Depending on someone’s religion, cultural background and a whole host of other factors, Easter can mean a lot of different things to different people. A celebration of faith to some and a chance to partake in a fun event alongside family for others, it offers a chance for us all to come together. In Australia, and more specifically New South Wales, one of the biggest attractions this time of year is the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, attracting approximately 820,000 people (wouldn’t the link be better at the beginning of the sentence on the words Sydney Royal Easter Show) each and every year. It’s a celebration of Australian culture, from rural traditions to modern-day lifestyles.
The Royal Easter Show first began in 1823 to raise revenue for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS). Each year, RAS invests millions of dollars into a variety of activities and carnival fun to help promote agricultural excellence and keep NSW’s rural communities strong.
Something Fun For Everyone
From action-packed international rodeos to carnival rides and live entertainment, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at the Easter Show. Although most activities and shows are run between 9am and 5pm, you’ll find an abundance of evening entertainment available up until the showgrounds close at 9pm.
Just make sure you pick up the right tickets if you’re planning on attending at a later time. It may even be worth planning ahead and taking a look at the early bird ticket prices.
District exhibitions
Contained within the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome is the uniquely Australian District Exhibit.
Consisting of five regions, the District Exhibit represents the best produce of Southern, Northern, Western, Central NSW and South East Queensland. More than 10,000 pieces of fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and pulses will be on display. Fresh produce will also be available for purchase each day.
Country Women’s Association tea room
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) has long been a part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s history. A visit to the Show wouldn’t be complete without a serving of freshly-baked scones from the CWA Tea Room. Take a break from exploring the Show and enjoy tea and cakes from some of the state’s best bakers.
Rodeo and Campdraft
Some of the country’s best bull riders, steer wrestlers, bareback riders and barrel racers can be seen performing as part of the Sydney Royal Rodeo Series. Located at the GIANTS Stadium, both Rodeos and Campdrafts have been fan favourites ever since their introductions back in 1931 and 1934 respectively.
Entertainment for all ages
The Sydney Royal Easter Show offers a whole host of activities to partake in. Whether you’re interested in some intricate arts and crafts, animals of all shapes and sizes or some classic carnival rides, there’s something for everyone.
To get the most out of your day of Easter Show fun, make sure you pick up a Carnival Fun Pass and download the new Easter Show Fun Pass App. Your Fun Pass credits can be refilled at specifically marked booths or through the Fun Pass App, so picking up both is sure to make your experience a seamless one.
You can learn more about the Easter Show Fun Pass App and Carnival Fun Passes on the Royal Easter Show website.
Competitions
Each year, close to 30,000 entries are received across 40 competitions which range from livestock and horticulture to arts & crafts and sustainability. The Sydney Royal Horse Show is a big highlight, which sees prizes for breeds, heavy horse obstacles, show jumping, team yarding, vaulting, and more. Another popular competition is the The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman of the Year (formerly referred to as the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition). While the name of the competition has changed, the judging criteria and the purpose have not, as young women compete to become a female ambassador for rural NSW.
Showbags
No day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show would be complete without a visit to the Showbags Pavilion, a tradition of the Show since the 1920s. Showbags often come with a sample of different small goods and products from various companies. From chocolate and lollies, to children’s toys, sports merchandise and more. The choices are endless and prices range anywhere from $4 to $36.
Food and drink
The Showgrounds themselves offer plenty of food on-the-go and a series of exclusive ticketed events can be found within the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome. Complete with industry experts, Australian Women’s Weekly Theatre Kitchen and more, there’s almost too much food and drink to taste and experience.
Getting there
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is always held over the Easter holiday for a period of around 10 days or so, and has been hosted at Sydney Olympic Park for more than twenty years. Make sure you check the website for details on how to get there as well as this year’s dates.
Car parking options are also available; however, Showgoers are encouraged to use flexible public transport. Visit Transport NSW for more information.
Essential Sydney Royal Easter Show Planning
As you prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, we’ve put together some key points to ensure you get the most out of your experience. From navigating the various attractions to selecting the perfect outfit for the day, these pointers are designed to ensure a memorable visit for all.
First-time visitor tips
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the rich culture and thrilling fun on offer at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, even just knowing where to begin can be a challenge. From navigating the sprawling showgrounds to choosing between a dizzying array of exhibits, rides, and food options, some guidance can go a long way.
Begin your day early to beat the crowds to the most popular attractions, and don’t miss the opportunity to pre-purchase your tickets online. This way you can avoid the queues waiting to buy tickets at the venue. Wearing comfortable footwear is incredibly important and remembering a reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Remember, every corner of the Easter Show offers something unique, so keep your itinerary open to allow for spontaneous discoveries..
Dressing for the show
Choosing the right attire for the Easter Show is all about comfort and functionality. Anticipate a day filled with exploration and activity by opting for casual, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. The show spans both indoor and outdoor areas, so layers are advisable to adapt to varying temperatures. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecasts for the day to ensure you’re well-equipped for what it might have in store. And, of course, a hat and sunscreen are essential under the Australian sun.
Accommodation for show visitors
For those looking to make the most of their Easter Show visit, staying close to the action at Sydney Olympic Park is highly recommended. Options range from luxury to budget-friendly, ensuring there’s a comfortable spot for every visitor.
Meriton Suites George Street, Parramatta and Meriton Suites Church Street, Parramatta offer stunning serviced apartment accommodations just a short 15-minute drive from the Showgrounds. With amenities that include gourmet kitchens, private balconies and spacious living rooms, you’ll have the perfect retreat to start and end your Easter Show days.
Navigating to the Show
Sydney Olympic Park, the proud host of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, is accessible via a robust network of public transportation. The nearest train station, Olympic Park Station, provides a direct gateway to the Show, with additional shuttle services available for seamless access from various points within the area.
For those driving, pre-booking your parking space is essential due to high demand during the event period.
Maximising your visit
To truly make the most of your Sydney Royal Easter Show experience, planning is key. Consider purchasing an Easter Show Fun Pass to streamline your carnival ride adventures, and download the Easter Show Fun Pass App to facilitate seamless enjoyment.
Early bird tickets offer savings and the convenience of avoiding queues, allowing more time to explore the Show’s attractions. Finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast to ensure your day is both enjoyable and comfortable.
Time to Plan Your Sydney Easter Show Visit
Dive into the heart of Australian culture at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where tradition meets festivity. From exhilarating rodeos to the intricate tapestry of agricultural displays, each moment is an invitation to create lasting memories. With adventure at every turn, the Sydney Easter Show is a celebration for all, promising joy, discovery, and a vibrant community spirit. Gather your loved ones, and enjoy a journey filled with wonder set against the backdrop of New South Wales’ most anticipated event.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with the entire family in tow, Meriton Suites offers a number of conveniently located apartment-style accommodation options in the heart of Sydney CBD and surrounds. If you’re travelling to Sydney for the Royal Easter Show, then there’s no better place to stay than with Meriton Suites.
