Something for everyone: what rides to try (and avoid), at the Royal Adelaide Show
Loxton High School students Javen and Hunter share their thoughts as they take a spin on some rides at the Royal Adelaide Show.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With hundreds of things so see and do, it’s safe to say this year’s Royal Adelaide Show will have something for everyone.
But if rides are your thing, we’ve got you covered.
Javen Gum, 16, and Hunter Walmesley-Cotham, 15, drove up with their class from Loxton High School to participate in the cattle exhibition.
Taking a break from study, The Advertiser asked them to try a spin on the wild side and test some of the most popular and scary rides for The Advertiser.
NOTHING BUT NET
Shooting hoops is a show favourite, and Nothing But Net offers loads of prizes for those with a good aim.
They both gave it a 5/10, not being particularly keen on basketball.
“Younger kids would like it because there’s lots of prizes,” Hunter said, while Javen recommended it for “someone who can shoot”.
DODGEM CARS
For many showgoers, nothing beats the simple pleasure of burning up the tracks and bumping your mates along the way.
“The best part was probably driving around with the cops honestly,” Javen said on being joined by an SA Police Constable for the ride. 8/10.
“It was pretty fun getting hit, but I managed to get in a few good knocks,” Hunter said. 8/10.
EXTREME THRILLER
The Extreme Thriller might not be your best choice after a meal, as the giant mechanical arm swings up and down while rotating the seats at the same time.
“It was very scary because I’m scared of heights, but I loved it,” said Hunter. 9/10.
“I don’t mind that ride,” said Javen, recommending it for “thrill-seekers”. 8/10.
HAUNTED HOUSE
Not for the faint of heart, the Haunted House promises over 30 scares with movie monster favourites like Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and many more.
Hunter and Javen came out looking a little rattled, but said the spooky tour delivered on its promise.
“I thought it would be just predictable jumps, but they weren’t,” said Hunter. 9/10.
Without spoiling too much, Javen’s favourite scare involved a walking pig monster. 9/10.
NO LIMIT
The motherload of all Show rides, the No Limit swings riders 42 metres up in the air with the flying power of an F-11 jet fighter.
“I’m horrible with heights, but I could see the Adelaide Hills,” Hunter said. 8/10.
Javen was more enthusiastic, but said “it was uncalled for when you come down backwards.” 10/10.
Set to be a sell out show
In a 180-year first, tickets to the Royal Adelaide Show might just sell out with half a million show-goers expected to cross the showground gates over the next nine days.
Selling out is a “distinct possibility” said Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA chief executive Will Rayner, who urged South Aussies to purchase tickets online or from Foodland ahead of time.
“That’s the best place to do it and cheapest place to do it,” Mr Rayner said.
On its second year back after the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Rayner said while ticket numbers would be kept “under wraps”, sales had jumped to unseen-before levels.
“It’s above last year and what it was pre-Covid, so we’re really confident we’re going to get close to that half a million attendees over the duration of the show,” he said.
The Royal Adelaide Show will run from Saturday, September 2 to Sunday, September 10, with gates opening at 9am sharp every day.
Information about getting to the show is available at the Show’s website and show-goers are advised to plan around the upcoming tram strikes from 4-7pm next Wednesday.
Mr Rayner said that a visit to the show doesn’t need to break the bank and there is something for everyone no matter the budget.
“There’s more than 100 things to do for free … You’ve got fireworks, you’ve got V8s, all the entertainment on the arena, all the fireworks, live music, and the various pavilions,” Mr Rayner said.
“There’s great value for money here for people of all interests and all budgets.”
This is on top of more than 50 rides and attractions, local food and produce on display, and a whopper 420 showbags to choose from.
In fact, The Advertiser has been given the hot tip on which showbag is expected to sell out on day one.
Drumroll please, showgoers … it’s the Bertie Beetle and the Bertie Beetle Retro showbag, which is celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
It comes as The Bertie Beetle and the Bertie Beetle Retro showbag sold out on day one at the Royal Queensland Show in August, and is expected to do the same for Adelaide.
Another big hit is expected to be Barbie Dreamtopia, which has spiked in popularity off the back of the blockbuster movie, Barbie.
Amid the madcap excitement, show-goers are being urged to stay safe and prepare accordingly, especially if they are bringing along young children.
SA Police Chief Inspector Peter Duance said there were 68 children at last year’s Show, who needed to be reunited with their parents or guardians.
“Have a discussion with your children about staying in your line of sight so they don’t go missing,” Chief Inspector Stevens said, suggesting families arrange an emergency meeting point in the event children become separated.
“An obvious place is the Ferris wheel due to its size … another is the police station which is underneath the rear of the grandstand.”
He also recommended parents take a photo of their children just before they enter so police can more easily pick them out of a crowd, and to avoid leaving any valuables in the car.
‘If I’m lost’ wristbands will be available from all Show kiosks and the Show Police Station.
But on a positive note, he also said SA Police would be joining in on the festivities, with the SA Police Band playing three times a day at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 3pm.
“There’s a lot of very excited children attending the show who may not be conscious of their safety, so it’s up to adults to sure children do the right thing.”
Originally published as Something for everyone: what rides to try (and avoid), at the Royal Adelaide Show
‘Hatgate’ charges against Crows star dropped
After a month-long police investigation, charges against the Crows’ star midfielder over the controversial incident with a spectator have been dropped.
First look: Inside Burnside Hospital’s huge expansion plan
Burnside Hospital is planning to build a major new facility over the road connected by an air bridge with day surgery theatres, cancer centre, fertility clinic and more. See the artist renders.