What’s on at the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show: Must-see events and attractions

Whether you value the religious significance of Easter or simply enjoy a couple of extra days off work -- and far too many chocolates, we might add -- April is a special time of year for people all over the world. But in Sydney, there’s a very important reason the city anticipates the middle of autumn: the Royal Easter Show. 

Held at the Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a massive festival run by the not-for-profit Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS). With a history dating back to 1823, the Show has grown from a commemoration of the nation’s agricultural achievements to a spectacular celebration of Australian culture. It is one of the biggest annual ticketed events in the country with an astonishing 850,000 attendees flocking through its gates every year, and it’s not hard to see why. The Show’s schedule is jam-packed with a variety of unmissable shows, competitions, demonstrations, performances and live entertainment suitable for all ages. There’s also plenty of carnival fun, rides, shopping and animal experiences on offer, so gear up for endless hours of fun.

The best part? Revenue from the Royal Easter Show helps the RAS continue to support agricultural programs, education and other initiatives in rural NSW, so by buying a ticket you’re helping to protect and foster Australia’s unique history and culture. Without further ado, here are our top picks for unmissable attractions at the Show.

Rides And Activities

Whether you’re a seasoned thrill seeker or terrified of heights, there’s a plethora of rides and activities to suit your taste. Those looking for a more hair-raising experience will find the most thrilling rides in the Coca-Cola Carnival, such as the Slingshot, Speed 2, Mega Drop and No Limit, while the Skymaster Wheel offers breathtaking views of the entire Show and surrounds. The Kids Carnival is more suitable for younger showgoers and those who prefer a more relaxed experience with pony rides, a mini railway, the Sea Circus and more. 

Farmyard Nursery

When you see a petting zoo at any carnival or fair, it’s often the implication that it’s just for kids -- but we’re not convinced there’s a single adult on the planet who doesn’t love petting some cute farm animals. With more than 800 free-range animals to meet and greet, the Farmyard Nursery is a favourite at the Show every year and can’t be missed. From ducklings, geese and rabbits to donkeys, pigs and goats, you might have trouble dragging the kids -- or yourself -- away from this lively and wholesome attraction. You can buy a bag of feed to ensure you make a four-legged friend for life, or grab a brush from one of the staff to give your fluffy new mate a groom. Just remember: be respectful of the animals, and they’ll be respectful with you!

The Farmyard Nursery is open the following times for the remainder of the Show:

• Monday 15 - Thursday 18 April: 9:30am to 6:30pm
• Friday 19 - Monday 22 April: 8:30am to 7:00pm
• Tuesday 23 April: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Woodchopping Competition

There’s something effortlessly entertaining about watching the world’s toughest men and women battle it out in a good old-fashioned woodchopping competition, and the Royal Easter Show is the biggest such contest on the planet. Axe wielders from all over the world take to the stadium to compete in several events including the Standing Block, Underhand, Single Handed Sawing and Tree Felling, demonstrating their skill, power and near surgical precision. With time ticking down and wood chips flying through the air, there’s no shortage of excitement  and energy at this event.

The Grand Parade

The Grand Parade is a central feature of the Show and combines all the elements of the day in one event. Representing everything the Show is about, the Grand Parade features a procession of competition-winning animals, woodchoppers and producers, community leaders, agricultural achievers and a number of other key figures agricultural community. It’s a great way to pay homage to those who make Australian agriculture what it is, and they make a real spectacle of it all. Just remember not to applaud until the animals leave the arena: they prefer their parades to be nice and peaceful, just like the paddock. 

HowTime FMX

Where the Grand Parade is relaxed and orderly, ShowTime FMX is chaotic and exhilarating. Run by the ShowTime FMX Team, Australia’s most successful freestyle Moto X team, the event is a jaw-dropping display of acrobatics and death-defying stunts that will leave you questioning what humans are capable of. Watching this and the Grand Parade gives you the best of both worlds: the rich culture and history of the Show and it’s abundance of thrilling entertainment.

When Is The 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show?

The 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show runs from Friday, 12 April to Tuesday, 23 April. The opening hours allow for more than 12 hours of entertainment, with slightly more time allotted to the long weekend.

Easter long weekend:

• Open: 8:30am
• Entertainment and fireworks conclude: 9:00pm
• Showbag Pavilion close: 9:30pm
• Coca-Cola Pavilion close: Late

All other dates:

• Open: 8:30am
• Entertainment and fireworks conclude: 9:00pm
• Showbag Pavilion close: 9:30pm
• Coca-Cola Pavilion close: Late

Getting There

The Show is held at 1 Showground Rd in Sydney Olympic Park, meaning it’s just a short walk from Olympic Park train station. There’ll be extra trains running for the duration of the Show to meet the added demand, but be sure to leave plenty of time for travel in case you experience any crowds or delays. Our tip: download the TripView app on your smartphone before you leave for real-time updates on train and bus times. Plus, if you’re holding a ShowLink ticket, you won’t have to pay for public transport to and from the grounds.

There is on-site parking available, but space is limited and public transport is definitely the way to go if you want to avoid any unnecessary headaches. Taxis are available on Herb Elliott Avenue until 5pm and from Murray Rose Avenue between 5pm and 11pm, but be wary of any traffic delays.

Where To Stay

With a variety of carefully appointed suites and luxury apartments, Fraser Suites Sydney is the perfect accommodation to choose for your visit to the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Our convenient CBD location puts us within walking distance of Sydney’s major landmarks and attractions, and a quick and easy train ride to Olympic Park for the Show.

We’re excited to offer an Easter flash sale with the promo code “Easter19”, alongside a Holiday Fun offer designed specifically for the April long weekend. This Easter package offer includes:

• Overnight accommodation
• On-site parking
• Buffet breakfast per person
• Free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary chocolate gift

We have a range of accommodation options to suit your tastes and budget, so choose your preferred package to view availability and pricing.