Get Ready for the Royal Melbourne Show

Victoria's largest public event, the Royal Melbourne Show, opens on September 17 at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale.

Traditionally the Royal Melbourne Show highlights agricultural and rural excellence as it brings country and city together. Woodchoping, sheep shearing, milking and blacksmith displays are just some of the traditional treats for the show-going public.

Prize-winning sheep, goats, cattle, alpacas, chooks and pigs are on show just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Melbourne. The Dog Show is said to be largest in the southern hemisphere.

The Art and Craft Pavilion exhibits fine jams, chutneys, scones, embroidery and woodwork.

There will be a variety of the latest rides and amusements providing hours of fun and the city views atop the chairlift at night are spectacular. All the day’s activities are capped off with a fireworks extravaganza.

Go by train

A most convenient way to travel to the Show is by train. From Flinders St Station, passing Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne, the Melbourne Showgrounds in just about 13 minutes away.

Trains leave Flinders St every 10 minutes from 8.30am and the last train departs the showgrounds at 10pm except on the first and last Show days when an earlier departure time is scheduled.

The Royal Melbourne Show is open daily from 9.30am from September 17 to 27. More information at royalshow.com.au.

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Photo: Balloons at the Royal Melbourne Show © Tourism Victoria