Royal Melbourne Show

springyzone · ‎26-09-2022

Thank goodness we were not on any ride like that. I am surprised anyone from the public can just wander onto the track, you'd think gates would be closed off while a ride was in progress.

papermoon.lady · ‎26-09-2022

Absolutely - just like gates are closed off at railway stations when a train is approaching so people cannot cross the road.

janoon-2008 · ‎25-09-2023

Next year take a train. Drops you at the gates then straight into the showgrounds. Less stress to cope with the crowds.

sandypebbles · ‎25-09-2023

This is next year, since springy posted the comment in 2022

springyzone · ‎26-09-2023

@janoon-2008 wrote:
Next year take a train. Drops you at the gates then straight into the showgrounds. Less stress to cope with the crowds.

I suggested that last year but my daughter didn't want to. She lives a long way from the showgrounds and didn't fancy 2 train trips with 2 kids and a handful of showbags.

But you're right, would have been better for that particular day.

We're not going this year. I don't think she will go back there in a hurry. I think she may go to something like the Dandenong Show instead.

*sons_n_daughters* · ‎28-09-2023

@springyzone wrote:

We're not going this year. I don't think she will go back there in a hurry. I think she may go to something like the Dandenong Show instead.

I live in a regional/rural area in NSW. Frankly, our local show sucks. It often clashes with larger shows in the city areas, so everyone goes there due to earning a higher income. That said, most years I'll still go to ours, because I like to see the animals, plus I like to see the cookery and handicrafts. The fruit and vege displays are pretty good too.

The show in the next town is much bigger, even though our population is similar. It's a "royal" show, which generally attracts more carnies and whatnot. Ours is just a regular show. The other show has way more rides, plus a lot bigger displays. Most years ours doesn't even have a ferris wheel! Although it did this year, so I went on that. It's nice being able to see over the town and I thought quite good value given it went for over 10 minutes.

We have very little in the way of events, like show jumping or wood cutting. You get a few, but not like the bigger shows. Parking can be an issue, but if you don't mid a bit of a walk (usually well less of 1km), then it's ok. Tickets are usually sold at the gate, although I do believe you could get them online here. Depending on the time of day, depends on if there is much of a line up.

If you just want a few rides, carpy show food (which I really love!), showbags and displays, then you can't go past a show outside of the city. Despite ours being quite small, there is a bit of something there for everyone. Plus, there's rarely long lines for anything (except the coffee vans!).

I would seriously consider it if you want a day out with the kids. Have a look at this link that tells you when the shows are coming up. Scroll down to get the full list that goes up to May 2024. I'm sure you could find a suitable one somewhere within a reasonable distance! Yes, they are agricultural shows, but often they are the best, especially if you like looking at the cooking and handicrafts.