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Royal Melbourne Show

Melbourne Royal Show

Taking place over the September school holidays, the Melbourne Royal Show (previously known as the Royal Melbourne Show) is celebrated over 11 wonderful days and includes everything from exciting rides and family entertainment to arts, crafts and barnyard animals.

The Melbourne Royal Show is one of the most popular events on the Melbourne calendar; thousands of people flock to the Melbourne Showgrounds year after year for excitement, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.

Melbourne Royal Show 2024 Dates, Maps, Showbags, Rides & Tickets

It’s where the country meets the city, and you can get up close to almost anything. It’s where every day is packed full of fun, thrills and excitement and where every night is definitely not your every day. With exciting new attractions, more farm experiences and animals, greater value and bigger smiles, escape every day at the Melbourne Royal Show.

Animals & Farm Experiences

Get up close and personal with all types of animals at the Melbourne Royal Show – the only place where you can see and interact with thousands of farm animals every day.

Experience live demonstrations, animal displays, and interactive shows, including sheep shearing, cow milking and working dog performances. Plus, see some of Victorian agriculture’s best livestock and other animals compete for a prestigious Melbourne Royal Blue Ribbon.

Showbags

Kids also love going to the Showbag Hall, where they can purchase a range of goodies all packed into one awesome show bag! There are chocolates, lollies, toys, and costumes for the kids, as well as a range of cooking, fashion, and sports showbags for adults. Buying a show bag at the Melbourne Royal Show is a tradition, so check out the range available.

With hundreds of showbags on offer at the Show, from traditional favourites to the newest and most sought-after, the choices are endless!

Blue-Ribbon Competitions

Explore the Blue-Ribbon Competitions at the Melbourne Royal Show, ranging from Livestock and Horses in Action to Woodchop or Art, Craft and Cookery. These prestigious competitions see exhibitors compete for the title of Best in Show and the chance to win a Melbourne Royal Blue Ribbon.

Prepare to be amazed by the dazzling display of skill, talent and livestock across various disciplines as participants compete, showcasing their mastery and passion in many captivating competitions at the Show.

Rides

Whether you are a daredevil taking on the adrenalin-charged rides or a family finding out your limits, with three action-packed carnival precincts, there is fun, thrills and excitement for all ages and abilities.

Live Daily Entertainment

Every day is jam-packed with family entertainment, with live shows commencing from 10am and continuing until 9:30pm, there is more to see than ever before.

Eat and Drink

Whether you are gathering for a great catch-up with friends or grabbing a bite before getting on the next ride, there is something tasty for everyone to settle in with or enjoy on the go!

Explore all the Precincts & Pavilions

There’s so much wonder at the Melbourne Royal Show; there’s nothing ordinary about it. Explore all the exciting precincts and pavilions at the Melbourne Royal Show. There’s so many places to visit, you’ll never get bored!

With inclusive access to the large pavilions, meticulously restored heritage buildings and abundant outdoor spaces, you’ll find it easy to navigate the Show.

From the infamous Showbags Pavilion and the bustling Livestock Pavilion to the excitement and thrill of the Adventure Carnival – there’s a place for everyone to enjoy!

With over six different retail destinations, you will be walking out of the Showgrounds with something special.

Parking & Public Transport

The best way to get to the Melbourne Royal Show is by train.

Train
Metro trains run from Flinders St Station, stopping at Southern Cross and Nth Melbourne stations. Service starts at 9:10am. Last train to the city departs Melbourne Showgrounds at 10:30pm.

Tram
Route 57 from Stop 1 Elizabeth St/Flinders St to Stop 32 Sandown/Epsom Rd. Extra trams run every day of the Show. Get the Tram Tracker app for real-time tram arrival information.

Bus
Catch 404 service from Footscray to Moonee Ponds to Ascot Vale Rd/Epsom Rd.
Catch 472 service from Williamstown to Moonee Ponds to Langs Rd/ Epsom Rd. Both of these services travel regularly to the Melbourne Showgrounds precinct.

Car Parking
Paid car parking is available for $25 per day per vehicle at Flemington Racecourse. Epsom Rd carpark is open 8am-11pm, Smithfield Rd carpark is open 9.30am-11pm. Access to the Showgrounds is via the rail underpass.

About the author

Michael Jones

Michael created and runs the Melbourne Point website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having lived in Melbourne most of his life), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

121 Comments

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  • I remember in past years i was able to get a discounted ticket when returning a second day. Eg. Bought a full priced adult ticket and went on a tuesday. Then presented that ticket at the gate on the thursday and got entry much cheaper.
    Do you know if that’s being offered again this year?

    • Hi Claire,

      What you have described seems to be similar to the “2-Day VIP Pass”, although it seems to have changed slightly.

