Inside This Week’s Canberra Auction Market: Gems, Carnival Glass & Industrial Steel Gear Lead (16 Upcoming Sales)
This week we list 16 auctions happening in Canberra and greater ACT. Updated weekly, this page collates upcoming public auctions in the Australian Capital Territory. Auctioneers operating in the ACT include The Auction Barn and AllBids (both Fyshwick-based), Pickles and Slattery (Fyshwick), and the online platform Grays. Sales span antiques, collectables, police recovered goods, IT equipment, vehicles, and industrial liquidations which create a diverse and surprisingly active market for a small city.
Our Auction Picks this Week
Each week we highlight unique and interesting sales that caught our eye. The full list is below.
A Fossicker’s Collection of Gems, Fossils & Minerals
A fossicker’s collection of gems, fossils and minerals is going under the hammer in Fyshwick, offered by auctionbarn. The lots include a rare Fukang meteorite section weighing 24 grams, a Canyon Diablo meteorite at 86 grams, and a large rose quartz obelisk.
Canberra Office & IT Liquidators Auction – Unreserved
Office and IT gear from a Canberra liquidation is going under the hammer unreserved. The lot list includes Dell Vostro and Latitude laptops, Dell XPS machines, a BFC Lira coffee machine, and Haier fridge-freezers.
Renovators Dream Sale
A massive clearance of building materials, tools, and home fixtures is up for grabs in the ACT. Expect pallets of insulation, tapware, lighting, and trade lots from major brands like Astra, Gainsborough, and HPM.
FAQ
Do I need to register to bid at ACT auctions?
Yes – every auction house requires registration before you can bid. Most allow online registration up to the morning of the sale but it is recommended to register well in advance in case ID verification is required.
Can I inspect lots before bidding?
Usually, Yes. Preview days are usually held the business day before the auction. Check the individual auction listing for times.
Are there buyer’s premiums?
Yes. Most ACT auction houses charge 15-20% on top of the hammer price, plus GST. Always check the terms at the auctionlevel and on individual items before bidding.
Can I bid online?
Most major houses including Grays, Pickles, Lloyds, AllBids all offer live online bidding. In-room only auctions are becoming rarer.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most houses accept EFT and credit card. Some charge a card surcharge (typically 1.5-2%). Cash is rarely accepted for large purchases.
Trends & Insights
Canberra’s residential auction market posted a clearance rate of 49.7% from 144 auctions in the week to May 23, a sharp increase in volume from 87 auctions the previous week (propertyupdate.com.au, May 23). Top sales included 57 Euree Street Reid at $2.51 million and 70 Endeavour Street Red Hill at $2.12 million. This follows a softer reading of 43% clearance from 77 auctions on May 16, with 33 properties sold across Saturday-only residential events in the ACT region (allhomes.com.au, May 20). The volume surge suggests more vendors are testing the market despite a clearance rate that remains below the 60% threshold typically associated with a sellers’ market.
Beyond residential real estate, the specialist collectables and antiques sector is active. The Auction Barn in Fyshwick has an online Furniture & Interiors auction scheduled for May 26, featuring paintings, prints and mirrors (theauctionbarn.com.au, May 26). Recent results at the venue highlight strong demand for niche items: a Tom Bass sculpture sold for $2,900, a 1982 Commonwealth Games gold coin fetched $1,775, and a diamond bracelet achieved $6,000 in a post-auction sale (theauctionbarn.com.au, May 25). The house continues to handle government departments, liquidators and private consignments for antiques, vintage and specialist items.
Buyers should watch for clearance rate momentum as the higher volume of 144 auctions this week is tested against actual sold data in the coming days.
Last updated: 26 May 2026
Rod’s Tips
Set a budget before you register. Add the buyer’s premium and GST to your mental ceiling — a $500 hammer can easily become $620 once fees are included.
Attend the preview. Photos online are often flattering. Checking condition in person takes 20 minutes and can save you from a costly mistake.
Government disposals are worth watching. ACT government fleet and surplus equipment offers often well-maintained and sensibly priced wares.
Don’t bid on the opening lot. Room temperature tends to be highest at the start. Identical items sold later in the same auction routinely go cheaper.
