Tasmanian families have their say on price of food at Royal Hobart Show in 2023

With so much on offer at the Royal Hobart Show this year, families are shelling out their hard-earned cash – but is $13 too much for a Dagwood dog? See the price list.

Hobart, Tasmania. Royal Hobart Show, Friday 27th October 2023. Jay Wooley, Meg Sullivan and Damian Faulds enjoying their Dagwood dogs at the Royal Hobart Show. Picture: Linda Higginson

With so much on offer at the Royal Hobart Show this year, families are shelling out their hard-earned dollars to enjoy the show – but is $13 too much for a dagwood dog?

Show-goers are pleased with the line-up of stalls, rides and attractions, but many expressed shock at the high price tags around the Regatta Grounds this year.

Prices such as $15 for the humble slushie, or $10 for a regular chips combined with $15 for an amusement ride have made many families feel short-changed at the end of a long show – with some people averaging on a $100 spend per child.

Hobart parents Meg Sullivan and Damian Faulds said they had spent $37 on three dagwood dogs.

Hobart, Tasmania. Royal Hobart Show, Friday 27th October 2023. Omer and Salahma Al-Jabri with tornado potatoes. Picture: Linda Higginson

“The tickets this year are definitely cheaper,” Ms Sullivan said.

“But, it is definitely expensive for the food items.”

Mr Faulds said people expect to pay more when going to the show.

“Combined with the rides, the showbags, drinks and food – it’s always expensive, you expect it,” he said.

Dunalley mother Crystal brought her three kids to the show on Friday after not attending last year, and tried to keep the price of items in mind.

“I know it’s going to be pricey, it is always a pricey venture,” she said.

“I try and limit the kids to one or two showbags each and we have shared our lunch between us – including our Dagwood dog. Giving the kids a budget can be a good learning experience too.”

Parents shared similar experiences on social media of the 2023 show, with many stating they simply can’t budget for the expense of a show visit.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania year after year aim to address these concerns by offering a wide range of free entertainment options around the show.

Many stallholders such as the Tasmanian Government marquee or the Woodcraft Guild of Tasmania give away freebies as part of their displays.

Price list for show menu:

> $25 for chicken burger, chips and 800ml drink

> $15 for slushie, $6 for a refill

> Dagwood dogs from between $10-$13

> Regular size chips, $10

Originally published as Tasmanian families have their say on price of food at Royal Hobart Show in 2023