2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show guide: Tickets, rides, showbags and events
After a year on hiatus, the Sydney’s Royal Easter Show is back and it’s bigger, brighter and better than ever. Here’s everything you need to know, see and do at this year’s show.
NSW
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After a year on hiatus due to COVID-19, the gates have opened to the Sydney’s Royal Easter Show which has returned bigger and better than ever before.
Showbag hunters and animal lovers have flooded into Homebush for the 199th annual event where agriculture, animals and fresh produce have taken centre stage.
Laura Ashwin, 16, from Pennant Hills, was among the first in the gates, excited to return after the event was cancelled last year.
“It’s the first day of school holidays so we thought why not come and spend the day at the show,” Ms Ashwin said. “I can’t wait to get on the rides and buy a show bag, I love the showboats.”
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.
THE BASICS
COVID-safe restrictions are in place at the Show with online bookings required via Ticketmaster.
The 12-day event can host up to 60,000 visitors daily following NSW Health’s approval of the Show’s COVID Safe Plan.
A custom-built people counting system will be used to monitor venue capacity, and real-time data on the Show’s app and website will let showgoers see how busy areas in the grounds are.
COVID Safety Marshals and 182 cleaning staff and hygiene staff will be working daily at the show and pavilions will have updated layouts to increase aisle ways, with additional handwashing and sanitiser stations and audio messages to encourage showgoers to use them.
BEST RIDES
From traditional show favourite like dodgem cars to adrenaline charged thrill-rides, this year’s carnival zone is worth strapping yourself in for. New rides this year include the Wild Mouse roller coaster, Wipeout and Aviator, and the Giant Wheel. The Beast is back ready to soar riders 45m into the air on a giant pendulum, and the Extreme will turn you inside out and upside down. Kids can enjoy a special carnival zone, with Tea Cup rides, and an Enchanted Circus.
FOR KIDS
Take the kids to the Little Hands on the Land exhibit, where The Paddock will be transformed into a kid-sized working farm. The Little Big Top Amphitheatre will play host to many great live events for kids from April 2, including PAW Patrol, Shimmer & Shine Genie Dance Party and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
TWILIGHT SHOW
For adults and couples, visit after-dark and enjoy evening entertainment at GIANTS Stadium, a glass of red or white at Hawkesbury St finished with a dessert at the The Truck Stop. Then jump on a ride or try your hand at a game in sideshow alley. A Twilight ticket is five hours.
BEST OF THE BUSH
Rural and regional students from across NSW will be cooking and serving treats at the Fashion and Lifestyle Pavilion and taking all proceeds back to their school for much-needed financial support. The Big Bush BBQ is a sausage sizzle with a purpose. Buy a snag and support the societies taking over the stand this year. When you buy an Ag Bag ($25), all proceeds go to rural and regional community projects.
SENIORS’ DAY
Offers one full day of value and entertainment on April 7. Seniors ride free with a paying child on selected rides in the Kids’ Carnival and Coca-Cola Carnival. Valid with presentation of the NSW Seniors Card.
PETS APLENTY
The ADVANCE Sydney Royal Dog and Cat Shows, rats and mice, reptile and guinea pigs are back for more furry and slimy fun. Best in Show Dog, 3.30pm, April 11. Catch the K9 Ninja Challenge with farmer Dave at the Pet Pavilion.
EXHIBITOR COMPETITIONS
The Show prides itself on the range and quality of rural competitions and competitors. The Great Backyard Pumpkin Challenge and Livestock and District Exhibits Competitions should not be missed.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Discover the talent and skills of our best arts and craft people, from Australian rural themed cake decorating, folk art and displays of Australian natural fibres.
FIRE UP THE BARBIE
Cook your own BBQ in an exclusive area beside GIANTS Stadium with uninterrupted views of all the action, plus an Esky full of sausages, steaks, salads, beer and wine. Available from 5pm-9pm; $500 for a group of 10.
SHOWBAGS
With hundreds of showbags to choose from, we’ve short-listed the best between $2 and $30.
TOP 10 BAGS
– Bluey #1
– Super Slime
– Minnie Mouse
– Pokemon
– Cadbury Dairy Milk Superbag
– KitKat Super Range
– Harry Potter Charms
– Bertie Beetle Retro
– Better Homes & Gardens
– The Conscious Store
TOP 5 BAGS $10 AND UNDER
– Red Rock Deli Regular $5
– Cadbury Furry Friends $5
– Fyna Licorice No. 1 $10
– Comic Collectors Bag $10
– Zappomungus Superbag $10
GRAND PARADE
The best of the best in Australian agriculture take over the stadium in a spectacular procession. The event pays homage to Sydney Royal Competition winners in a celebration of Australian agriculture.
When: April 2, 4.50pm; April 4, 4.35pm; April 9, 4.30pm
Where: GIANTS Stadium
NICKELODEON STREET PARADE
Watch Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Shimmer & Shine, Blaze, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the PAW Patrol as they take to the streets in a parade of riotous colour.
When: Daily, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm
Where: GIANTS Stadium concourse, Showground Rd, Grand Parade, Riverina Ave, Monaro Street
V8 CHALLENGE
Daring stunt drivers take on the V8 Challenge – racing around the stadium on a tricked-up course guaranteed to have you holding your breath.
When: Daily, 12.30pm, 7.50pm
Where: GIANTS Stadium
AIRTIME FREESTYLE MOTOX TEAM
Enjoy a spectacular performance from the Airtime Freestyle MotoX team. Watch as riders soar through the air, doing stunts like rock solids, turn downs and backflips.
When Daily, 12.40pm, 8.10pm
Where GIANTS Stadium
TRUCK & TROPHY KART
Engines will be roaring in GIANTS Stadium when Goliath the Trophy Kart challenges David the Stadium Truck. Who will emerge the victor in the ultimate Battle of Horsepower?
WHEN Daily, 12.10pm, 7.50pm WHERE GIANTS Stadium
YOUNG FARMER CHALLENGE
Mixed teams of four, aged between 18-35 years, will need to impress the judges with anything thrown at them such as animal handling, firefighting, equipment assembly and first aid.
When April 10, 8am-1pm
Where Schmidt Arena.
SAWING AND WOODCHOP EVENTS
The swing of the axe and the thundering cracks of wood make the Woodchopping and Sawing competition a highlight for many showgoers.
When April 1-11
Where MasterChef Woodchop Stadium
WHIPCRACKING
Witness the skill and precision of the country’s most talented whip-wielding athletes, and enjoy the cuties of the Pee Wee division, where even tiny toddlers get in on the action.
When April 12, 9am
Where MasterChef Woodchop Stadium
UNITED EXPRESS
A showstopping musical extravaganza full of lights, colour, disco beats and dance breaks. You’ll be out of breath just watching. Sit back and enjoy the performance.
When 7.10pm nightly
Where GIANTS Stadium
FIREWORKS FINALE
Watch the skies light up as national pride explodes along with a soundtrack featuring the finest music icons.
When: Daily, 8.40pm
Where: GIANTS Stadium
BANDY & JOHNSON
Huge hoofs will stomp into GIANTS Stadium every day of the Show when the Bandy & Johnson Working Draught Horse team comes to town.
The show is a piece of living history and pays tribute to the remarkable horses, horsemen and women who helped build our nation.
When: Daily, 12.20pm and 7.30pm
Where: GIANTS Stadium
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