Melbourne Royal Show 2023 set to be the biggest yet

This year’s Melbourne Royal Show is set to showcase thousands of animals, more than 360 showbags, new rides and heaps of entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know.

Alyssa, 11, Eloise, 5 and Jessica, 11, are excited for the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show. Picture: Jason Edwards

With 7000-odd animals, more than 360 showbags, a line-up of 11 Aussie music acts, four new rides and 175 years of history to celebrate, this year’s Melbourne Royal Show will be the biggest yet.

Tickets are on now sale for the event, which runs from September 21 to October 1, with organisers promising families value amid the cost-of-living crunch.

Discounted passes are on offer until September 19, with a family pass for two adults and two children costing $89.

Children under five will go free, entry after 4pm will cost $29 for adults, and attendees can save up to 25 per cent on rides by pre-buying a pass.

Four new rides will be part of the Show this year. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins said the entry price included access to more than 100 experiences and activities.

“We’re capping daily ticket sales at 50,000, expanding viewing areas, providing more seating, more public amenities and spreading farm experiences across the site,” he said.

He added the Show would mark a major milestone – 175 years since a group of farmers first “came together to improve agriculture and run ploughing matches” – by boosting animal and farming attractions.

The popular animal nursery will be moved to the centre of the Showgrounds, the petting zoo will be expanded, and pony rides will be on offer for young visitors.

Showbags will be priced from $4, for Wizz Fizz and “Rip Snorter” bags, to $100 for a premium Bendigo Brittle offering. The classic Bertie Beetle will cost $5.

Four new rides at the Show will include “The Warrior”, touted as the “largest ride in Australia” and reaching 55m in height.

Mr Jenkins highlighted a twice-daily Bluey stage show, a Jurassic Unearthed pavilion, performances from US daredevil Bello Nock and a daily Paramount+ Parade as new entertainment offerings.

The Show After Dark will return with a new line-up of nightly concerts, while Wonderbao, Tokyo Lamington and Wonder Pies will lead a host of food vendors.

Mr Jenkins said he hoped to see a similar turnout to last year’s record attendance of 501,784 people.

For more information, visit: royalshow.com.au

Melbourne Royal Show 2023

Visitors will have more than 360 showbags to choose from this year. Picture: Nicki Connolly

When: September 21 to October 1

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds

Ticket prices: Discounted until 9pm on September 19 to cost $40.40 for adults, $30.60 for concession, $22.50 for children (kids under 5 free) and $89 for families.

Entry after 4pm (which includes access to Show After Dark concerts) $29 for adults and $15 for kids.

Attendees can save up to 25 per cent on rides by adding a Rides Pass to their ticket purchase.

Showbags: More than 360 will be on offer, ranging in price from $4 to $100

New in 2023:

• Four new rides – The Warrior (largest ride in Australia, reaching 55m in height), The Beach Party (octopus ride for the whole family), The Joker, The Samba Balloons

• Two new precincts, Farm Discovery and Agricultural Hub, and a larger petting zoo as part of a 20 per cent increase in the footprint of agricultural attractions

• Pony rides in the Rural Pavilion

• A daily Paramount+ Parade

• Jurassic Unearthed dinosaur experience

• Celebration Garden and Heritage Museum to celebrate the Show’s 175th anniversary

• A new Show After Dark concert line-up of Australian artists, to be announced later in August

• New shows including Bluey Live Interactive Experience, Cocomelon’s Sing, Play & Dance with JJ, Spongebob Bikini Bottom Live Shows, Bello Nock’s Comic Dare Devil Spectacular and Colours Of The Outback Immersive Experience

• Crowds capped at 50,000 per day