Some visit the show for the thrilling rides, others come to marvel at award-winning cakes, the incredible woodchoppers, the pavilions filled with the cutest baby animals… or maybe we’re all just united in a mutual love of sugar-filled show bags.
This year’s Melbourne Royal Show is set to be bigger and better than ever, running for 11 days from September 26 until October 6, with all the fantastic attractions that we know and love, as well as exciting new additions, plus a killer live music line-up.
“There’s incredible new attractions and entertainment offering greater value including loads of freeactivities, with family fun and farm adventures by day, and delicious food and specular entertainment by night," says Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins.
The animals were the original stars of the show and will be this year too, with pony rides, dog shows and so many more family-fun farm experiences at the new Rural Pavillion. You can get up close and personal with cows, sheep, poultry, dogs and even alpacas, or just rock up to one of the shows to see if you can pick the winning animal. There are even opportunities to try your hand at milking a cow or shearing a sheep. Or for those just looking to cuddle a lamb or baby chicken, the animal nursery is the place to be for a dose of cuteness, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year with a surprise, new farm animal experience as part of a celebratory event.
Foodies at the show are certainly looked after. Sure, you could go for the traditional dagwood dog or cloud of fairy floss, but there are far more gourmet options awaiting in the food pavilions. Some of Melbourne’s hottest names in food will be serving up delicious dishes, including Mr Miyagi, Tokyo Lamington and Wonderbao. For the first time, there'll be a dedicated asian cuisine food precinct, with bites from faves like Shandong Mama and Hoy Pinoy.
The good times won't stop after the sun sets, but instead you can dance the night away after a fun-filled day. There'll be jam-packed excitement with the After Dark program, with the return of the spectacular fireworks display every night, plus live music and a new fire show.
Tickets are on sale now and available online only — those in the know buy them early as you can get a discounted price up until September 22. There's also a hefty discount if you visit after 5pm, which means more money to spend on a few extra show bags!