Everything you need to know for the 2023 Royal Adelaide Show
The Royal Show is back! Here’s everything you need to know, from transport details to free events, to make 2023 your most memorable Show yet.
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The Royal Adelaide Show returns from September 2 to 10, with a bumper fun-filled event at the Adelaide Showgrounds.
For showgoers, the Adelaide Advertiser has compiled a handy guide to everything you need to know for the best experience.
From insider knowledge on all the free shows to the must-try foods and even how to save some dollar on the day, here’s what to put on your 2023 Show hit list …
WHEN IS THE ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW 2023?
The Royal Adelaide Show, held at the Adelaide Showgrounds in Wayville, runs from Saturday September 2 to Sunday September 10.
WHAT TIME DOES THE ROYAL SHOW OPEN?
Gates opens daily at 9am. However, once inside, the following areas don’t open until 9.30am: Showbag Hall and the Market Bazaar Showbags.
Check out our full guide to this year’s showbags.
WHAT TIME DOES THE SHOW FINISH?
The carnival attractions are the latest of all areas to stay open, closing at 11pm marking the end of the day for the Show. On Sunday September 11, this closing time will instead be at 10.30pm. Outside of this, please refer to the Royal Adelaide Show site for opening and closing times for each area.
HOW DO YOU GET TO THE SHOW?
Public transport is one of the most popular ways to get to the Show, with over 30 bus train and tram stops within easy walking distance.
Remember to have your METROCARD charged and ready to go to save time on show days.
TRAIN
The Seaford, Flinders and Belair lines have designated stops right outside the entrance of the Adelaide Showgrounds.
For those on a line without a Showgrounds stop, head to the Adelaide Railway Station and catch any of the above lines. It’s only two stops to your destination.
It’s also free for children who are five and under.
TRAM
The Goodwood Road tram stop is just a short 500m walk to the Leader Street entrance of the Adelaide Showgrounds.
BUS
There will be multiple bus services running from different areas of Adelaide to get patrons to the Show.
21W Show shuttle bus will operate all day between the city (Stop V1 on Currie St) and the Goodwood Road bus interchange at the Showgrounds
O-Bahn Show express bus will operate from Tea Tree Plaza Interchange via the O-Bahn.
The shuttle bus will also make pick-ups at Paradise and Klemzig.
Three trips will depart from the Golden Grove Village, and regular O-Bahn services will be able to connect showgoers with the 21W Show shuttle.
Many regular services will make alterations to their regular express or limited stop services to include the Showgrounds during the time the Show is on.
TAXI
A designated taxi zone and bike rack will be set up at the Rose Terrace and Leader Street entrances.
RIDESHARE
Dedicated rideshare zones are located on Rose Terrace, just west of the Kidman Entrance.
WHERE CAN YOU PARK FOR THE SHOW?
For those looking to drive to the Showgrounds, there are plenty of options for parking. But fees do apply.
ADELAIDE SHOWGROUNDS
Casual parkers are able to park adjacent Adelaide Showgrounds after 6pm daily when places become available on Rose Terrace or Leader Street.
This parking costs $33 all day, or just $18 after 6pm.
GENERAL PARKING
The City of Adelaide has provided parking for showgoers in conjunction with UPark. Each car will cost $15 per day and there are three locations available this year at:
Park 22 – Found directly north of the Adelaide Showgrounds. This parking can be accessed from the northern side of Greenhill Road travelling east and Anzac highway travelling south.
Park 21W – Located east of Goodwood road, access from South Terrace travelling west towards Anzac Highway.
Park 23 – Situated North West of Anzac Highway. The only access point is from the western side of Anzac Highway travelling north towards the city.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
A significant number of designated spaces for those with a disability will be available in Carpark 2 on Rose Terrace and Carpark 2 on Leader Street. Parking here will cost $33 for a full day, or just $18 after 6pm
ALTERNATIVE PARKING
Parking options will be available at the Netball SA Stadium and Mile End (opposite Bunnings) for Show patrons and will be serviced by a free coach transfer to and from the event.
