Going to the Perth Royal Show over the September school holidays is a rite of passage for us Perth folk, and with so much to see and do it can be hard to know where to begin.
You of course have to make time for all the beloved classics like the Sideshow Alley Super Nova, Ferris wheel, or swing ride and a visit to your favourite Show bag stand to get the nostalgia flowing. Then, you’ll have to tick off all the new and exciting entertainment that’s on its way this year – a dazzling drone show, the biggest ever animal nursery, and even bigger ride thrills.
Yep, it’s all happening in 2022. With over 101 free things to see and do and over 400 entertainers at the ready, here are our top picks for the best things to do at the Perth Royal Show this year.
1. Animals, animals, animals!
This year’s Royal Show is truly an animal extravaganza, with the biggest animal nursery of all time, showstopping competitions, and brand new interactive and educational animal and agricultural activities.
You can find all the animal cuddles your heart desires at the nursery in Silver Jubilee, or catch entertaining animal competitions featuring everything from cattle to sheep, horses, goats, alpacas, and dog and cat exhibits all around the Showground.
2. Watch the all-new Drone Show
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Aside from staying into the late evening for the iconic fireworks display (which is an absolute non-negotiable for us), this year there is something really special in store to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at.
An all-new Drone Show in collaboration with Drone Sky Shows will be taking to the skies just before the fireworks go bang. Seeming so close you could touch them, you’ll be able to watch spectacular neon images come to life at the Main Arena.
This spectacular show will run every single night in the evening before the fireworks display, so there’s no excuse not to see it.
3. Visit Agventure Hill
This year’s new Agventure Hill is all about discovering the wide world of agriculture, and there is so much to see and do.
Follow Lucy the sheepdog around the Agventure trail as you discover everything there is to know about becoming a Junior Farmer, then join Farm2Food where you can dig for potatoes, learn how to cook quick and healthy meals and be entertained and inspired by WA chefs, farmers and fisherman.
To get more hands-on you can visit the Dairy Pavillion for plenty of pats and cuddles with your favourite animals, bottle feeding of lambs, kids and calves and a stop in at the Milking Station.
Plus, don’t forget to also grab tasty toasties and flavoured milk, or enjoy Perth Royal Food Award-winning gelato, fudge, cheese or yoghurts.
4. Go nuts at Sideshow Alley
We don’t know about you, but we simply must visit Sideshow Alley and get on our favourite rides every time we head to the Royal Show.
Aside from the brand new rides mentioned below, you can jump on all your favourite classics from the teacup ride for the little ones to the Super Nova, swing carousel, rollercoaster, and Ferris wheel.
If thrills aren’t your thing you can of course try your luck and win a prize in a range of carnival games.
5. See the Noongar Six Seasons exhibit
Be enthralled at this year’s Noongar Six Seasons exhibit in Ellie Eaton Theatre for some serious cultural learnings and a deep dive into the six traditional Noongar seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang.
6. Get your thrills on new rides
There are a few new kids on the block this year, and they look pretty epic.
Not one for the faint of heart, the Aviator will allow you to really fly. If you like a taste of adrenaline trying out these new additions must not be missed.
7. Pick up a Showbag
It’s not the Perth Royal Show unless you leave with a Showbag in hand.
There is always a wide range to choose from, whether it’s the good old Bertie Beetle that your grandparents probably still buy, themed TV or movie bags, toys, zingy Wizz Fizz, jampacked chocolate bags, AFL, fashion – there will always be one for every kind of family member.
This year, keep your eye out for a few new exciting 2022 additions including 100 anniversary of Cadbury, Minecraft, Stella Athletic, and the Greatest Showbag of All Time Showbag.
8. Enjoy the entertainment
Over 400 entertainers, 300 performances, and endless hours of entertainment will fill the eight days, meaning there is always something to see.
You can support all the local entertainment at the Woolworths Community Stage, or we’d also recommend getting down to check out the Wood Chopping Competition which always draws a huge crowd every year.
There is also some exciting and unmissable new entertainment coming in 2022 including Globe of Death, Awakening Australia (Main Arena), Outback Dreaming Parade (Main Arena), and the already mentioned Noongar Six Seasons Exhibit and Agriculture in the Sky Drone Show every night.
9. Watch the Monster Trucks and Motorcross
Another big drawcard for the crowds is the display of Monster Trucks and Freestyle Motorcross.
They usually put on a performance every night in the Main Arena where you can see skilled riders fly over impossible jumps on dirt bikes, perform gravity-defying flips and tricks, and huge trucks like the iconic Big Red get serious air time and crush other cars like ants. Our inner kid just loves to cheer along with this one.
10. Do some shopping
If you’re keen to pick up a few cute bits and bobs or yummy treats, there is a range of exhibitors and stalls scattered about for a little retail therapy while supporting local.
You can pick up things like homemade candles, artwork, sweet treats, artisan delights, crystals and beauty products, or shop one of the many food stalls for a delicious eat to fuel you up during the day.
Getting to the Royal Show
It’s probably best to leave the car at your closest station and avoid traffic and parking hassles.
There will be plenty of public transport with Transperth’s regular train and bus services to the showground making travel to the show easier than ever.
Trains on the Fremantle line stop at the Showgrounds Station and bus numbers 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 995, 998/999 (CircleRoute) and 103 all stop close by.
For best value groups of up to seven people (two adults & five children or two adults & five concession fares) can travel to and from the showground on a FamilyRider ticket which allows unlimited system-wide travel on weekends, public holidays, and after 9 am on weekdays during third term school holidays.
Plan your journey via transperth.wa.gov.au.
How to get your tickets
This year all Perth Royal Show ticket sales will be exclusively online. You can purchase these via the Perth Royal Show website as there will be no physical ticket sales at the gate.
There is also a big discount on all tickets this year across all categories, with the cost for a family of four sitting at only $57 for endless fun. Now that’s value!
Keep your eye on their socials for all the latest new rides, show bags, shows and attractions as they come out.
Images Supplied
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