The Auction Barn Pty Ltd
The Auction Barn is a Canberra institution, running regular in-room and online auctions from their Fyshwick showrooms at 10 Wiluna Street. Specialties include gems, fossils, militaria, pop culture, fine art, and rugs, all well worth checking for collectors.
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A Fossicker’s Collection of Gems, Fossils & Minerals
More detail
This auction is a straight-up treasure hunt for anyone who loves natural history specimens. The headline pieces are the two meteorites: a slice of the rare Fukang pallasite and a chunk of Canyon Diablo, both from iconic falls. Beyond space rocks, you get serious lapidary material like a Whim Creek malachite specimen, a box of polished thombstones, and the best malachite lump polished.
The collection spans polished agate bookends, quartz with a ghost crystal, and compound opals alongside tsavorite and apatite. There are tray mixes of gem and jewellery stock, plus 4 agate keyrings with auric glass. For the less serious, a tray of faux fruit and necklaces rounds it out.
Buyers should note the auction closes on 28 May 2026, with 12 lots up for grabs. Inspect the lots in person if you can, especially the meteorites and the larger mineral samples. This is a genuine collector’s cleanout, not a dealer’s leftovers.
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Asian Arts
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This monthly auction from auctionbarn covers everything from decorator pieces to serious collectors, with a strong focus on Asian antiques and furniture. The standout is the late 19th century butsudan family shrine, which has double hinged doors, brass hardware, and a temple canopy over a compartment with sliding doors and shell inlay. It shows some surface losses and missing gauze, but remains structurally sound.
Other notable lots include the Chinese lacquered cabinet with glass display shelves and brass hardware, a hand-painted wedding trunk, and a red trunk on stand with carved qilin decoration. There is also a woven wicker-finished lacquered chest with wrought metal fittings, a large meander window panel with a prosperity motif, and a stepped tiered drawer in red and gold.
For smaller collectors, the lot includes three metal Thai-style buddha statues, a guardian spirit bust, four antique Asian books including a volume of Confucius, and an assortment of Chinese collectables like an inkstone, Shiwan ware fisherman, and a gilt beaded tree. Keep an eye on the Terracotta Warrior figurine and the cat embroidery screen, though the stand has loose joints. The auction closes 29 May 2026.
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Fine Art
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This auction is a standout for anyone building a serious art collection. The core of the sale is a private Canberra collection of eight works from the ‘Warlayirti Suite’, a set of ten colour etchings produced by Northern Editions with Warlayirti Artists from Balgo, WA. Each etching is editioned 32/50, signed in pencil, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Artists include Kathleen Paddoon Napanangka (Nakkara Nakkara), Eubena Nampitjin (Midjul), Fred Tjakamarra (Lappi Lappi), Ningie Nangala (Walu), and Helicopter Tjungurrayi (Wangkartu). Two of the works include letters from Warlayirti Artists director Sally Clifford confirming the signature was applied by the artist’s niece, as the artists passed away before editioning. All are in excellent condition with only minor dust or marks to the frames.
Alongside the Indigenous works are three Constantine Popov pieces: a purple dog with two cats on grey background, a blue cat on yellow, and a purple puppy on gold. These are synthetic polymer on board or canvas, signed, and framed. European art is also well represented. A vintage portfolio ‘The Uphoffs Worpswede 1910-1971’ contains 12 facsimile prints after Fritz, Carl Emil, and Lore Uphoff. Heinrich Vogeler’s ‘An den Fruhlin’ portfolio offers ten facsimile prints after
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Carnival Glass (Part 1)
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This is Part 1 of a serious carnival glass collection, and the 12+ lots lean heavily into the good stuff: Crown Crystal (Australia) and Fenton (USA) pieces with strong patterns and colours. The headline lot is the ‘Kiwi’ master bowl from Crown Crystal, featuring two kiwi birds beneath a mountain range with fern sprays around the scalloped rim. It’s exceptionally rare and in very good used condition, though note the minor scratch and factory flaw foot with a slight wobble.
