Craft shows in Australia usually are for retailers and wholesalers to show their latest! They launch BOMs, new books, patterns, have fat 1/4's for sale and the usual LQS supplies. I have never seen finished products for sale.
Fabric around where I live starts at $22 - 28 a metre. I do support my LQS by buying thread, batting, sometimes backing or lining of totes, but the majority of my fabric purchases come from online shopping in the US. The exchange rate is approximately AUD$0.90 to the USD. Huge savings. I only buy from shops that do flat rate shipping.
On a side note, I also buy books from the states as well, I wish that would come in flat rate shipping! LOL