Royal Melbourne Show 2017: All the information you’ll need for the upcoming event

IT’S that time of year again when children in Melbourne beg their parents to take them on a day out at the Royal Melbourne Show. Here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead.

If your child has a love of furry friends, they'll want to check out the Royal Melbourne Show during their term 3 holidays.

IT’S that time of year again when children in Melbourne beg their parents to take them on a day out at the Royal Melbourne Show.

This year the Royal Melbourne Show - the biggest drawcard for the September school holidays, - is set to produce new records with awe-inspiring shows for the family to enjoy.

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable family day out at Melbourne Showgrounds.

When is the Royal Melbourne Show?

This year the show is on from September 23 to October 3.

Gates open at 9.30am and the show closes at 9pm. The pavilion opens at 10am.

Where is it?

Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale.

How to get to the Melbourne Showgrounds

The easiest way to get there is via public transport but parking is available for a daily fee of $25. Trains, trams and buses all stop nearby.

By Train: The Melbourne Showgrounds has its own train station just 15 minutes from Flinders Street Station. Trains will run to and from Flinders Street every 10 minutes for most of the day.

By Tram: Catch the 57 from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets in the CBD to stop 32, Showgrounds Village shopping centre.

By Bus: The 404 from Footscray to Moonee Ponds or the 472 from Williamstown to Moonee Ponds regularly go to the Melbourne Showgrounds.

You can save 30 per cent on rides with a Rides Pass.

Tickets

Buying a ticket to the Royal Melbourne Show gets you hours of all-inclusive entertainment.

Adult: $40

Child: $20

Concession: $26

Family: $75-$88

Buy your ticket before September 22 and save 20 per cent.

Thrillseekers can save money - 30 per cent on the average ride cost - with a Rides Pass starting from $25. Or you can pay per ride with prices between $5 and $20.

Showbags

The Royal Melbourne Show is famous for its popular showbags.

And this year, you’ll get to choose from a record 375 different themed showbags - 72 more than last year.

150 showbags are priced under $10, including the celebrated Bertie Beetle Bag at $2.

The Captain Underpants showbag will return for a second year after its enormous success last year. Other favourites are the superhero showbags, such as Batman and The Avengers, and the BFF - Best Friends Forever bag - for children to share with their friends.

Showbags aren’t just for kids. Adults can pick more grown-up showbags including gourmet deli treats or make-up.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHOWBAGS AT THE 2017 ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW

Mahogany Rise Primary School students Jasmine, 6, Tarquin, 6 and Jacinta, 8 test this year’s showbags.

WHAT TO DO

You’ll never be bored at the Royal Melbourne Show, with more than 200 entertainment options spanning the 11 days.

And to make it easy for you to plan, you can visit the ‘My Show Planner’ on the Royal Melbourne Show website to add any event, showbag or ride to your day using their Daily Schedule.

For animal lovers, options abound. You can get up close to farm animals, watch them perform and cuddle adorable baby animals.

Highlights include the All Breeds Championship Dog Show and the Grand Cattle Parade.

RELATED: HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW OFFICIAL GUIDE INCLUDING SHOWBAG GUIDE WITH THE HERALD SUN

Check out live entertainment from Anthony Callea, High-5 and the Arnold Classic: Australia’s Strongest.

Freestyle riders at the 4x4 show flipping and performing aerial tricks in the mud at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. Picture: Jason Edwards

Pop-up food trucks, restaurants and a cocktail bar will also feature at the show, as well as art, craft and cookery exhibitors on display at the Spotlight Makers Pavillion.

And in Royal Melbourne Show tradition, a fireworks display is held every night to music.