Other Crown Crystal highlights include a large ‘Waratah’ and butterfly bush comport in black amethyst, a ‘Magpie’ bowl with flannel flower wreath interior, and a ‘Shrike’ bowl with wattle interior. The American side brings a Fenton ‘Horse Medallion’ comport in marigold over pale green glass that reacts under UV light, plus two Imperial ‘Starlyte’ and ‘Mayflower’ lamp shades. Collectors of convention glass will also note the 1980 Keystone Carnival Club toothpick holder.
Condition is generally very good across the board, but check for the usual suspects: minor surface wear, rough edges on some pieces, and the factory flaw on the Kiwi bowl. This is a niche auction for serious collectors, not casual browsers. If you know carnival glass values, the rare Crown Crystal items are where the action will be.
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Science & Natural History
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This auction is for the curious collector who doesn’t mind a bit of detective work. The vendor has flagged everything as untested and uninspected, so you’re buying on description and photos alone. That said, the variety is hard to beat. You’ve got a boulder opal specimen, a carved stone panel of a nine-tailed fox in indigo gabro stone, and a stone sphere the seller calls ‘black moonstone’. The malachite lidded trinket box has some surface wear and a minor chip, but it’s still a display piece.
The antique side is strong. The Kirby bird book from 1872 has some loose pages and damaged plates, but it’s a genuine reading copy of a scarce title. There’s also a hand-coloured engraving of a woodcock from 1780, taken from Buffon’s *Historie Naturelle*, framed and in very good condition. The apothecary box from Springweller & Co. in London, made for a Calcutta pharmacy, comes with its glass bottles and segmented interior, though the lid panel is detached.
For the oddball crowd, Frankie the taxidermied catfish is the clear standout. He’s got some wear and a repaired fin, but he’s intact and ready for a shelf. A thermo-hydrograph unit rounds out the scientific equipment, sold as found with no guarantees. The auction closes 5 June 2026, with 12 lots on offer.
Allbids (also EHVA, CarBids, and BoatBids) is a Canberra-based operation
AllBids is Canberra’s leading online auctioneer, running sales from the ACT for over 15 years. Weekly sales include police recovered goods, computers, general goods, and fundraising auctions, all from Fyshwick.
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Renovators Dream Sale
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This is a straight-up renovator’s dream, not a dud lot in sight. allbids has consolidated a heap of surplus stock, so you’re looking at everything from full door sets and window frames to plumbing fittings and electrical gear. The lot list is stacked with practical items: ducted heating vents, shower bases, tap sets, and security screen doors.
What makes this one stand out is the sheer volume of new, boxed stock. There are multiple pallets of insulation batts, rolls of foil wrap, and even a skip bin full of timber for the tradie. If you’re building or doing a major reno, you can pick up a trailer-load of essentials for cents in the dollar. Check the photos carefully for quantities and packaging condition, but the value is clearly in the bulk lots. Don’t sleep on the Gainsborough handles and Astra tapware, those are solid brands that move fast.
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7/2021 Network RV Caravan 24ft – Statutory Write-off
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This is a 2021 Network RV Caravan, measuring 24 feet, and it’s classified as a statutory write-off. That means it’s been damaged and is not roadworthy in its current state. But for a buyer with the skills to repair or the need for a donor van, the potential is there.
The van is relatively new, so components like the chassis, cabinetry, appliances, and fittings could be valuable. A statutory write-off can’t be re-registered in Australia, so this is strictly for parts or off-road use. The auction closes on 2 June 2026, so there’s time to inspect or ask questions if you’re serious about a rebuild or salvage.
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ALLBIDS Bulk Buys
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This isn’t a single-owner clearance; it’s a steady stream of mixed lots from various sources. AllBids has been running online auctions from the ACT for over 15 years, so they know how to move volume. The catalogue shifts constantly, but you’ll typically find new and ex-display whitegoods, power tools, office furniture, and general household goods.
The real draw here is the variety and the chance to grab retail stock at a fraction of the price. Keep an eye out for bulk lots of hardware, kitchenware, and even vehicle parts. Pickup is in the ACT, so factor that in, but if you’re after a one-stop shop for renovation supplies or home setup, this is worth refreshing regularly. Check the site for the current close date as listings roll through without a fixed schedule.
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Canberra Raiders Auction
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This is a straight-up opportunity for Raiders fans to grab match-worn gear direct from the club. The auction covers a spread of playing apparel and signed items, so you are not just bidding on generic merch. Think actual jerseys worn in games, training singlets, and other team-issued kit.
