Remember how Charlotte the spider weaved her web at the fair grounds? Well I can’t promise you you will see Charlotte, but there are plenty of other things to see and do at agricultural shows in Australia. From seeing the animals, enjoying home baked goods and products of local businesses, playing games and winning toys in sideshow alley, going on the rides and getting the all important show bag, yep, there is plenty to see and do at one of Australia’s agricultural shows. So come with me, and let’s go to the show.
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What is an Agricultural Show?
An agricultural show in Australia is a public event where equipment, animals and sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry are exhibited. Often referred to as when ‘the country comes to town’. Because people, animals and equipment are brought in from properties and shown in the one place.
Where are the Agricultural Shows?
Agricultural shows are held all over Australia. Many regional cities and towns have a yearly agricultural show with the major state capital cities having a royal show each year held over a week or two. And they are usually held at the same time each year. No matter if you are a local or someone travelling Australia, agricultural shows are a lot of fun and allow you to get up close and personal with the animals and equipment.
What to See and Do at an Agricultural Show
The best way to show you what you can see and do at one of Australia’s agricultural shows is to show you. The following photos are from the Whittlesea Show. Whittlesea is about an hour north of Melbourne. I like to attend this country show each year which is held on the weekend before the Melbourne Cup held the first Tuesday of November.
See the Farm Animals Judged
Admire the Crafts
See farm equipment
Play in Side Show Alley
See the Grand Parade
Check out the winning Cakes
Go on a Ride
Enjoy the show food
Be in awe of the Wood Chopping
Get your Show Bag
How Can You Go to a Show?
The best way to go to a show is to know when are where they are. Check out the following websites for details:
National Agricultural Show Body in Australia
The national body, where you can find out when are where agricultural shows in Australia are being held is Agricultural Shows Australia.
State Bodies in Australia
Victoria – Victoria Agricultural Shows
NSW – Ag Shows NSW
Queensland – Queensland Ag Shows
South Australia – South Australia Country Shows
Tasmania – Tasmania Agricultural Shows
Western Australia – (RASWA) Royal Agricultural Shows of Western Australia
Northern Territory – Northern Territory Show Council
Royal Shows
Each capital city in Australia has a royal show. These are usually held over a week or two so many people can come to the show.
Adelaide, SA – Royal Adelaide Show – held Aug/Sept
Brisbane, QLD – Ekka – Royal Queensland Show – held August
Canberra, ACT – Royal Canberra Show – held February
Darwin, NT – Royal Darwin Show – held July
Hobart, Tasmania – Royal Hobart Show – late Oct
Melbourne, VIC – Melbourne Royal Show – Sept/Oct
Sydney, NSW – Sydney Royal Easter Show – Easter
Toowoomba, QLD – Toowoomba Royal Show – March
Perth, WA – Perth Royal Show – Sept/Oct
Are You Ready to Go to a Show?
Agricultural shows in Australia are a lot of fun. They are for everybody so matter if you are a solo traveller, in a couple, with friends or looking for something to do with the kids, going to an agricultural show will you entertained all day. So, see you at the show! Have you been to an agricultural show in Australia?
Oooh nice! I have never been to an Agricultural shows in Australia, but it looks like fun, especially for kids! It looks a bit like the cross between a village fete and a carnival where I grew up in the UK 🙂
Ag shows in Australia are fun, for kids of all ages! And I think you are right, they are similar to a village fete or carnival.
These agriculture shows sound very much like the livestock shows or fairs in the United States. It’s always interesting to see the similarities between countries like this!
I think you are right – shows, fairs, fetes, carnivals – all very similar and they are so good to attend for the variety of entertainment on offer.
It is actually the time for the big Agricultural show in Toronto right now. So it whetted my appetite to visit others when we travel. Good to know that if we visit Australia at the right time, we could visit many there. If we plan our trip right, we could visit more than one!
There are shows happening around Australia at all times of the year, so no matter what time of year you visit Australia, there should be a show to visit.
The Australia Ag show does remind me of our local Fair in the US in July. Sounds like great fun for the whole family.
I think they are the same, but we just call them by a different name. They are fun.
These agricultural shows sounds very much like the Pushkar Camel Fair we have in India.
That sounds interesting. I’d love to experience a camel fair.
We call these “summer fairs” in the USA. They are immensely popular since attract thousands. I’d love to experience the Australia version,
We have them all year round in Australia and they are immensely popular. I hope you get to experience one when in Australia.
This looks like such a unique experience for a visit to Australia. We have livestock shows here, but always interesting to see how they differ when traveling.
They sure are a unique experience in Australia – but I think they are similar to fairs in the US.