Royal Adelaide Show

Well I have been going to the Royal Adelaide Show for quite some time and I think it is worthy of a review. Up until about 4 or 5 years ago I stopped going to the Royal Adelaide Show but I decided the last couple of years that I would go as my wife who is from overseas originally has never been and my review will be based on the last 2 times I have been. It was amazing to see all the different attractions from the farm animals to the live entertainment for kids near the ferris wheel. I did find that the food was exorbitantly over priced and Im not sure if its the vendors scalping or the fact the Royal Show rental fees for businesses are far too over priced. Either way it will most certainly hit your wallet hard and probably even harder if you have kids. The side shows were fun and exciting to play. The information stalls like SA Police was quite an interesting setup. My personal favourite has to be the showbag hall however like most locations in Royal Adelaide Show grounds were far too over packed with people and at times it was hard to move around without bumping into people more than once. In summing up I would suggest if you want to go that you have a reasonable amount of money with you and maybe the organisers can have a look at options to make the event less cramped with the fact that every year the event happens more and more people keep coming. Its worth going but consider the above before you do.

When the Royal Show is in town I feel like a kid at Christmas! Can’t get enough of it.
I was lucky enough to go the Show twice this year and I thoroughly enjoyed it both times. There is so much to do at the show it really does cater to everyone. We spent an entire day there and still didn’t see everything!
My daughter loved seeing all of the animals and I honestly loved everything. So many highlights: fresh produce in the Godyer Pavillion, SA Water stall, make-​your-​own-​boats, wood chopping, The Magical Gift of Mother Earth, farm animals and of course milkshakes from the Dairy Barn.
The Royal Show only runs for 8 days, so make sure you head in and experience it while you still can!

Came to the show with my family and had a brilliant time. Only thing to mention… needs more seating in the food court area please

Definitely a place where you get to feel like a child again while having a great time. An enjoyable day out!

What is it about the Royal Adelaide Show? When it is announced I feel like I am 10 years old again. For sure it has changed dramatically since I was a child, but there is still a sense of excitement in it.
I can see that kids are still as excited about it as what I was when I was younger. I remember planning months ahead of my Royal Show visit. Getting the paper and highlighting animal shows and all show bags I wanted. Well, I may not be that organised anymore, but I still plan out what attractions to see.
They are right when they say, «there is so much to see and do at the Royal Adelaide Show». In fact, there is a lot you can do for free. It is not all about showbags, candy and rides. Those things are nice, but it is also important to celebrate and learn about Horticulture and Agriculture as well. This is something that I enjoy seeing at the show.
In particular, I enjoy seeing all the lovely animals and speaking to their owners. Learn about what breeds are good for agriculturally. It is fascinating. I also love seeing all the large award winning vegetables and plant displays.
I think to get the most out of The Show, you need to look past the markets and showbags. Go speak to the farmers and see the entertainment set up. Check out the pig races, see the wood chopping. Enjoy the talents of individuals. Then you will remember what it is all about.
But, the little dare devil in me is also attracted to the rides. I don’t really buy showbags anymore. I go on rides. I am a thrill seeker. The biggest and scariest rides are the ones I go for. If I a scream laughing and leave the ride dizzy and bewildered, well I am one happy girl! My partner and I love this, it gets us in hysterics.
I admire all the hard work and effort of each exhibitor and contribution to the Adelaide Royal Show. Everyone involved works extremely hard. Thank you for each year that you make South Aussies very happy!

Great to see the little ones cooking and my nieces biscuits one second prize ! A better atmosphere than the Melbourne show and lots of hands on stuff for the young and creative types. As a former aquaculture worker its always good to see the fish farming stall but the industry as a whole seems underrepresented. Love being able to get up close to a huge variety of animals including reptiles and this year the lace monitor having its back scratched stands out!
If you are going visit the real show and support local produce! Talk to the growers and find out where and how our food is produced.
Try to stay away from the sideshows and rides and your money will go much further!
Downsides include the convoluted route from the new railway station which seems just as long as the entrance from Goodwood Station and plunges you into the sideshows. Bring back the old temporary station! The other hazard is if you take a bunch of teenagers it will cost the earth.
Free samples are hard to find these days, maybe the best one is the seed you can plant in a pot and take home from the grain growers display area. Overall though one of the best shows in the country so definately worth a look.

