exact age cut-off for free child entry
Entry to the Bendigo National Swap Meet on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026 costs $15 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday, paid at the gate, and the organisers list scooters, skateboards, dogs, alcohol and pushbikes as prohibited. Children get in free with an adult, and there are two exceptions to the rules on dogs and scooters, covered below.
This guide covers the rules and costs. For gate times, parking and the site map, see our separate guide to getting there and parking at the Bendigo Swap Meet. Everything here comes from the swap meet’s own Visitors page, FAQ and Conditions of Entry, read on 28 October 2026.
How much does it cost to get in?
| Day | Adult entry | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 13 November | No public entry | No public entry |
| Saturday 14 November | $15 | Free with an adult |
| Sunday 15 November | $5 | Free with an adult |
The Visitors page says there are no other concessions, so there is no listed discount for seniors, students or families. The FAQ says entry tickets are only available at the gates during the event, which means there is no online ticket to buy beforehand. Neither page says which payment methods the gates accept. The 2026 site map marks two ATMs inside the grounds, but that does not tell you how to pay at the gate.
Are children free?
Yes, when they are with an adult, but the two pages word the age limit differently. The Visitors page says “children under 15”, which would include 14-year-olds and exclude 15-year-olds. The FAQ says “children 15 and under”, which includes 15-year-olds. If your child is exactly 15, ask the organisers at info@bendigoswap.com.au before you go, or be ready to pay at the gate.
What can’t I bring?
The Visitors page lists five prohibited items:
| Item | Exception stated by the organisers |
|---|---|
| Dogs and other pets | Registered assistance dogs are exempt; you may be asked to show evidence that the animal is an assistance animal |
| Scooters | Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed if you have a genuine need |
| Skateboards | None listed |
| Pushbikes | None listed |
| Alcohol | None listed |
The FAQ explains the reason for the dog rule: with the volume of foot traffic at the swap meet, dogs and other pets can be a hazard. The organisers’ Conditions of Entry page also bans illegal substances. That page is aimed mostly at stallholders, and its last-updated stamp reads October 2023, so use it as background rather than as a 2026 notice.
Can I use a mobility scooter or wheelchair?
Yes, with conditions. The FAQ says motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on site if you have a genuine need and the device meets Australian Standards and complies with the Victorian Road Rules. They must stay at walking pace at all times and cannot tow trailers. The FAQ also warns that some areas may not be reachable by mobility scooter alone because of steep gradients and rough terrain. Disability parking is available through Gate 3.
Can I get big parts back to my car?
The Conditions of Entry page describes a parts pick-up service: bookings are taken at Site 8150 in the New Building, and items are collected from the parking area at the end of Swan Street. The last booking is at 4pm on Saturday and 2:30pm on Sunday. That page quotes map reference F12 for the booking site, while the 2026 map marks a parts pick-up point at G13, so check the map or ask at the gate on the day. Because the page carries a 2023 stamp, confirm the service is running this year before you plan a large purchase around it.
What is on site, and what should I bring?
The Visitors page says there are coffee vans, hot food and cold drinks on site, and the 2026 map marks water stations, toilets, first aid, ice sales and two ATMs.
Gates open at 6am on Saturday and 7am on Sunday, and the food vendors page says trading winds down around midday on Sunday, so Sunday’s $5 entry buys a shorter day.
Who do I ask if something is unclear?
The organisers list info@bendigoswap.com.au for enquiries and a contact form on their website. Bendigo is on daylight saving time in November, so all times in this guide are local Bendigo time.
Sources
- The Bendigo Swap Meet — Visitors (admission, prohibited items; checked 28 October 2026)
- The Bendigo Swap Meet — FAQ (tickets at the gate, pets, mobility aids, disability parking)
- The Bendigo Swap Meet — Conditions of Entry (substances, parts pick-up service; page stamped October 2023)
- 2026 Bendigo National Swap Meet site map (PDF) (facilities; correct as at 28 September 2026)
Featured image: a 1967 Riley Elf at a swap meet in Tinwald, New Zealand, not at the Bendigo event (photo: NZ Car Freak / CC BY 2.0) (text added)
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with the Bendigo National Swap Meet or its organising clubs. Times, prices and rules can change; check the swap meet’s website before you go.