The Royal Melbourne Show

The Royal Melbourne Show Pinterest image to savePin me Please

The Royal Melbourne Show has been operating since 1848. Held in the Melbourne showgrounds and run by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Held during late September and early October, it provides a perfect opportunity to share what farming is all about with the school kids, as it is held during the school holidays.

The showgrounds has its own railway station located on the Flemington Racecourse line. This makes it an easy and accessible way to get to the show using public transport. The station is only open during special events such a the Melbourne Show. 

It serves the Melbourne Showground in the suburb of Flemington opening on 7 November 1883.

There are sixteen pavillions and arenas scattered throughout the showgrounds. These house special displays, entertainment sessions, concerts, animal judging competitions and shopping courts and food stalls.

Being an agricultural show, there are plenty of tractor and farming equipment to look at. Huge farming machinery that the kids will be in awe of. There's also a chance to sit up top on lots of the equipment, just to get a feel for what it's like to be a 'farmer'

Take lots of photos as the colours at the show make for wonderful backdrops for your memories.

Amusement rides at the Royal melbourne ShowAmusement rides at the Royal melbourne Show

Where Are The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds?

If you are driving to the Melbourne Show just click onto 'Directions' on the map below for the route and travel time

Epsom Rd 
Ascot Vale VIC 3032



Train to the Melbourne Showgrounds - the best way to get to the show!

If traveling in by train, the station on the Flemington line that you are looking for is called,  Showgrounds. It has one platform. During special events it is serviced by trains to Flinders Street calling at North Melbourne and Southern Cross.

Look for Platform 1: Flemington Racecourse line: express and limited express services to Flemington Racecourse and to Flinders Street or Southern Cross during special events.

Depart Flinders Street Station (generally platforms 8/9). Stop at Southern Cross Station (generally platform 14) and North Melbourne Station (generally platform 6)

Travel frequently throughout the day and evening. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes. The first train will depart Flinders Street at 9:10am

Trains will run to Melbourne Showgrounds every 10 - 20 minutes. The last train to depart Melbourne Showgrounds will be at 10:30pm

Parking at the Melbourne Showgrounds

Parking during the Royal Melbourne Show is available at Flemington Racecourse for $25 a day. Entry to the car park is via Epsom Rd or Smithfield Rd, with access to the Show via the rail underpass. The Epsom Rd entrance is open from 8am-11pm

Competitions at the Royal Melbourne Show

The major rural competitions of the show include ...

  • Alpaca competitions, 
  • Beef Cattle Competitions, 
  • Beef Carcase Competitions, 
  • Dairy cattle Competition, 
  • Dog Competitions, 
  • Horse Competitions, 
  • Poultry Competition, 
  • Sheep Competition, 
  • Domestic Animal Competitions, 
  • Fleece Competitions
  • Woodchop Competitions.

The major equestrienne competition of Australia is called the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout and it is held during the Melbourne Show. The prize being a memorial trophy dedicated to Mrs Violet Murrell. Read the history of the trophy here

Equestrienne competition at the Royal Melbourne ShowEquestrienne competition at the Royal Melbourne Show

The Weekly Times Livestock Pavilion is a huge pavilion where visitors can see animals or watch what’s happening on the judging rings as they compete for a coveted blue ribbon.

Agricultural Animal Competition at the Royal Melbourne Show, winning sheep breedWinning sheep breed at the Royal Melbourne Show

The Herald Sun Arena is a 9,000 square metre open air arena where crowds can watch the special events and entertainment.

Huge monster trucks and dare devil motorcycle riders will thrill you and the children throughout the day and into the nighttime.

Monster Truck event at the Melbourne ShowMonster Truck event at the Royal Melbourne Show
Daredevil motorbike stunts at the Melbourne ShowDaredevil motorbike stunts at the Melbourne Show

The Royal Melbourne Show Pavilions

The Woolworths Pavilion showcases produce including wine, cheese, smallgoods, sauces, fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade ice cream, cheese and hand made chocolates. All these can be purchased by the public.

The Art, Craft & Cookery Pavilion, now known as the Spotlight Makers Pavilion,  is full of crafts such as knitting, crochet, decorated cakes, clothing, leather goods, cookery, home made and hand-crafted jewellery and glass decorations. As you wander past all these goodies take note of the winning ribbons and certificates.

The Winning Tastes Pavilion is designed to showcase local award-winning produce and food from The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria's world-class food and drink programs.

The Woodchop Pavilion has wood chopping competitions during the day attracting competitors from Australia and around the world.

The Showbag Pavilion is a large 3,000 square metre building. It is the primary site for Showbag sales. Needless to say, this pavilion is one of the favourites with the kids, make sure you take heaps of money along.

Another favourite pavilion with the young ones is the Jayco Animal Nursery Discovery. The children love to view the baby animals and sometimes get to interact with them. Perfect place for an amazing photoshoot.

There is also the Farmhouse that is an interactive animal space including ...

  • shearing demonstrations 
  • milking demonstrations
  • pat-a-chook
  • pat-a-pig 
  • grinding grains
  • digging for veggies

The Advance Dog Pavilion has everything a dog owner could wish for including over the course of the Royal Melbourne Show thousands of dogs are judged to find the best in show.

There is an open Town Square, which features a full performance stage, seating, shading, food operators and large screens. The perfect place to sit an watch top class entertainers and performers.

dodgem cars at the showDodgem cars at the show
Side alley amusement stall clownsSide alley amusement stall clowns
Grand Carousel ride at the Royal Melbourne ShowGrand Carousel ride at the Royal Melbourne Show
ride the ferris wheel at the showRide the Ferris Wheel at the show

There is a nightly fireworks display and live performances. Lights, colours and sound provide a unique atmosphere in the Carnival precinct at night.

The views from the Ferris wheel across Melbourne’s skyline and the Showgrounds are fantastic and if you're lucky enough to be on the top as the fireworks display begins you’ll enjoy the best seats in the house. There are other rides such as ...

  • the Mad Mouse 
  • the Grand Carousel
  • Dodgem Cars
  • Mega Drop
  • Circus swing
  • Lots of Inflatables 
  • Cup and Saucer ride

just to mention a few. Plenty for young and old alike.

Royal Melbourne Show on Instagram


Cow Breeder worn out after competingTime for a rest after judging the cow breeders competition

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