Royal Melbourne Show

Share an unforgettable day out with family and friends at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Show, held from Saturday 22 September to Tuesday 2 October at Melbourne Showgrounds.

With loads of new and exciting things to see and do, there are many unforgettable memories to make at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Show and even greater family value this year.

The Royal Melbourne Show gates will open daily from 9:30am to 9:00pm, with all pavilions open from 10:00am. The best way to travel to the Show is by public transport, with trains, trams and buses making for a quick and simple commute.

Tickets are on sale from Thursday 11 July 2018; with children under five free to attend.

Visitors can save up to 20% by buying early bird tickets online at www.royalshow.com.au until Friday 21 September 2018. RACV members can also save up to 30% on tickets by buying online by Friday 21 September 2018.

The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at Melbourne Showgrounds every September. It is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and has been running since 1848.Each year Royal Melbourne Show attracts attendances of up to half a million people.

The traditional purpose is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce with its associated competitions and awards however the show also features amusement rides and a sideshow alley, as well as the peculiarly Australian tradition of 'Showbags', carry bags containing samples of goodies produced by various commercial enterprises.

A prominent feature during showtime are the many rides including a permanent wooden Mad Mouse roller coaster which resided at the grounds until 2001, owned by Wittingslow Amusements. A permanent chairlift also resided onsite until 2005. The site has its own railway station, used during special events located on the Flemington Racecourse line. The Thursday of the show was once observed as the Show Day public holiday in Melbourne; this holiday was abandoned in 1994.

Competitions

The major rural competitions of the show include Alpaca competitions, Beef Cattle Competitions, Beef Carcase Competitions, Dairy cattle Competition, Dog Competitions, Horse Competitions, Poultry Competition, Sheep Competition, Domestic Animal Competitions, Fleece Competitions and Woodchop Competitions.

The major equestrienne competition of Australia is the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout which is held here. This is a memorial trophy to Mrs Violet Murrell's bravery in attempting to save her hack, Garryowen from a fire. The competition is judged on mount, costume, saddlery, riding ability and general appearances of horsewomen.

There are also Art, Craft and Cookery Competitions.

Pavilions

Located all around the show grounds are a total of sixteen pavilions and arenas. These include:

The Woolworths Pavilion where visitors can buy produce including wine, cheese, smallgoods, sauces, fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade ice cream, cheese and hand made chocolates. In 2012 the Grand Pavilion also hosted some of the Victorian Government stands.

The Grand Boulevard is a boulevard with selected themed commercial sites scattered along the spine sweeps across the full length of the site.

The Entertainment Dome was a roofed attraction that replaced the "Herald Sun Town Centre" in 2012. A state of the art entertainment venue with food stalls, a major stage (designed for major events/shows), and also a smaller stage for music acts.

The Jayco Animal Nursery Discovery has baby animals.

In addition, The Herald Sun Arena, The Farmhouse, The Woodchop Pavilion, The Weekly Times Livestock Pavilion, The Showbag Pavilion, The Art, Craft & Cookery Pavilion, The Winning Tastes Pavilion and The Advance Dog Pavilion.

Entertainment

Entertainment consists of multiple live performances, activities and displays. Entertainers have included Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, Dorothy the Dinosaur from the children's group The Wiggles, Play School and Hi-5 concert, Sampson the Monster truck, clowns, caricature artists and many more. In addition to 774 ABC Melbourne radio outside broadcast. There is a nightly fireworks display and live performances. Lights, colours and sound provide a unique atmosphere in the Carnival precinct at night.

The views from the Ferris wheel across Melbourne’s skyline and the Showgrounds are significant and if you're lucky enough to be on the top as the fireworks display begins you’ll enjoy the best seats in the house. The show grounds houses an abundance of rides ranging from dodgem cars to roller coasters and helicopter rides.

For more information on how to enjoy your unforgettable day at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Show, visit www.royalshow.com.au or follow the Royal Melbourne Show on Facebook or Instagram.

Image：

Royal Melbourne Show, viewed in September 2018, <https://www.smooth.com.au/events/royal-melbourne-show-2018-0>

Rides of Royal Melbourne Show, viewed in September 2018, <https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/the-loop/dont-miss-the-herald-sun-at-the-royal-melbourne-show/news-story/ff998b15a9e30824c8ddc00f94feb14a>.

Horse Competition, viewed in September 2018, <https://royalshow.com.au/animals/animals-up-close/horses/>.