The Royal Adelaide Show is great. If you go there you should print out a map because then you’ll be able to know exactly what kind of things you’d like to go visit. The only down thing is that there’s heaps of people so if you have kids keep a good eye on them because it’s easy for them to get lost. Even though the Royal Adelaide Show is a great event it’s not best to go if you’re struggling for cash as it can be quite costly. If you are on a budget pack your own lunch or buy from the IGA that’s located in The Show as both will be cheaper alternatives to buying that meaty, unhealthy, over priced hotdog. Show bags can be expensive but if you plan ahead you will save. There are literally show bags ranging from $ 1. My choice is to buy the $ 5 show bags if you want to get the cheapest deal on your chocolaty goodies!
I love going to the show to have a look at everything. Also, if you’re really struggling for money, don’t fret! There’s loads of food samples located in the pavilions :) My mum and I are planning to sample heaps of them! If you go to the royal show it’s best not to go by yourself because you may get bored (my friend went by himself and that’s what he said) However, if you do have no one to go with then embrace it and enjoy yourself.
There’s a $ 19 dollar entry fee if you pay at the gate (if you’re an adult) so my advice is to make sure you bulk up on the freebies and stay there for a bulk amount of time to get your money’s worth. that is, if you don’t have screaming cranky children with you. However, if you pre buy your tickets from the IGA you can save a few bucks.
Basically, if you’re a thrill seeker and want to go to the show for the rides. go at night. However, if you have small children and want to make the most of the family day out then go during the day time because the children won’t be able to see the animals at night time. Or. if you really want to then you could go for heaps long and do a mixture of daytime and night time.
By the way, fireworks are at 9pm every night I’m pretty sure.

Adelaide showwwwww my favourite part is the pavilion so good so much funnnn… for big kids that is haha
Not having kids ourselves we can reminise on our childhood. Its hard not to get excited… The coopers bar probably helps haha
Coopers sparkling for $ 8.20 same as a pub you cant really complain.

I LOVE the Royal Adelaide Show! So much so that I actually joined as a member of the Show Society this year :)
I think this year I attended the show all but two days :)
I think the thing about the show is that it takes me straight back to my childhood. I loved going to the show as a kid. My parents used to buy a membership as well and we used to go every day, and we would do a little bit at a time. That is what I did this year.
But the thing that I loved the most this year, was the IGA Demonstration Kitchen. I spent an entire evening, just sitting in the demonstration kitchen. I learnt a really easy method for making fresh pasta, and got to witness several of Adelaides best cooks and chefs :)
I know that a lot of people complain about the expense of going to the show — but for me, it is a must, every year.
I am a little sad that this years show is over, and will be back again next year — with bells on :)

I’ll admit to being slightly biased — there’s may be a little carnie blood running through my veins — and on that note, don’t call em carnies (that’s American) here in Australia they are known as Showmen (and women!)
I absolutely love the show, although this is my first year attending during which I haven’t worked there in some form and it was a slightly different experience — but still a good one!
Although the hoards of people can be frustrating at times, there are a lot of great things to see. The cost can be off putting (although I’ve never paid to get in… it’s not what you know but who you know etc etc) but I know for sure that it does not have to be an expensive day.
Some complain about costs of the food and the unhealthy options but hey, you can always take your own lunch or head to the convenient IGA store in the Jubilee pavilion, complete with cheap salads and snack options! Another great option for food is the Yellow Brick Road show bag — at only $ 10 this gave us the chance to experience the width and breadth of the show ground while collecting some healthy treats including carrots, pears, mandarins and oranges along the way!
There are plenty of businesses offering tasty samples and many new favorite brands to be discovered.
I can see how people could ‘waste’ their money — but that’s a personal choice, there are plenty of great fun and free activities — and certainly ones that are educational if you have kiddies in tow!
I am a HUGE fan of the rides and this is where I have the most fun — okay so once again, biased as I know many of the ride owners (who are actually great people) but I love the thrill of show rides! Certainly if you have to spend your money, select wisely as it does add up but if you’re a thrill seeker, I’ve done em all — the breakdance is always great, as is the hardrock, the mega drop, the hangover and the power surge. The crazy coaster is a moderate in between and there are some great family friendly choices (which I tend to avoid, due to their lack of thrill!)
Probably best to come on Tuesday or Wednesday as I know that these are the least busy days — and come with a positive attitude, if you’re gonna be a Debbie Downer, you may as well stay at home.