The coaches will operate at regular intervals throughout the day from 7am to 11pm on weekends, and 7am to 10pm during the week. Parking here will cost $17 per car per day.
HOW DO YOU GET CHEAPER TICKETS AND RIDES?
Pre-purchasing your tickets online or in-store at Foodland is the most cost effective way to save money on entry.
For those purchasing on the door, attending midweek is the best way to score a cheaper deal.
Monday to Friday ticket prices are $6 cheaper for General Adult Admission and $4 cheaper for General Child Admission aged between 5-14.
Pre-purchasing a Carnival Pass ticket will also let you ride all your favourites for a little bit less.
HOW DO CARNIVAL PASS TICKETS WORK?
Carnival Pass tickets are available in two sizes. For $80, you can get 100 ride tickets or $35 for 40 ride tokens. These tokens have a value of $1 each to be used at any ride and most carnival games.
To make use of your Carnival Pass tickets, make sure to swap them for ride tokens at the Carnival Pass Exchange, found inside Kidman Gate.
Discounted Carnival Passes are available for pre-purchase only.
WHAT'S THE BEST FREE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY?
BLUEY – LIVE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
Bluey and her little sister Bingo will be at the show’s Goyder Stage all week for their live interactive experience. This free show starts at 12pm and will have your family ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more!
LEARNING CENTRE
Enjoy a range of hands-on activities and displays for the whole family at the Learning Centre. Kids and adults alike will get to experience all things agricultural, and have the chance to meet some adorable animals.
NICKELODEON'S PAW PATROL – MIGHTY PUPS SHOW
Join Ryder, Chase, Skye, Marshall and Rubble on the Goyder Stage from 4pm for a midweek superhero style mission. This free show will see the mighty pups race to find pieces of a mysterious meteor before time runs out.
WOODCHOPPING
The Show favourite is back hosting competitions for all ages to enjoy. A test of strength, timing and agility, the woodchopping runs across multiple heats over the week.
FORD VS HOLDEN V8 UTES
For late-night fun, watch as the two teams of V8s battle out their differences in the main arena from 8.30pm. Different driving styles, stunts and epic races will make this one popular show.
WHAT IS THE BEST SPOT TO CATCH THE FIREWORKS?
The RAA Fireworks display will start at 9pm on weekends and 8pm during the week. The spectacle will set off from the centre of the Main Arena, and surrounding seating will be the best place to enjoy.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR FOOD?
The show has plenty of great food options, and this year is no exception. Some of the most loved include:
BIG DOG
For most, it’s one of the longest-held traditions – a Dagwood Dog at the show. For your hit, the Big Dog food stand on The Boulevard will be open from 9am to 8pm
CARNIVORE
The multi-ribbon winning food vendor with hypnotising smoked meats is back at the Arena Rendezvous for another year. Catering to meat lovers and vegetarians alike, their 3m-high fire pit is sure to deliver tasty meals for all.
CARŌCLUB
Former My Kitchen Rules chefs Tim and Kyle have teamed up with their best mate and head chef Kain to bring the CARŌclub in the Taste SA Pavilion. Their delicious and casual menu is sure to bring a unique touch to the show.
LET THEM EAT
This lunchbreak game changer handcrafted by former fine dining chef Tanya Agius is choc full of wholesomeness in the Goyder Pavilion from 9am – 8pm. These delicious bites are so good, you won't realise it’s vegetarian until you’ve eaten every morsel.
BUBBLE ME BUBBLE TEA
This South Australian business has grown over the past few years to now include the Bubble Me mobile drinks trailer, which you’ll find in Stirling Angas Hall from 10am to 10pm.
You’ll find a variety of freshly brewed milk and fruit flavoured teas best enjoyed with their range of toppings.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW?
The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society was establish in 1839 and held shows in Central Adelaide to encourage rural industries in South Australia.
As the Show continued to grow, it moved to Wayville showgrounds in 1925, where it continues to act as the longest running event in South Australia’s calendar.
For tickets or more information, visit the Royal Adelaide Show website.
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