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 21 until October 1, with all the fantastic attractions that we know and love, plus a killer live music line-up.
“We are very proud to present our biggest Melbourne Royal Show program," says Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins. "Never before can you do so much in one day, with just one ticket."
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. Who wouldn't want to cradle a tiny pygmy goat?!
In addition to your fave farm animals, you'll also be able to meet some friendly (but very realistic) animatronic dinosaurs at the Jurassic Creatures pavilion. Plus, everyone's fave blue heeler Bluey will be delighting young fans with fun-filled daily shows.
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.
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 an entertainment line-up curated by Aussie music powerhouse The Mushroom Group. Catch performances from big names like Sneaky Sound System, Bliss n Eso, Eskimo Joe, Hot Dub Time Machine, Sheppard, Conrad Sewell and Casey Barnes. Plus, there'll be daredevil and motocross spectaculars and a high-octane 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 19. There's also a hefty discount if you visit after 4pm, which means more money to spend on a few extra show bags!
