The Top 10 Things to See and Do at the Perth Royal Show

The Top 10 Things to See and Do at the Perth Royal Show

The highlight of September in Western Australia is upon us once again – so get ready, because the Perth Royal Show is back! On from September 28 to October 5, this year’s show, held at the Claremont Showground, plays host to more than 700 events, promising a bonafide bonanza of entertainment, adventure and fun for the whole family. But with so much on offer, how do you choose? Fret not. We’ve done the hard yards for you and sifted through all the events to bring you the top 10 things to see and do at the Perth Royal Show this year.

Walk The Adventure Trail

The Adventure Trail is the Perth Royal Show’s free educational and interactive activity that will show you what it takes to be a farmer in Western Australia. Fun for all ages, the trail covers 16 spots throughout the showgrounds that are mapped out inside the show guide, with a series of questions to answer and activities to be completed along the way. Along the trail you’ll learn the history and secrets of the regions across Western Australia in Discover WA, graduate to a Junior Farmer in Farm 2 Food, discover how to shear sheep, plant crops, take care of livestock and learn the art of milking a cow. Participating in the trail also puts you in the running to win stacks of prizes, including a family pass to the 2020 Perth Royal Show.

See A Show

If entertainment is on your list, you’ll be pleased to know that the Perth Royal Show program is jam-packed with more than 55 shows, promising something for everyone. There’s the Zimboyz, a trio of African acrobats who perform high-energy, gravity-defying stunts that include thrilling chair-balancing, piping hot fire hoops and precarious human pyramids, and The Chipolatas, one of the best street theatre groups on the planet. All the way from the UK, the group’s exclusive style of performance incorporates circus, dance, live music and theatre and is one you won’t forget. Witness a performance of a different kind at Monster Circus, a high-octane, foundation-trembling event where monster trucks, monster balls and monster jeeps perform jaw-dropping and death-defying stunts and feats like racing, freestyling and flipping through the air.

For those who love four-legged friends, the DockDogs show features water-loving canines plunging off a purpose-built nine-metre-high platform to complete a series of challenges that test agility, speed and toy retrieval. Alternatively, the Racing and Diving Pigs show shows off just how agile and athletic these adorable little oinkers are as they compete in races and dive into a water tank. See strength and tenacity in the form of feisty characters at the Explosive Pro Wrestling exhibition, and don’t forget the Grand Parade, held in the Main Arena every day at 1.00pm, which brings all the best aspects of the Royal Perth Show together

Talk A Stroll Through The Pirate Cove Immersive Walk Through Experience

Want to truly be a part of the show? Embark on an interactive and adventurous experience by visiting the Pirate Cove Immersive Walk Through Experience. Leave the real world behind as you step through a secret trap door and into a realm of swashbuckling and plundering, sailing the high seas and discovering the secrets of off-the-map coves and islands. Along the way, you’ll meet pirates and mermaids, and explore a labyrinth of caves in search of hidden treasures.

Visit One Of The Many Demonstrations

There’s something both special and very cool about seeing a masterful skill in action – especially one that isn’t so commonly undertaken in modern society. When it comes to crafting, learn the history and insider tips on things like bookbinding, china painting, tapestry making, leather craft and woodcarving. Want to learn how to whip up a delicious meal or dessert? Catch a demonstration of how to make cauliflower fritters and buttercream cupcakes, or discover the art of decorating with sugar flowers and learn how to work with chocolate. If you want to develop a closer connection to animals, learn how to teach your dog tricks, or try shearing a sheep and milking a goat. Where can I see it? Creative Craft & Cookery Pavilion, Agility & Obedience Dog Lawn, Sheep, Shearing & Wool Pavilion, Creates Great & Small Pavilion.

Feel The Rush At The Adrenaline Park

There’s nothing more exhilarating than conquering an epic ride or successfully undertaking a scary challenge – and the Adrenaline Park delivers this endorphin-filled rush in spades. Kids and adults alike will revel in taking on the many obstacles here. Feel your heart race as you stare out over the precipice of the eight-metre free-fall Stunt Jump; see how long you can last on the bucking mechanical Mad Cow; navigate your way through the four-metre-high Ropes Course as you cross swinging logs; soar through the air on zip lines and clamber up net walls; and find out how high you can bounce on the rainbow of trampolines. Where can I experience it? Showmen’s Road in Sideshow Alley.

Revel In The Rides At Sideshow Alley

If you’re looking for a different kind of adrenaline but still want in on some action-packed fun, then make your way to Sideshow Alley where you’ll discover an abundance of rides to suit all ages and levels of thrill-seeking. Kids will love living out their pilot dreams in the Mini Twister Helicopters, meanwhile, families will enjoy soaring into the air together on the brightly coloured Samba Balloons and spinning around and around on the classic favourite Tea Cup Ride. 

Want to up the ante? Make like the Fast and the Furious gang, climb into one of 18 dodgem cars and zip your way to victory in the Raceway Super Dodgems. Then there’s the XXXL. Considered one of Australia’s most extreme rides, it raises its brave riders 30 metres in the air and pulls an epic 4Gs of power as it spins and turns in the sky. Finally, be one of the first to strap in for Australia’s newest roller coaster – so new, in fact, that it is yet to have a name – and embark on one of the wildest rides of your life as your free-moving carriage zig-zags through twists, turns and heart-wrenching drops, promising a unique ride every time.

Witness The Awesome Wood-Chopping Carnival Competition

It’s the age-old question: how much wood could a wood-chuck-chuck if a wood-chuck could chuck wood? At Western Australia’s biggest and most prestigious wood chopping competition, you’ll finally discover the answer. Wood chopping began in Australia’s largest state as far back as 1892, with the very first wood-chopping competition held in Albany. Fast forward more than 125 years and the competition has evolved into an eight-day extravaganza where punters can witness the stamina and skill of Australia’s strongest and fastest woodchoppers in action across a variety of events. There’s the Woodchop Relay, where four champion woodchoppers will wield both chainsaws and axes; the Standing Block Championship; and the Underhand Championship. Where can I see it? Main Arena and Woodchop Arena.

Eat, Eat, Eat!

With such an awesome number of activities and events on offer, fuelling up between activities is essential – and there are so many delectable ways to do indulge your inner foodie. Eateries and food stalls abound across the showgrounds, from healthy, fresh ingredients and produce to sweet and salty indulgences, you’ll be able to satisfy any and every craving while you’re here. You can even try your luck at snagging a delightful treat from one of the live cooking demonstrations mentioned earlier!

Be Sure To Pick Up A Showbag (Or 10) 

People go to the Show for entertainment, food and, of course, fun, but it wouldn’t be the Perth Royal Show without a slew of showbags hanging from each arm on the way home. And there are so many to choose from. Whether you’re into chocolate and lollies, games and toys, sports and activities, films and TV shows, or something truly novel and different, there’s a showbag to suit everyone’s tastes.

Fireworks!

Prepare to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colour and a cacophony of sound as the clock strikes eight o’clock every evening with the Perth Royal Show’s light, bright and magical fireworks show. Grab a snack, pull up a spot of grass in the Main Arena and turn your eyes skyward as the showgrounds are lit up. It’s the perfect way to finish off a wonderful day at the show! Where can I see it? Main Arena.