Melbourne Royal Show
The Melbourne Royal Show is an annual agricultural fair held at Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale, Victoria. It happens every September and usually runs from mid to late September into early October. It is run by Melbourne Royal (formerly the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria). The show began in 1848 and can attract up to about half a million visitors.
Visitors come to see rural life showcased through livestock, crops, and various competitions with prizes. The fair also has amusement rides, a sideshow area, and Showbags that offer products from different companies. In the past there was a wooden Mad Mouse roller coaster (gone after 2001) and a permanent chairlift (removed in 2005). The grounds even have their own railway station for special events on the Flemington Racecourse line.
The show has a long history but was not held during 1915–1918 and 1940–1945 because of the world wars. It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the event was renamed from Royal Melbourne Show to Melbourne Royal Show.
Major competitions include the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, along with art, craft, and cookery contests. The site features 16 pavilions and arenas with a variety of stalls, demonstrations, and entertainment. 2022 exhibitors included the Australian Firefighters Calendar and Byju’s Future School. Nights bring fireworks and live performances, adding a festive carnival atmosphere for families.
While Melbourne Royal Show is the main rural show in Victoria, many regional towns host smaller shows as well.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 06:41 (CET).