Australia’s largest celebration, Sydney Royal Easter Event, is back for 2023, and tickets are available for purchase.
The event dates back to 1823 and is more than just an agricultural show.
It encompasses various aspects, including animal displays, prize-winning handicrafts and produce, thrilling rides, and show bags.
The show offers a unique opportunity for families to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s taking a spin on a thrilling ride, admiring the award-winning produce, or watching a spectacular animal display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This article will walk you through how to stretch your budget and make the most of this exciting event. So, don’t wait; get your tickets and start planning your visit to the Show!
Event Details
Show Dates
In 2023, the Sydney Show will take place from the 6th to the 18th of April. The event will be held at Olympic Park, which is well-connected by ferries, buses, and trains. The gates open daily at 8:30 AM and close at 9 PM.
The ticket price for the 2023 show is inclusive of public transportation, and all you need to do is show your approved pass or SRES ticket to the New South Wales Transport guard for access. Visit the New South Wales Transport site to plan the trip.
Pre-booking your parking is best to ensure a stress-free experience at the event. While parking will be in demand, attendees can pre-book their spot to avoid the stress of searching for a spot on the day of the event.
COVID Preventive Measures
The event organisers are collaborating with the New South Wales health department to ensure the show complies with COVID preventive measures.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the tickets will be sold online; hand washing stations, enhanced venue cleaning, and social distancing measures will be implemented in queues. For more details on the COVID protocols at the event, visit the Sydney show website.
Safety Precautions
The organisers have implemented additional security and safety measures in light of the tragic incident on April 11th, 2022.
They’ve implemented measures like closing the major carnival at 9:30 PM, a significant increase in the presence of NSW Police daily from afternoon till the gates close, continuous and random hand wanding, ongoing bag inspections, and increased metal detectors visibility.
These measures have been implemented to provide a safe and secure environment for all visitors to enjoy the show.
Ticket Costs
A regular ticket for adults will cost $39, $24.50 for kids the concession ticket price is $29. The tickets are available on Ticketmaster, and four family passes cost $99.50. The ticket is inclusive of the public transportation cost.
Tips To Save Cash Show Tickets
Here are some of the ways you can save on tickets:
- Take advantage of the advanced tickets before April 9th, 2023, at midnight for unbeatable prices. Adults can purchase tickets for $39, children for $23.50, concessions for $29, and families of 4 for $99.50.
- Take advantage of the Kids’ Day on April 17th, 2023, where adult tickets are $39, children $12, and concessions $29. Give your kids a treat and enjoy half-price admission.
- For entry past 4 pm, Twilight tickets are an excellent option for a fun night out. Adult tickets cost $33, children $12, and concession $24—experience over five hours of excitement as the sun sets.
- Seniors’ Day on Wednesday, April 13th, 2023, offers an excellent opportunity for grandparents to join in on the fun with tickets priced at $17.50.
The Discover & Dine & Parents New South Wales Vouchers cannot be utilised to buy tickets to the event; however, you can use the Vouchers provided by the NSW Government to buy Carnival Credits through the Carnival App.
Does the show ticket include public transport?
Yes, the cost of public transportation is included in the ticket price. When travelling using public transport, show your approved pass or ticket to the transport guard, who will grant you access.
It’s essential to keep in mind that tapping an Opal Card is unnecessary, as the ticket price includes the cost of transportation. Keep the ticket for the return journey, as an official ticket is needed.
Fun Passes
The event organisers removed conventional coupons for games and rides and started using the carnival fun pass.
You can purchase a Fun Pass and ride and play the whole day. There are two options available:
- 115 credits for $100 (saving $26.50)
- 140 credits for $113 (saving $41)
One credit is equivalent to $1.10, with 30 credits costing $33, 60 credits costing $60, and 85 credits costing $80.
If you still need to pre-order your Pass, you can purchase a package at a kiosk or booth at the carnival or through the app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Best family shows and exhibits
There are many exhibits to select from, but here’s a list of the must-attend shows:
- Farmyard Nursery – This is popular among families, and visitors interact with more than 500 free-range livestock and poultry, such as ducks, pigs, geese, chickens, goats, donkeys and sheep.
