The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an iconic annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. With rides, games, agricultural exhibits, and shows, it provides entertainment for people of all ages. But is it really worth attending? Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if the Easter Show is worth your time and money.
Cost
The Easter Show can be an expensive day out. Adult tickets start from $43 if purchased online in advance, with gate prices from $51 per adult. Children’s tickets are cheaper at $28 advance online or $38 at the gate for kids aged 6-15. There are also family passes available.
You’ll also need to factor in costs for rides, games, food, drinks and souvenirs on top of the entry fee. Unlimited ride wristbands can help cap this expense if you plan to go on lots of rides. Overall though, a family of four could easily spend $300 or more for a full day out at the show when you add up entry fees, rides, food and other expenses.
Rides & activities
A huge drawcard of the Easter Show is the carnival atmosphere, with rides, games and activities. There are countless rides catering to all ages and thrill levels. Top picks include the rollercoasters, Dodgems, Giant Drop, showbags and carnival games. The animal nursery, petting zoo and circus acts are family-friendly entertainment. There are also roving performers, musicians and specialty markets to enjoy browsing through. For an additional fee, you can visit the showbag pavilions which are hugely popular with kids wanting to collect these over-stuffed souvenir bags.
Agricultural exhibits
A key part of the show’s origins is the agricultural exhibits and competitions. If you have an interest in animals, produce or rural Australian life, there is a lot to enjoy. There are livestock sheds with competitions for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and more. In the poultry pavilion, you’ll find chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and more. There are also dog shows and agricultural displays focused on farm life and rural skills. For green thumbs, the floral displays in the Garden Competition and landscape displays are beautiful to wander through.
Food
Food is a highlight of any large event, and the Easter Show delivers an enormous range of dining options. There are food halls with cuisine from around the world, as well as food vans and stalls specialising in classic show favourites like fairy floss, doughnuts, toffee apples, waffles, dagwood dogs (hot dogs on sticks), German baked goods and more. You can also enjoy fresh local produce like ice cream, jams, honey, coffee and specialty popsicles. With so many options across sweet and savoury dishes, there is something to satisfy every foodie.
Crowds
As one of Sydney’s largest annual events, the Easter Show attracts massive crowds which can be both a positive and a negative. On the plus side, there’s an energetic and celebratory atmosphere created by so many people enjoying the event simultaneously. However, the crowds also mean long queues and waiting times for rides, bathrooms, food outlets and more. Weekdays tend to be a little quieter than weekends. If you plan to attend on the busiest days like the final weekend, you’ll need patience and strategies like arriving early to beat queues.
Opening hours
The Easter Show runs for 12 days, from Friday before Easter through to the Monday after. Gates are open from 9am to 10pm most days, with earlier closing times of 6pm-8pm on some weeknights. With the long opening hours, you can aim to arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds. This also allows plenty of time to take in all the attractions. Many find it works best to plan to attend for a full day to avoid needing to rush around to ‘do it all’.
Getting there
Public transport is the best way to get to the Easter Show, as parking is expensive at $30 per car and limited in availability. Trains run regularly to Olympic Park station which has direct access to the showgrounds. From central Sydney, it’s about a 30 minute trip. Special event buses also run direct to the showgrounds from locations across Sydney. Alternatively, you can catch a normal bus or ferry service to Olympic Park wharf or train station. If driving, prepare for delays entering car parks.
Weather
Sydney weather in April is generally pleasant, making it ideal timing for an outdoor event. The average temperature is around 23°C with moderate rainfall. However, it can still be wise to bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen and water bottles, as many activities require queuing in the open sun. Likewise, having ponchos or umbrellas in case of passing showers is recommended to keep comfortable. Each year has different weather patterns though, so check forecasts in the lead up.
Accessibility
The Easter Show caters quite well for accessibility requirements. There are accessible parking spots near entrances, along with wheelchair and mobility scooter hire. Venues have accessible facilities, and main walkways are smooth and easily navigable for wheelchairs and prams. Guide dogs are permitted. For hearing impaired visitors, some displays like the animal nursery have hearing loops. Information kiosks can also provide pen and paper. Overall, visitors with diverse accessibility needs can enjoy the event.
Covid Safety
Since Covid-19, large scale events have implemented health measures to enable safer experiences. The Sydney Royal Easter Show has various protocols including contactless payments, distancing, hygiene procedures and sanitisation stations. Some indoor exhibits may limit capacity. While the show brings large crowds, the open air environment provides good ventilation. By following precautions like staying home if feeling unwell, wearing a mask indoors or distancing where possible, you can still enjoy the show with peace of mind.
Pros
- Unique annual event showcasing Australian rural life and agriculture
- Huge range of rides, games, exhibits, displays, food and attractions
- Lively, energetic atmosphere from large crowds enjoying the event
- Plenty to see and do for all ages from young kids to grandparents
- Iconic showbags and classic show favourites like dagwood dogs
- Open long hours across 12 days allowing flexibility
- Accessible amenities and facilities for diverse visitors
Cons
- Gets very crowded, especially on weekends
- Long queues and waiting times for rides, food etc
- Tickets, rides, food and souvenirs can make for an expensive day out
- Parking availability limited and expensive
- Potential for unpredictably hot, rainy or stormy April weather
- Need to plan your day well in advance to make the most of it
- Easy to get exhausted from so much walking around such a huge event
Conclusion
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a time-honoured tradition with broad appeal, but also some downsides like crowds and expenses. By planning your visit carefully around costs, weather, peak times, transportation and packing essentials like sun protection, you can have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Look for ways to control spending by pre-purchasing entry passes, limiting additional games and rides, or bringing your own food. Avoid the busiest periods to minimise queues and waiting. Make a list of your must-see displays or activities in case you run out of time. If large crowds aren’t your thing, look for low-key days to attend. With smart planning, the magic and entertainment of the show can outweigh the headaches.
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Weighing up these pros and cons can help decide if attending the iconic Easter Show is worth it for you and your family or friends. For many Sydneysiders it’s an unmissable annual tradition. For others, the downsides may outweigh the benefits. Either way, advance planning is key to maximise enjoyment.