[category]
[title]
You know what they say about tattoos: once you start, it’s hard to stop. From fine-line flowers and bold patchwork sleeves to cliché quotes (#CarpeDiem) and cute cartoons, around 30 per cent of Aussies now rock at least one piece of body art. Those who’ve caught the “tattoo bug” (or those thinking about taking the plunge) will find the ultimate inspiration for their next stamp at the Australian Tattoo Expo.
Now in its 15th year, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and longest-running body art event is in the midst of its 2026 national tour. Fresh from three big days of inky goodness in Sydney, the expo is headed to Perth this October, before rounding out the season in Melbourne this December.
So, what’s in store? The Australian Tattoo Expo assembles more than 350 of the world’s most talented tattoo artists from as far and wide as Japan, China, South Korea, the USA and Sweden. With so much talent under one roof, you'll want to peruse the official lineup for your city online beforehand so you can pre-book a slot for guaranteed ink time. If you’re all about filling in every square inch of your skin, there'll also be opportunities for walk-up flash tattoos. After all, what’s one more spontaneous tat?
Even if you’re just coming along for moral support, there’s plenty to keep you entertained – including live music, wild stage shows, giveaways, roving performers and jaw-dropping tattoo battles. In each city, elite artists will compete for coveted trophies across categories like fine-line, blackwork, traditional Japanese, freehand, geometric, pop culture/anime and full body suit. But the one showdown you won’t want to miss is the "Shittest Tattoo Competition" – a demonstration of exactly what not to do. From a six-pack of beer stubbies inked across a thirsty lad’s stomach to a questionably detailed portrait of Donald Trump on the end of an older gentleman’s “bratwurst”, brace yourself for big gasps and big laughs.
The Australian Tattoo Expo hits Perth from October 23 to 25, before wrapping up the year in Melbourne from December 4 to 6. You can find more details on the website, including exhibiting artists and program highlights.