One of Australia’s biggest festivals is about to make a grand return. Sydney’s biggest Easter celebration — The Sydney Royal Easter Show comes to town on April 8-19 and there’s a jam-packed program to look forward to this year. A celebration of Australia and everything Australian, the show is a beloved local fanfare.
From mouth-watering treats to adorable furry animals and fun rides, the much-loved event is an absolute delight. Here are some highlights of the event that are an absolute must-do.
Attend the Official Opening Ceremony
Gracing us at the Official Opening Ceremony is Princess Anne (Her Royal Highness) who is coming down to Australia in her role as Patron of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth to open the 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The highly-awaited Grand Parade will swiftly commence after the opening ceremony.
Make way for the Grand Parade
This iconic event has been around since 1907. The Grand Parade is essentially an opportunity to pay silent homage to Sydney Royal Competition winners over the years. This includes animals, producers and future community leaders. The event is held on such a grand-scale and with so much attention to detail that it has been emulated by agricultural communities around the world.
Embrace your wild side with Freak out, The Beast and other rides
Adventure junkies, get excited. When it comes to rides, it doesn’t get much better than this. Freak Out is an exhilarating ride with long swinging arms and 8,000 LED lights along with music blasting in the background. Another one to add to your list is The Beast which is basically a giant pendulum that swings to insane heights, you can also strap yourself into a swinging guitar with Rock Star.
Play with adorable animals
This one’s a winner with both kids and adults. Bringing the countryside to the city, the festival gives its attendees a chance to play with hundreds of adorable animals. There is an animal walk which includes a puppy walk and alpaca promenade. There is also a mini goat competition where judges pick the best goat of the lot. The entertainment factor is unbeatable.
Head to The Cyclopod
Live out all your circus fantasies with The Cyclopod — a huge moving stage featuring vintage tricycles and some of Australia’s finest contortionists.
Enjoy other carnival events
From the popular carousel to the super slide, there are plenty of fun activities and rides for kids and adults. There is also an exciting disco light show among other festivities. Additionally every evening, the GIANTS stadium hosts horsemanship, motorbikes and trucks, it’s unmissable.
Explore the food and dining
Make your way to Gelato Fresco where you get gelato made the traditional Italian way or head over to the ever-popular Easter Show fixture Mr Alloo’s Noodle Market. Get your sugar fix with Wafflepopz or grab some bacon on a stick from Bacon Head. There’s also a beer and wine bar at The Stables if you need to cool down. New entries this year include Skinny Tony’s Meatballs, Fish and Lemonade, Big Tony’s and more.
Catch the spectacular fireworks display
Make sure to stay the night to catch the fireworks display at the Easter Show. It takes place every evening at Twilight at the GIANTS stadium.
Have a barbie with a purpose
The Big Bush BBQ is a sausage sizzle like no other. All funds from this large scale barbie go straight to a rural or regional community with last year’s event raising over $30,000.
These are just some of the many amazing events that await us at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Make sure you give yourself loads of time to soak in all the fun and adventure.
How to get there
Sydney Showground is located around 16 kilometres west of the CBD. If you’re taking public transport, take a train from Town Hall to Lidcombe and then a connecting train to Olympic Park Station. There’s also plenty of parking on site. Find out more about getting there here.
Ticket info
You will need to pick the day you wish to attend in order for organisers to manage crowds. Early Bird ticket prices are available until midnight April 7 with Adult $39, Child $23.50, Concession $29, and Family Tickets $99.50.
During the show, single adult tickets are $39, child tickets are $28 and concession tickets are $35. Find more information and book yours here.
Covid guidelines
The Sydney Royal Easter Show has worked closely with the NSW Government and NSW Health to make the event Covid safe and ensure the event site abides by all physical distancing rules, including limited numbers in arenas and exhibition stands. Sanitisation stands will be available across the venue and increased cleaning will be implemented throughout the event. A new digital ‘carnival fun pass’ will also be replacing the retired coupon system.
Head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s official website for all the details and get planning your big family day out.
(All images supplied by Sydney Royal Easter Show.)
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