- Woolworths Food Farm – At Woolworths Food Farm, kids can learn about food and agriculture through hands-on activities, interactive displays, and educational fun.
- Animal Walk – Take a walk, explore the shed, and see the prize-winning animals at the show, including pigs, sheep, cows, alpacas, horses, and more.
- Tiny Hands on Land – Experience a kid-sized working farm at the Little Hands on the Land activity, where children ages 2-10 learn about farming from farm to table through ten interactive stations.
- Junior Farm Hands – Give little ones a chance to try their hand at farming with the RAS Junior Farm Hands activities, including grinding grain, digging for vegetables, and even driving a tractor.
- Amusement Rides – The Kids’ Carnival offers a range of children’s rides for kids of all ages, including the Tea Cups, Carousel, and Dodgem Cars.
- Woodchopping Show – Witness the strength of men and women in the Woodchopping Show, where they speedily cut through wood logs with an axe.
- Vegetable Displays – See the creative and innovative displays inspired by four areas representing Central, Southern, Western, and Northern NSW, consisting of fresh produce and other agricultural products.
- Kids Entertainment – Enjoy various forms of entertainment for kids at the event.
- Evening Entertainment – From 7:30 pm, the central area offers spectacular entertainment, including motorcycle and horse-drawn chariots, hot air balloons with aerialists, precision driving, and stunt bike teams.
Does the Sydney Easter show have an app?
Yes, there is an official app for the Royal Sydney Easter Show that you can get from Google Play and App Store. The app provides all the information you need to plan your show itinerary, including details about animals, pavilions, entertainment, food options, show bags, and carnival rides. You can also create a personalised itinerary and show bag wishlist.
Recharging your phone
At the Show, numerous ChargeSpot Stations are located throughout the grounds for visitors to recharge their phones.
If your phone battery runs low, you can either charge it at the station or rent a power bank to take with you as you enjoy the show. Renting a power bank costs $5 for one hour.
Return the power bank to any ChargeSpot location when your phone is fully charged. Renting a power bank costs $5 per hour.
Children Safety
You must keep track of your children in the bustling crowds at the Show. To ensure they are easily spotted, dress them in bright and noticeable colours.
You can also write your phone number on their arm with a permanent marker, which you can easily remove with micellar water. For added safety, consider using a bag harness for younger kids and giving older children a whistle if they get lost.
Take a picture of your child in their outfit if you need to show what they look like in the event of separation.
Showbags available at the Event
The show bags available at the event vary yearly and offer various products, from sweets and toys to electronics and homeware.
Some popular show bags include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mars, Nestle, Smiths, Red Rock Deli and The Daily Edit. Many licensed show bags also feature popular characters from Disney, Marvel and more.
We recommend you check the Show’s website or brochure closer to the event date to find out what show bags are available at this year’s event.
You can buy show bags at the Sydney Royal Easter Show upon arrival or before you leave. To lighten your load while exploring the show, consider storing your show bags in a locker.
Locker rental is available all day, and a standard 90L locker costs $12, while a Jumbo 180L costs $20. Another option is to purchase show bags on your way out, which can also serve as a gentle way to get the kids to say goodbye without a fuss.
Ways to save on expenses at the Show
- Food: Food is a big part of the Show experience, but it can quickly add up. Head to the Big Bush Barbeque to save money, where all funds are raised for regional communities. They offer old-fashioned sausage sizzles that are delicious and support a good cause. You can also bring your food, water and snacks to save even more.
- Timing: Arrive early and make the most of your time at the show. Being one of the first to arrive, you can see everything before it gets crowded and take advantage of the early hours. You can also come back later for the evening festivities and fireworks.
Accommodation
Consider staying at a hotel in Olympic Park if you’re coming from outside Sydney. This can maximise your time at the show and provide a place to rest when needed.
Pullman, Novotel, and Ibis hotels are the three most popular options, from the most costly to the cheapest. You can also use the $250 Parents voucher to offset your accommodation cost.