The lot list includes signed memorabilia, which is where the value often sits for collectors. Keep an eye out for items tied to current stars or club legends. AllBids has been running online auctions out of the ACT for over 15 years, so the process is straightforward. Registration is required before you bid. Close date is yet to be confirmed, so check the listing regularly to avoid missing the deadline.
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Curios & Collectables
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Allbids is putting up a mixed catalogue of curios and collectables that should appeal to browsers and serious collectors alike. The auction covers a broad range of categories, so expect everything from old militaria and ephemera to mid-century homewares and decorative pieces. There is no set close date yet, which gives you time to sift through the lots.
Standout items include vintage tin toys, enamel advertising signs from local brands, and a selection of pre-decimal Australian coins. Antique glassware and ceramic figurines also feature, along with assorted jewellery and pocket watches. Because the auction runs entirely online, you can bid from anywhere, but factor in the ACT location for pickup.
Buyers should check individual lot photos and condition notes carefully. With over 15 years in the game, Allbids runs a straightforward process, so register early and set your maximums. This is a classic pick-and-choose sale for anyone who likes digging through the unusual.
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ENTRIES INVITED
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Allbids has been running online auctions out of the ACT for more than 15 years, and their “Entries Invited” sale is a classic clearance event. There’s no fixed closing date yet, so keep an eye on the listing for the final countdown. The catalogue is a grab bag of categories: tools and machinery, cars and utes, furniture, electronics, and general household goods.
What makes this auction worth watching is the variety. You’ll find everything from workshop gear and garden equipment to office furniture and kitchen appliances. Vehicle entries often include older trade-ins or fleet cars, so if you need a cheap runabout or a project car, it pays to check the lot list as it populates. The auctioneer doesn’t specialise in one niche, which means bargains turn up across the board.
Buyers should register early and factor in pickup in the ACT. With no reserve on many household lots, this is the kind of sale where a low bid can snag you a solid item. Check the photos carefully, as condition varies, but for anyone after a mixed lot of usable gear, this one’s worth a bid.
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Canberra General Goods
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This is a classic clean-out auction, the kind where you never know what you’ll stumble on. Allbids has been running online sales for over 15 years, so they know how to move volume. The catalogue is a grab-bag: think office chairs next to power tools, kitchenware alongside vintage bric-a-brac.
Without a specific close date set, you’ll need to watch the listing closely. The real value here is in the oddball lots and the sheer variety. If you’re after a specific brand or model, you’ll have to dig through the listings yourself. For buyers who enjoy the hunt, this is a solid opportunity to score a bargain on everyday items that might otherwise fly under the radar.
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Computers & IT Auction
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This is a solid clean-out of IT equipment, ideal for small businesses, home office setups, or anyone looking to upgrade without paying retail. AllBids has been running online auctions for more than 15 years, so the process is straightforward. The lot list covers the essentials: desktop towers, portable laptops, rack-mounted servers, switches, and plenty of monitors.
If you need to kit out a workspace or grab spare hardware for parts, this auction has you covered. Keep an eye on the close date as it’s yet to be confirmed. Register and bid online through the AllBids platform.
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Police Recovered Goods
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AllBids has been running online auctions for over 15 years, and this one is a classic clearance of seized and unclaimed property. The catalogue is a mixed bag of everyday items and the occasional surprise. You will find a stack of bicycles, both kids and adult sizes, plus a decent selection of cordless power tools from Makita and DeWalt.
Electronics feature heavily. There are multiple smartphones, tablets, and laptops, including recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. A handful of smartwatches and headphones are also in the mix. For the home, expect small appliances, some new-in-box items, and a collection of jewellery and watches that could hold hidden value.
Buyers should check each lot carefully. Condition varies from new and unused to clearly second-hand. All lots are sold as-is. Bidding is online only. The close date is yet to be confirmed, so keep an eye on the listing for the final countdown.
Slattery Auctions
Slattery Auctions operates from 18-22 Lithgow Street, Fyshwick, running weekly car and commercial auctions plus regular truck, machinery, and IT clearance sales.
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