The show is here! Apart from meeting one of my closest friends at the show 19 years ago, there is not much that is lasting that comes from the hundreds of dollars that all too easily get spent on a visit to the show. Certainly many of the show bag goodies don’t last the car trip home!
This year I went with my two young god-​children and I did see a different side to the experience. Just as the wonder of young children brings the joy of Christmas back to the jaded, so does seeing the excitement on their little faces at the show as they pet the animals and dare their courage on the rides. I even relived past youth going on a couple of rides myself and had an absolute ball.
I must say that things have grown up a bit since I last went as a child. The amenities are certainly top notch now that the show grounds has had a make over, but it was great to see that some of those old favourites are still there, even if the mad mouse is no more.
At the end of the day there were two happy and exhausted children sleeping on the back seat of the car as we drove home, and shattered adults who wondered where they get all that energy from! Definitely a fun day for the family.

Ah, The Royal Adelaide Show. So many opinions, so many showbags.
As a kid, who didn’t love this place? I came for the rides (’cause I’m a fearless … um, kid); showbags were second and fireworks were third!
Now, yes it’s overpriced. It’s dirty and everywhere smells like sheep and body odour. There’s an abundance of dagwood dogs, carnies and 15 year old girls in short shorts.
But when I don’t have anything else on that week, I don’t mind going for the ferris wheel, the Claw and the Ali Baba — that ride that goes up sky level then drops to the ground in a flash, and everyone holds onto their bladder.
If I’ve got some money to spare, I’ll go just because it’s there. Also, for some odd reason, my boyfriend really loves these things (sigh). The things I do for love. (You may grab a bucket)

I’m not a fan of this event, really. I can understand the attraction if you’ve got kids, but for grownups on their own, there really isn’t much more to do than walk around and get as many free samples as you can lay your hands on.
My second gripe with this place is that it’s stupidly expensive. It’s cheaper than the Melbourne show, but it’s still ridiculous. I couldn’t imagine having to pay for a family of four to enjoy a day here. I’d need a second mortgage, possibly a third if I had to buy show bags.
Over rated, crap and expensive.

If you like to waste your money then be my guest!
Hoards of people wearing tinsel wigs and light up antennae, it’s like a gay pride parade magnified 10 fold.
$ 25 at the gate, $ 10 (at least) per show ride, $ 15 for a show bag, more money for food (bad show food). When Show time comes around I cry at the vastly reduced speed limits along Greenhill rd.
To me, The Royal Adelaide Show is just a big experiential marketing event and everyone is a sucker. Remember the Mad Mouse? The Zipper? The Enterprise? the show rides are terrible now ever since the spin dragon took spinning to a new level and spun off its axis.
My parents tell me that the show used to be a free event, no entry fee, showbags were a freebie and it was mainly used as an opportunity for farmers to show their cattle and other wares.
Free things to do at The Show:
— Hang around under the rides picking up change and any other goodies that have fallen out of peoples pockets.
— Sample every free sample there is to be sampled and you wont have to buy lunch.
— Hit up the petting zoo and giggle at the piglets
— See the farm animals and the silky chickens with the funky hair do’s
— And my favourite, make friends with a carny
I dislike The Show, very much so.