      The “2-Day VIP Pass” is now entry for 2 people on any two days of the show and includes access to VIP hospitality areas and priority access to the Animal Nursery and Showbag pavilion. So it’s not 2 day access for just 1 person anymore.

      In terms of pricing, there doesn’t appear to be any online discounts for the 2 day tickets (eg RACV), so the pass s $85 in total. Since you can get 2 adult tickets for $64 with the discount, the 2-Day VIP Pass is only worth it if you are definitely attending 2 days.

      Thanks
      Michael

    • Hi Jess,

      Having been there today, i do recall ride passes being able to be collected from the information stands around the showgrounds.

      The main information kiosk that stands out is the Pie in the Sky, but looking at the map, there seems to be stands located near each of the entrances.

      Thanks
      Michael

    • Hi Louis,

      I have done a lot of searches and although i can see references to passouts being available at the gate, there is not much detail other than that.

      Looking at some of the information from previous years, it appears that pass outs are only valid for a short time (like 30 minutes) so you can go to your car to drop off items – not for returning back later in the day.

      Hope this helps.
      Michael

    • Hi Louisa,

      The show is in fact open during the AFL Grand Final public holiday on the Friday. Be that everyone else is off work, it’s either going to be quiet because of the parade in the city, or it’s going go the other way to be swamped with people.

      Have a great time!

      Thanks
      Michael

  • has it been released yet what times specifically the dogs are on at. we only want to watch the Alaskan malamutes but it doesn’t have a time as to when they are being shown on the website just the date

    • Hi Maddie,

      Unfortunately, that is all of the information i could find too – even then so, trying to get the information off the official website is painful.

      I did do some Google searches and all i could find was the date as well – no times.

      The official showguide does come out this week, but i have a feeling the information wont be out until closer to the event, or even on the day.

      Thanks
      Michael

    • Hi Jas,

      The Royal Melbourne Show doesn’t offer ‘unlimited’ ride passes, but rather a series of value saving cards. Eg: $35 worth of rides for $25; $70 worth of rides for $50; $200 worth of rides for $140. There are typically 6 different value options offered.

      Best regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Kellie,

      On your phone. Ride vouchers are to be redeemed for a rides pass at information booths inside Melbourne Showgrounds. Ride credits cannot be split between multiple ride passes, however a rides pass can be transferable from person to person.

      Regards,
      Jess

        • Hi Tanisha,

          Ride vouchers can be redeemed from your phone for a rides pass at information booths inside Melbourne Showgrounds. Ride credits cannot be split between multiple ride passes, however a rides pass can be transferable from person to person.

          Have a great time at the Royal Melbourne Show!

          Jess

    • Hi Marie,

      Short term pass outs to collect or drop off items to your car are allowed but are only valid for around 30 minutes as your ticket is only a single entry so you are actually not able to return later in the way on the same ticket. Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi I’m thinking of buying a $200 ride pass but not sure how it works I will have me my missus and 4 kids can we all use it and on different rides like kids rides and adult rides thanks?

    • Hi Troy,

      Great question. You can get $200 worth of rides for only $140. It looks like they are transferrable between people. Here are the conditions:

      “Ride vouchers are to be redeemed for a rides pass at information booths inside Melbourne Showgrounds on any day during the 2017 Royal Melbourne Show. Ride passes are not redeemable for cash, cannot be resold, no change can be given for unused credit and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Ride credits cannot be split between multiple ride passes. A rides pass can be transferrable from person to person. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional ride offer. Transaction fee of $2.00 including GST per transaction apply. 1.3% credit card fees apply.”

      Have a great time at the Melbourne Show!
      Jess

    • Hi Raelene,

      Yes, show and ride combo tickets are available. Based on previous years, you save around 30% on rides when you purchase the bundle. There will be plenty of advertising when they go on sale, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for the announcement.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, I I still have close to $100 left on my ride card I was disappointed because I was thinking that now I’ve lost out on money. But seems as there is no expiration date, would I be able to use the rest of my ride credit next year?

    • Hi Mel,

      The terms and conditions on the Royal Melbourne Show website state the following:
      “Ride passes are not redeemable for cash, cannot be resold, no change can be given for unused credit and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. This offer is valid for purchase online only. Ride credits are not transferable and cannot be split between multiple ride passes. Ride e-vouchers are to be redeemed for a rides pass on any day during the 2016 Royal Melbourne Show.”

      Unfortunately it seems that the credit is only able to be used at the 2016 show.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Jukie,

      The RACV number is entered online at the time of purchase so I can’t imagine you would be asked for it again upon entry.

      I personally have used this discount in the past and have never been asked to present the card upon entry. However, you never know… you may get an over-zealous gate attendant. So if at all possible, try to bring the card to show with you on the day.

