The Melbourne International Exhibition opened on 1 October 1880 and closed on 30 April 1881.

It was the second international exhibition to be held in Australia, the first being held the previous year in Sydney.

There were exhibits from all Australian states.

On 21 June 1887 the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition opened. It was a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne in 1837 and the proclamation of South Australia.