By Bec Milligan.
The 2026 Royal Easter Show is fast approaching!
Animals, rides, showbags, live entertainment, showbags, and enough deep-fried food to last you a lifetime… There’s genuinely something for everyone, which is probably why the Aussie event has been running for over 200 years.
If you’re planning to go this year, read on for everything you need to know – including ticket prices, what to pack, how much money to budget per person, and the best (and worst) days to visit.
In 2026, the Royal Easter Show will run from Thursday, April 2 to Monday, April 13.
Ticket prices vary depending on the ticket type itself. We’ve listed all the types of tickets currently available and how much they are below:
Yes, for years the Easter Show has offered ‘after 4pm tickets’ that are cheaper than regular tickets.
Like the name of this ticket type suggests, you’ll only be granted access to the Easter Show on your day of choice after 4pm, which is why they’re so much cheaper. Prices are listed below:
Yes, tickets cover the cost of public transport to and from the Easter Show. Instead of tapping on, just show your Easter Show ticket to the bus driver and/or train station attendant.
On average, a family of four can easily spend between $400 to $500 at the Easter Show – and that figure does not include ticket prices!
How? Food, rides and showbags.
Food at the Easter Show is notoriously expensive; a fresh lemonade will set you back $7, and a full meal can cost upwards of $20. Budget around $30 to $50 per person if you’re planning on eating lunch, dinner and a few snacks while at the Show.
As for rides, budget at least $20 to $30 per person (especially for ride-obsessed kids).
And finally, showbag prices range from $6 to $40; so your budget will depend on which showbag you want. We suggest going online and choosing what showbags you’d like to buy before you get to the Easter Show so you can budget the exact right amount of money.
Of course you can! If you want to save a bit of money, you’re welcome to pack your own water, sodas, sandwiches, snacks – whatever you like. And there are free water refill stations located throughout the grounds too.
Of course, the Easter Show is famous for its classic chip on a stick, CWA scones, and fairy floss (all of which are on the cheaper side of food options) so make sure you indulge in at least those while you’re there.
If crowds aren’t your thing, weekdays that aren’t a public holiday are your best bet for a ‘quiet’ day.
The busiest day of the Show is usually the last Saturday, which this year falls on April 12.
The Easter long weekend (Good Friday through to Easter Monday) is also extremely busy.
If you end up going on any of these days, crowds tend to peak between 11am and 2pm, so arriving either early or later in the afternoon can make the experience a lot more manageable.
For more information, visit the Royal Easter Show’s official website.
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