      But if you do have any issues at the gate, just state that there is nothing on the purchase page which states it must be shown on entry.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • I would like to contact Rocky River Mining who had a stand where kids could pan for semi precious gems. My granddaughter panned for gems which were in a plastic bag which she lost the stones as the carry bag tore.

      I would like to buy some bags for my granddaughter from Rocky Mining if I can.
      Please advise website or phone number if possible.

      Thanks.

      • Hi Jimmy,

        Sorry to hear. I can’t find any information about this company online, so I would recommend you contact the customer service department for the RASV (Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria – the organisers of the Show). They will have a full list of all vendors and should be able to put you in touch with the company.

        Email: [email protected]
        Hotline: 1300 656 547

        I hope you have some success at getting your granddaughter some new gems!
        All the best,
        Jess

  • Hey, was just wondering how much it would be for me and a friend who are going this Saturday the 24th. My friend has an RACV card, can we both go go under that? And I’m also a concession card holder, so how much would it before both of us?
    Also with the ride passes online, how do you get them? Do you just show them at the gate?
    Are there ATM machines at the show grounds?

    • Hi Alexandra,

      Your friend will be able to buy both tickets (RACV members can buy up to 20 tickets) online. The cost for one adult + one concession with RACV discount is $53. You can buy tickets here.

      The process for redeeming the passes is as follows: After purchase, you will receive an email with your ride e-voucher attached. The Melbourne Show website states: “Take a printed copy of your e-voucher, or show the e-voucher barcode from your mobile device, to any information booth or ride redemption booth to receive your activated rides pass. Go to the ticket box office of the ride operator of your choice to swipe your card and use the ride credits from your rides pass.”

      Yes, there are ATMs inside the Royal Melbourne Show at the following locations:
      – Entry to The Weekly Times Livestock Pavilion
      – RACV Members Café
      – Grand Boulevard opposite the Ferris Wheel
      – Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion
      – China as a Guest Nation Pavilion
      – Outside Winning Tastes Pavilion

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Gigi,

      Rides at the Royal Melbourne Show vary in cost from approximately $5 – $20 so it depends on the rides you will be taking. The Royal Melbourne Show hasn’t published the ride prices this year, so unfortunately this is the best info to hand.

      The larger rides such as Kamikaze and the Big Drop will cost more than the smaller children’s rides, Carousel or the Ferris Wheel.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Dylan,

      I have read the terms and conditions and there is nothing that prevents it.

      The process for redeeming the passes also seems to allow multiple parties to use the same pass. After purchase, you will receive an email with your ride e-voucher attached. The Melbourne Show website states: “Take a printed copy of your e-voucher, or show the e-voucher barcode from your mobile device, to any information booth or ride redemption booth to receive your activated rides pass. Go to the ticket box office of the ride operator of your choice to swipe your card and use the ride credits from your rides pass.”

      There appears no reason why the pass can’t be swiped twice or three times for multiple people on the same ride.

      Hope this helps,
      Jess

    • Hi Carla,

      Rides at the Royal Melbourne Show vary in cost from approximately $5 – $20 so it depends on the rides you will be taking. The Royal Melbourne Show hasn’t published the ride prices this year, so unfortunately this is the best info to hand.

      The larger rides such as Kamikaze and the Big Drop will cost more than the smaller children’s rides such as the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, I will be visiting the show on Sunday. Are the additional prices (apart from the entry fee) only for rides only or are they applicable to various other shows during the day?
    Regards,
    Sam

    • Hi Sam,

      The admission fee gets you into all events and exhibits at the show apart from “meet and greet” sessions with singers which require the purchase of a single or album to get an autograph.

      All other shows including dog shows, fireworks, Loony Tunes Live, Motorcross show, etc are all included in your admission price.

      So the only extra things you will need to pay for extra are any rides, food and showbags.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Amanda,

      Yes, careers cards are accepted. Carer card holders coming to the Show with the person they are caring for will be admitted free.

      Companion Card holders are eligible to purchase the concession rate entry into the Show.

      So the Concession rate if you purchase online is $22.50.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Jane,

      Sometimes RACV and RACQ have reciprocal discount offers and other discounts are unique to the state auto club.

      Unfortunately, I cannot find any reference to discounts for RACQ members for the Royal Melbourne Show. If you plan to purchase your tickets on the day, it can’t hurt to present your card, as you may get a friendly cashier that will give the discount anyway.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Susana,

      Short term pass outs to collect or drop off items to your car are allowed but are only valid for around 30 minutes as your ticket is only a single entry ticket. I suspect this stops people from leaving and passing their ticket onto another person to come later in the day. Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, We are booked to be at the Royal Melbourne Show on Fri 23-Sep-2016. I have not been able to download a planner of events on the day. This would be ever so useful in charting out what we’d like to do.
    Fashion, ringside and show events, food precincts are part of what we’re looking for. We know where to find the standards like the wonderful Art & Craft.
    Great if you are able to help.

