Now in it’s 14^th year, the event put on by the Illawarra Reptile Society is like any other pet show with awards such as for Best in Show and Best Junior Keeper.

Three judges, including one vet, will roam around assessing the health and beauty of the animals, whilst the general public can also walk around to have a look.

Symbio Wildlife Park and Shoalhaven Zoo will both bring animals to get up close and personal with, while other exhibitors will be doing live demonstrations throughout the day.

Illawarra Reptile Club secretary Joanne Payne has been part of the club for six years, and says her fascination for the cold-blooded animals is probably from a lack of them growing up.

“I grew up in England so we didn’t have any snakes or lizards so when I moved to Australia it was ‘wow, cool’,” she said.

“They’re easy maintenance pets and something unusual, there’s plenty of native ones in Australia.”

Ms Payne said it wasn’t just an expo to sell goods like others around the state, but was a show that everybody with a love for reptiles could enjoy.

Doors open 10am with a range of turtles, lizards, snakes, goannas and more.