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
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.
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
Hello Louis I was wondering if you buy the ride passes online do they get posted out or do you get them at the gate?
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
are passouts allowed once in the grounds? thanks in advance
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 Louis,
Just to follow up on your question after going to the show today, passouts are available at the gates in the form of a hand stamp and there is no time frame around when having to return.
Thanks
Michael
Will the show be open on the Friday of the AFL Grand Final public holiday?
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
Is there unlimited ride passes ¿
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
If i have already bought an admission ticket, how do I purchase only a ride pass online? I cannot seem to make this purchase unless I buy another admission ticket.
Thank You
Hi Kristina,
I went to the official ticket page and it appears you can only purchase a ride pass when purchasing your admission ticket. A bit of a bad design for customers, I must say. I suggest you contact the Royal Melbourne Show organisers to see if there is any workaround: [email protected]
Best regards,
Jess
If we purchase a ride pass how are they issued do we get a card or are they on our phone
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, So what do we show them on our phones to be able to redeem our ride passes?
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
Is there a combined train travel and admission into the sho from regional vic this year plz
Hi Karen,
Unfortunately, I cannot located any such deal for regional travellers to the Royal Melbourne Show in 2017.
Regards,
Jess
what date is seniors day at the royal melbourne show
Hi Sandra,
I am not aware of any special ‘Seniors Day’, however you are entitled to a discount ticket price which you can purchase under Concession tickets for entry on any day of the show.
Regards,
Jess
hi just wondering once I’m in at the show right an d if I leave to go somewhere for 30 minutes can I still come back on the same day of course is that ok to do or not.
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
Is there still a railway station inside the Showgrounds?
And are aged pensioners qualified for concession entry?
Hi Maggie,
Yes, the Flemington Showgrounds train departs from Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne stations regularly throughout the show and will take you right to the rear entrance of the Melbourne Showgrounds. Here is a link to the timetable for your reference.
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 just wondering if you still can buy show & ride tickets. Been a few years since last went to show
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,
I was wondering when it says 17th-27th, does that mean that the 27th is the last day of the show or does it mean that it’s not open on the 27th?
Hi, the show is open on the 27th which is the last day of the show.
Have a great time!
Jess
Hi Jess,
The speed and quality of your responses is truly commendable. Even for questions that are repeated several times. Great work.
Kes
Thanks Kessr, great to get some positive feedback!
Regards,
Jess