Melbourne Royal Show 2022: The biggest, craziest rides ranked and reviewed
The Royal Melbourne Show is back with a bang, and for thrillseekers, there’s more than 50 rides to get your fix. Here’s your ultimate guide.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Royal Melbourne Show has made a glorious return with 50,000 people turning out following a two-year Covid-enforced absence and general admission tickets selling out for the first time in the event’s history.
Food stalls were packed on Thursday as punters queued for show favourites including dagwood dogs and chips, while the Country Women’s Association kitchen was a popular retreat for pies and its famous scones with jam and cream.
For the young and young at heart, more than 50 rides offered an adrenaline fix, including The Beast — the country’s biggest transportable ride which sends riders swinging more than 40m into the air.
There was also the giant Freestyle, which takes rides to a similar height, but also flips them upside down in various directions at up to 100km/h.
Yours truly was tasked with testing the wildest rides at this year’s show, and there’s definitely something to meet everyone’s thrillseeker needs at all levels.
Having said that, the queues were fairly lengthy, so it would be smart to make a shortlist of the top two or three you want to try, and be prepared to wait patiently.
In most cases, the rides won’t disappoint, but with some costing up to $20, they don’t come cheap for a minute or two of thrills and spills, so pick wisely based on your budget.
Barwon Heads father-of-three Ben Harris said his family had a fantastic day despite lining up for about an hour to enter the Melbourne Showgrounds, and up to 45 minutes for rides.
“It’s fine, everyone’s in good spirits,” he said.
“Coming out of Covid after two years, you can see everyone is out and about and enjoying the sunshine.
“It’s busy and hectic, but the kids are looking forward to some showbags and fairy floss.
Roxburgh Park’s Chris Curran, who took his five children aged between two and nine, also said the show was “a lot busier than we thought it would be”.
“There was massive lines for the rides, and I think they need a few more ticket booths and information centres,” Mr Curran said.
“But it’s been a really good day and it’s been good to come back to it (the show).”
Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins said organisers were aware of the long queues and traffic gridlock in surrounding streets and thanked visitors for their patience and understanding.
He said show organisers would take “further steps” to ensure visitors had the smoothest and most enjoyable experience possible for the coming days.
“We are aware that the record crowd did cause some extended traffic delays in the area and large queues upon entry and for ride redemptions booths,” Mr Jenkins said.
“We highly recommend catching the train direct to the showgrounds or other modes of public transport to avoid traffic and parking difficulties.
Mr Jenkins said tickets were selling fast for the rest of the long weekend, and urged people to purchase their tickets in advance.
Kiel Egging’s Royal Melbourne Show ride reviews:
ROCK STAR
Similar to being in a crowded mosh-pit at a rock concert, you’ll be strapped in alongside 20 people on the Rock Star.
This one throws punters up and down — all while offering great views of the Showgrounds from above, before hurtling back down to earth.
Scream-o-metre: 6/10
Perfect for: Casual riders looking for something more exciting than the Dodgem cars or the Giant Slide.
Cost: $12
Queue time: 5-10 min
Overall rating: 7/10
FREE STYLE
Not for the faint-hearted, the Free Style offers punters a big adrenaline rush.
Up to eight daredevils can ride at once, reaching speeds up to 100km/h while 40m in the air – this ride is only for the very brave.
Scream-o-metre: 10/10
Perfect for: Daredevils wanting to be flipped upside down at big heights.
Cost: $20
Queue time: 20-25 min
Overall rating: 9/10
FREAK OUT
Make sure to do this one before lunch — the Freak Out sends riders in swings and round abouts and can leave even the strongest of stomachs a little queasy.
Scream-o-metre: 7/10
Perfect for: Those looking for a smaller version of The Beast and plenty of spinning around.
Cost: $15
Queue time: 5-10 min
Overall rating: 6/10
THE BEAST
The most extreme ride of this year’s show, The Beast lives up to its name. The pendulum-style ride swings rider more than 40m in the air.
Scream-o-metre: 9/10
Perfect for: Those who have to try the biggest, highest ride of this year’s show.
Cost: $20
Queue time: 25-30 min
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Cause of Mildura house fire being treated as suspicious
A cause of a house fire on Walnut Ave in Mildura on Tuesday morning is being investigated by police.
Why Test cricketer went from bowling to building
Former fast bowler James Pattinson picked up the tools after he retired from cricket in late-2021 and has built a plethora of properties. And he has even more in store.