Image: The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS)
Easter means different things to various people — in the end, it offers a chance for us all to come together. However, for children and adults who are young at heart, it also means days of fun exploring and revelling at the Sydney Easter Show.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is more than just an event — it’s a vibrant celebration of Australia’s rich agricultural heritage, thrilling entertainment, mouthwatering treats, and family-friendly fun. As one of the country’s largest annual events that book out Sydney hotels, drawing crowds in excess of 800,000 people, it’s a flagship festival uniting Sydney-siders, regional, interstate and international visitors across its 12-day program. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned show-goer, the Easter Show has become a highlight of many people’s calendars. So, what are you waiting for?
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 various activities and carnival fun to help promote agricultural excellence and strengthen NSW’s rural communities.
Famous for bringing the bush to the city, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at the Easter Show — from action-packed international rodeos to carnival rides and live entertainment. Although many activities and shows run between 9 am and 5 pm, you’ll find a long schedule of evening entertainment up until the showground’s closure at 9 pm.
A cornerstone of the event, the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome is a must-do activity that every showgoer should include in their itinerary. Its District Exhibit showcases five regions across the country — Southern, Northern, Western, Central NSW, and South East Queensland — where over 10,000 pieces of fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and pulses are artfully arranged into large-scale installations, creating a feast for the eyes. Fresh produce will also be available for purchase each day, enabling you to bring seasonal produce back to your Meriton Suites Sydney accommodation and take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen.
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) has long been a part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s history — where volunteers have continued to serve sandwiches, salads and cakes for over 70 years. Proudly selling over 40,000 cakes each year, you know a visit to the show wouldn’t be complete without a serving of freshly baked scones from the CWA Tea Room. Whether you want to make it an early morning treat or an express afternoon tea service, the CWA Tea Room at the Easter Show in Sydney is the perfect rest stop to refuel alongside the state’s best bakers.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is more than rides and sweet indulgences — each year, close to 30,000 entries battle it out across 40 competitions, ranging from livestock and horticulture to arts and crafts and sustainability. One of the big highlights is the Sydney Royal Horse Show, which sees prizes for breeds, heavy horse obstacles, show jumping, team yarding, vaulting, and more.
The Royal Easter Show is renowned for its beloved farmyard animal displays, where visitors can get up close with over 13,000 lambs, chickens, sheep, pigs, cows and other animals. It’s a perfect opportunity to create memories with your kids and give them a glimpse into rural life with sheep shearing exhibitions and hands-on experiences at the petting zoo — it’s farmyard fun for the whole family.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show offers a whole host of activities where one day’s visit seems never enough. Whether you’re interested in intricate arts and crafts, animals of all shapes and sizes or classic carnival rides, there’s something for everyone.
No day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show would be complete without a visit to the Showbags Pavilion — it’s become a major tradition since the 1920s. Showbags include samples of a company’s small goods and products, enabling you to take home sweet treats, sports merchandise, fun toys and games. However, if you’re like us, we know your chocolates and lollies won’t be left uneaten when you check out of your Meriton Suites Sydney hotel.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show offers an exhilarating range of amusement rides for all ages, including attractions suitable for little adventurers to rollercoasters that satisfy any thrillseeker’s need for speed. Whether you plan to visit for half or a whole day chasing heart-pumping action, you can lose yourself in the endless activities available.
When it’s time to experience the show from a different beat, head to the various stages throughout the Sydney Showgrounds precinct and sing along to live music. You don’t need to travel far to watch energetic rock bands or more mellow country music acts — roving performers ensure entertainment at every turn.
From ticketed events with industry experts helping you learn about cooking techniques to sit-down dining and sweet treats you can eat on the go, you can experience the best of Australian culture via your appetite.
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 provide a memorable visit for all.
Sydney’s Royal Easter Show is a ticketed event offering 12 days of events, attractions and entertainment for the entire family over the holiday period. Your Easter Show ticket includes public transport within the Sydney metro area, making travelling from home or your hotel accommodation easy.
You can conveniently buy adult, children’s, family, or concession tickets online. If you want to save money, consider purchasing tickets before the show’s first day for early bird special pricing or an after-4 p.m. ticket, which gives you access to the precinct later in the afternoon at a reduced rate. You can also purchase reserved seating for competitions, ensuring you get a prime spot before they sell out. ‘Add-on’ ticket options are also available, allowing you to organise extra entertainment and dining experiences before the big day for added convenience.
Travelling to the Sydney Royal Easter Show at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park is easy by car, taxi, rideshare service, train or bus.
Pre-booking your parking space is essential for those driving due to high demand during the event period. For your convenience, a free shuttle bus service is available to take you to and from the various onsite parking stations to the main gate.
With nearly one million visitors wanting to experience the fun every year, it’s encouraged you leave the car at home — after all, your ticket includes travel to the Easter Show by public transport. Need another reason? The Sydney Olympic Park train station offers direct access to the main gate.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the rich culture and thrilling fun at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, even just knowing where to begin can be a challenge. Some guidance can go a long way, from navigating the sprawling showgrounds to choosing between a dizzying array of exhibits, rides, and food options.
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 to have 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.
Choosing the right attire for the Easter Show is all about comfort and functionality. Anticipate a day of 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.
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.
However, few options compare close to Meriton Suites in Parramatta. Discover premium, family-friendly hotel accommodation close to the Sydney Showgrounds precinct — meaning you’re only minutes away from heart-warming animal displays, thrilling amusement rides and decadent food.
Whether visiting for a weekend or a week, a stay at Meriton Suites offers you and your guests access to exclusive amenities to enhance your stay, including:
Meriton Suites George Street, Parramatta
If you’re looking for a Parramatta hotel that is ideally located to bring you close to the festivities while providing easy access to explore the rest of Sydney, Meriton Suites George Street, Parramatta, should be your first choice. Just an 8 to 10-minute walk to the local train station and direct bus services to the showgrounds, you’ll be sipping on slurpees and visiting moo-ing cows in no time.
When it’s time to venture beyond the show, our accommodation keeps flagship shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues at your doorstep. You’re in the heart of Western Sydney, the multicultural centre of the city — take the chance to sample cuisines from around the world or find gifts to furnish your home.
Address: 180B George St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Meriton Suites Church Street, Parramatta
Want to experience the Sydney Easter Show with a side of culture? Meriton Suites Church Street Parramatta puts you in the right place. With views overlooking the Parramatta River and a few minutes walk to the Riverside Theatre, you can take in a musical or drama when you’re not riding amusement park rides.
With plentiful cafes, bars and restaurants by the entrance to tempt your cravings morning to night and name-brand shopping only minutes away for a touch of retail therapy, adults can have as much fun during their off-time when away from the show’s festivities.
Address: 330 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
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 the state’s most anticipated event, promising joy, discovery, and a vibrant community spirit.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with the entire family in tow, Meriton Suites in Parramatta offers conveniently located apartment-style hotel accommodation. If you’re travelling to Sydney for the Royal Easter Show, there’s no better place to stay than with Meriton Suites. Reserve your deluxe suite today.
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