Every year I vow never again. And every year like every other poor sucker who has procreated I am dragged to this place of my worst nightmares and forced to spend hundreds of dollars on the temporary joy this show provides. Why do the prices increase so exponentially every year? Is it because they know we’re at their mercy, and whatever they charge, we’ll have to pay? Why is there an entry fee at all, when we spend so much money inside? My indignation rises to hysteria, yet still I go.
This year a teenage boy wearing a werewolf mask touched my boob on the Ghost train. That was new. What does not change however, is my love of the baby animals. Or should I say ‘The Bank SA Baby Animal Farm.’ I love that place, I could stay there all day! So darn cuddly. One thing Bank SA need to get onto: ban prams in the barn. They run over kids and block the way and make the whole place chaotic. Another win is the cat and dog areas and the livestock areas where you can see baby lambs and calves, and kids can chat to farmers and learn loads. Free stuff: good. Everything else including groping on the Ghost Train: bad. See you next year Adelaide Show, damn you (shakes fist).

Yes the Show is a great local event but after working at it for the last 11 years I am kind of put off forever. I feel the most sorry for my kids really. They are the ones that will miss out as all I want to do when I get there is go home. But again, that’s the work factor.
However to be able to go and just browse around and really look at all the stuff in all the halls and pavillions wil be nice. There’s lots of good stuff in those pavillions. In fact I go to one stall every year to buy another vegetable peeler as they are my favourite and others in shopping centres that look similar never compare to the ones at the Show. I also first fell in love with Daiquiri mixes at the Show… and bought a stockpile of flavours for consumption over last summer. Plus I got a great deal on a new Filterite filter tap for our kitchen when we bought our new house.
Some of the entries are amazing to look at for all sorts of things from animals, to art, to cooking to flowers. Some of these people work at it all year round to make sure they have the perfect entry come Showtime.
Plus, of course, the rides! Rides for all ages — if you dare!
It does get a bit expensive but I guess it only happens once a year. And you can’t leave without getting some real Show food like a dagwood dog or fairy floss to take home.

Brought to Adelaide annually by the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA Inc, what started over 170 years ago as Adelaide’s Agricultural exposition has grown into the massive Royal Adelaide Show. It is now a collection of grand pavilions, arenas and open spaces hiding many unique experiences and pleasures.
Numerous prestigious competitions are held, with judges making the difficult decisions as to which punter has the best livestock, pet, fleece, cake, hat, flower, craft, art, jams and many other items/​animals. The crowd pleasing competitions of Woodcutting and the Horse trials, each have their own arena.
All barns but particularly the baby animal barn thrill show-​going shorties and their parents alike. Other areas of interest for young visitors include participating in the Yellow Brick Road, a sort of show treasure hunt, and of course the show bag hall. If you’ve kids there is pram/​pusher rental, and bag holding, if you find your little darlings confusing you with some sort of many armed Indian deity. From this area your child can also get a pin on badge so if lost can be reunited with you quicker.
Something for the adults is the tasting tents and the horticultural pavilion. The taste SA tent has produce from all of South Australia for you to sample, or take in a tasting experience or cooking demonstration. One area within this space is the brilliant wine tasting area, glutted with beautiful South Australian wines to test, proving just why SA is a notoriously good wine region. Other pavilions at the show also include tasting elements, but in the taste SA areas you can really fill up. This is also the case with the Dairy pavilion, which includes the proudly South Australian Farmer’s Union Iced Coffee stand, which gets mobbed annually.
The horticultural pavilion (Goyder Pavilion) contains elaborate garden and produce displays as well as sheltering the craft, art and cookery winning entries. Here also hosts performances and demonstration, and over the last few years has included the crowd pleasing posie of the fabulous flower fashions of Christchurch’s Jenny Gillies (
).
If you’re brave enough there are a great deal of rides to amp up your adrenalin, and a great deal of sideshow games to empty your pockets. Along with the Christmas Pageant, the Royal Adelaide Show is the ultimate Adelaide experience.