Here’s What We Spent at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, What We Did & How You Can Save

A few days ago, my family and I spent the day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Showground — and yes, we spent around $450. It sounds like a lot (and it is!), but the real question is: was it worth it?

In our case, absolutely.

We were there from midday until just after 9pm – that’s over nine hours packed with animals, rides, shows, and all kinds of food on a stick. It flew by, and we left with full hearts and tired feet.

But let’s back up a little…

A Day at the Sydney Easter Show: What We Actually Did

We arrived around 12pm, giving ourselves the full afternoon and evening to explore. And trust me, even with nine hours to spare, we didn’t fit everything in.

Here’s what we did manage to squeeze into one magical (and very full!) day:

• Patted a pig

• Cuddled baby chicks

• Rode a few classic carnival rides

• Explored the Showbag Pavilion

• Checked out the farm animals

• Played a few of the carnival games

• Watched the Lumberjack Show

• Discovered a new favourite: the High Dive Show

• Enjoyed the spectacular evening arena entertainment and fireworks

It was a non-stop, joy-filled adventure. My 7 year old was buzzing for days afterward.

So… Is the Sydney Royal Easter Show Worth the Money?

Let’s talk numbers. We spent about $450 in total. That included:

• Entry tickets for 2 adults and 1 child ($123)

• Parking ($35)

• A locker ($14 – later discovered we could’ve paid just $2)

• Food and snacks ($117, in addition to the packed lunch we took)

• Ride tokens and a few carnival games ($88)

• Three showbags ($77)

Could we have spent less? Absolutely.

But we made a conscious decision to prioritise convenience and time. And honestly, that made all the difference.

My Top Money-Saving Tips for the Easter Show

If you’re planning to go and want to cut down the cost, here’s what I’d do differently next time:

• Enter after 4pm – Cheaper tickets, still plenty of time for fun (unfortunately, these were only on sale until 10 April this year).
• Use free public transport – Avoid that $35 parking fee.
• Bring more snacks and drinks – The novelty food is tempting, but it adds up fast.
• Avoid expensive lockers – We saw $2 lockers after paying $14 for ours.
• Pre-set a budget for rides – Buy a limited number of tokens, and skip/limit the carnival games. When they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t top -up.
• Stick to one showbag – It’s enough. Really. Despite what my son thinks.
• Time your visit – We could have theoretically gone on 11 April (Unlimited Ride Day) or 22 April (Kids’ Day: 2-for-1 Carnival Games) for extra value.

We didn’t go on those days—my son was in school on the 11th, and we figured the 22nd would be too crowded with long ride queues – but they’re great options for future visits.

Final Thoughts: Will We Go Again?

We’ve decided to make the Sydney Royal Easter Show a biennial tradition — every two years feels just right.

The combination of live entertainment, interactive animal zones, carnival rides, and fireworks makes it a truly unique Sydney experience, especially for families.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you plan well and go knowing what to expect. With a bit of prep and a few money-saving strategies, you can make it magical without blowing your budget.

Planning Your Visit? Here’s What to Know:

• Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

• When: 11 – 22 April 2025

• Great For: Families, animal lovers, ride enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a full day of fun

• Budget: Varies – expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on your plans

Have you been to the Easter Show? I’d love to hear your tips and highlights in the comments.