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.
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 Shirley,
Check out the showguide which has maps, attractions and schedules of everything there is to see at the show.
Have a great time!
Jess
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
Do you where you can purchase Ticket to ride
Includes entry and $50 Ride voucher for $62
Thanks
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
Is there an unlimited ride pass? Meaning, going on all rides, all day? Or, do you purchase individual tickets for each ride?
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
What is the process of purchasing tickets? Where do you buy them and how long does it take to get them?
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?
Hi Heaven,
Yes, student ID is valid for a concession ticket. Not sure about your mum’s concession card, just stick with your student ID and you’ll get the discount.
Regards,
Jess
Hey, just wondering what the price range is for unlimited rides and if they are available on the day? Also, what are the opening and closing times?
Hi Aimee,
Opening times are 10am – 9pm.
Ride passes range between $20 – $140 depending on how many rides you want to cover. You can purchase a ride pass here.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, How much discount does a RACV member get?
Thanks
Hi Emma,
RACV members save 30% when buying online. Here is a link to the official ticket page for RACV members.
Best regards,
Jess
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 just wondering if the show guide has been released yet in the herald sun. Thanks
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
What time is Fireworks on Sept. 17?
Hi Miles,
The fireworks will run every night from approximately 8.15pm – 8.30pm.
Have a great time at the Show!
Regards,
Jess
Show staff are saying no fireworks this year can you please confirm.
Hi Dannielle,
I have looked through their Facebook comments and on their website and it looks like there arent any fireworks this year.
As a substitute, they mention that every night at the Show After Dark, the sky will be lit up by a show-stopping laser show set to the beat of fantastic tunes from 7:15pm in the Entertainment Precinct.
Thanks
Michael
Will you be able to purchase the ticket to ride package at the show this year?
Hi Rosco,
Yes, you can purchase them online now. There are a number of options, but please note, they will not be available at the gate.
Here is the link to purchasing tickets and ride passes online.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, if you buy tickets, is it all day?
Hi Emma,
Yes, one ticket will get you in for the full day. The Show runs from 10am to 9pm each day.
Regards,
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, I would like to know how much it will be for my son to get in to the show, he is 15 years old. Thankyou
Hi Tammy,
Your son will be eligible for a concession/student ticket which is $24.00.
Regards,
Jess
Will Taylor Henderson be performing there this year? Thanks
Hi Julie,
No word yet on the official line-up of performers for 2016. Check back with us and I will update the page once new information is released.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, just wanted to ask when will the show bag guide come out in the Herald Sun? Thankyou
Hi Sarah,
In previous years, the guide has come out in around the first week of September.
Regards,
Jess
Hi there, I have a carer card for my son and I’m on the pension for him. Just wondering if there is any further discount for carer card?
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