  • Hi,
    I was wondering if you could please tell me if there are going to be the ultimate ride wristbands this year (they give you access to any ride for free as long as you show the wristband). As there has been in previous years. If so I do I get my hands on a couple of them!?
    Thanks,
    Lil

    • Hi Lil,

      The “Ticket to Ride” passes are not available this year. Instead, the Royal Melbourne Show is selling ride passes which range between $20 – $140 depending on how many rides you want to cover. You can purchase a ride pass.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Tracey,

      The “Ticket to Ride” passes are not available this year. Instead, the Royal Melbourne Show is selling ride passes which range between $20 – $140 depending on how many rides you want to cover. You can purchase a ride pass.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Blue,

      There is no “unlimited ride pass” this year. There are passes which you can purchase which give you a discount on rides. Eg: Pay $20 and get $26 worth of ride; pay $30 for $40 of rides; pay $50 for $70 of rides, etc, etc.

      You can find all the details here. Just note that these ride passes are only available online, you cannot purchase them at the gate.

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Brooke,

      You can purchase tickets online or at the gate.

      For online tickets, get them through the official website here. You can also add ride passes to your ticket which will save you money on rides on the day. Just note that if you want a ride pass, they cant be purchased at the gate and must be purchased online.

      If you purchase online, you will receive an email immediately with your tickets.

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, I was just wondering if Student ID is valid for the purchase of a concession ticket?

    Also my mum has a concession card which has my name and my siblings names on the card. Does this mean I can use this concession card to purchase a concession ticket?

  • Hello,
    I am wanting to go to the Melbourne show with my friends and i which we are 14 years of age. Do we need to have someone over the age of 18 if you are under the age of 18.

    Cheers,
    Thomas

    • Hi Thomas,

      There is no requirement that you be accompanied by a parent to the show, as it is a family friendly event.

      But I still recommend checking with your parents to make sure its ok to go without them… you never know – they might want to go too!

      Have a great time!
      Jess

    • Hi Nicole,

      It was released in the Herald Sun on the 7th of September. If you subscribe to the Herald Sun you can access a digital copy online. However, you can also get information on showbags here and the daily schedule.

      Hope this helps!
      Jess

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi Jess, I was wondering when they will be announcing which live acts or star celebrity/singers that will be performing live on stage as well as doing the meet and greets, cause on the Royal Melbourne show website it still says details coming soon. I do know they have already announced that Taylor Henderson will be there, but the website hasnt announced anyone else as of yet, thanks.

    • Hi Ross,

      I am expecting an update this weekend. I will update our page with new info as it comes to hand. I understand the cast of Home and Away will be doing meet and greets and a few more artists will be announced. Check back with us!

      Cheers
      Jess

  • Are there any Show tickets that include the cost of the train tickets? I saw there is discount for RACV members, can you tell me the discount amount please?
    How do we get to the show from Watergardens Station? Someone said we go to North Melbourne then take the show train. Can you tell me how to get the information, please. Thank you.

    • Hi Mary,

      Show tickets must be purchased separately from train tickets.

      For a limited time RACV Members can purchase early-bird admission tickets online for family and friends and save up to 30%. This offer ends at 9pm on the 16 September 2016. Purchase your discounted tickets here.

      For public transport from Watergardens, you will need to travel to North Melbourne and catch the Show Train from North Melbourne station. This will take you to the Showgrounds Station. These trains leave North Melbourne approximately every 20 minutes and run all throughout the show period. You can check specific times through the Public Transport Victoria website here.

      Enjoy the Royal Melbourne Show 2016!

      Regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Tina,

      Carers are able to enter for free when attending the person they care for. No need to purchase a ticket, simply show your carers card at the gate when entering with your son.

      Tickets go on sale on 18 July 2016. Have a great time at the Royal Melbourne Show!

      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hello. We are coming to Australia from the UK in September and will be visiting the Show. I see you offer reductions for “concessions” and I’m wondering if this includes overseas visitors. My husband is registered disabled I’m his full time carer and he is the holder of a BLUE BADGE in the UK which entitles us to free disabled parking and reduced rates on tickets to events like yours here in the UK. Are the concession prices there going to be available to us as well?
    Kind regards, Susan

    • Hi Susan,

      This is a good question and unfortunately, I am not sure of the answer.

      We are not the official organisers of the event, so I recommend that you contact them via this email address: Email: [email protected]

      I note that there is disabled parking located right next to the Showgrounds at our famous Flemington Racecourse. However I understand there is still a fee attached.

      I hope the RASV is able to assist you. Enjoy your time in Australia.
      Regards,
      Jess

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