Sydney Royal Easter Show History
The iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest, annual ticketed event bringing the country to the city, where Show-going fans get up close to cows, sheep, goats, baby chicks, pigs and even alpacas.
First held in 1823, its original purposes continue: to engage, educate and entertain the community on the value of sustainable agriculture and award-quality animal breeds and produce through exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and displays.
From arts and crafts, including cooking, photography, painting and sculptures, to feats of speed and strength in the crowd-favourite woodchopping and sawing competitions, to the Young Farmer Challenge, Rural Achiever Awards, Alpaca Parading, Livestock Auctions of cattle, sheep and pigs, Horse Showjumping, the agricultural displays and traditions at the District Exhibits, and of course the Farmyard Nursery with over 700 animals to see and touch, there is something for everyone from country to city, for babies and baby-boomers alike
And that’s just the beginning!
Did you know?
| 1823 | First Show held at Parramatta |
| 1860 | Show moves to new grounds - Parramatta Domain |
| 1869 | Show moves to new grounds - Prince Alfred Park, Sydney |
| 1882 | Show moves to new grounds - Moore Park |
| 1914-1918 | Show stays open during WW1 |
| 1919 | Show cancelled due to flu |
| 1942-1946 | Show cancelled due to WWII |
| 1947 | Record crowd at fist show after the War |
| 1997 | Thanks for the memories - last show at Moore Park (115 yrs of the show) |
| 1998 | Show moves to new grounds - Sydney Olympic Park |
| 2020 | Show cancelled due to COVID-19 |
Read more about Royal Agriculture Society NSW and Sydney Royal Easter Show heritage.