Moo!
Egg judging
I was looking forward our visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show with great anticipation. The last time I went was when I purchased a Wonder Woman showbag which gives you an indication of just how many years ago that was. I remember the showbag clearly and the headband, name tag, bracelet and other assorted goodies that made me my own pint sized version of Wonder Woman. This was of course when it was still housed at Moore Park. I haven’t been since it moved to Olympic Park.
Although I love traveling by the comfort of car, venturing out there by train is easy and it’s fairly straightforward and relatively quick. Before long we’re standing in front of this enormous swell of people and contemplating our first move like seasoned chess players. Volunteers are handing out copies of maps with some vouchers on the back so we make sure to get one of those so that we can get our bearings. Food of course is priority, but then again so is the many other things that I’ve scheduled courtesy of the show planner on the Easter Show website. Sure some of the things are lower on the priority list (chook washing I could probably give a miss) but some things are too iconic (woodchopping and the ingestion of Dagwood Dogs) or too adorable (the many farm animals) to miss.
Wood chopping
Our first stop is the Woolworths Fresh Food dome. It’s huge, about the size of the Good Food and Wine Show and full of exhibitors peddling their goods. Samples are a little rarer than at other events but most things are available for purchase and most things are discounted from the retail price.
The Chili Factory’s range of chili from mild to frighteningly scary
We try some ferociously hot chili – if you dare, try the 10 out of 10 heat one although a word of warning, try it very sparingly!
My Little Cupcake’s stand
Oysters near the Champagne and Oyster bar
We spy the truly impressive fruit displays towards the back, the fish in particular is fantastic and when we look closely we see that the open book display is actually made of glued seeds.
Sydney Royal Deli: prize winning goods available for purchase
The Best in Show pack at the Sydney Royal Deli is $40 and has me oohing and aahing over the display. For $40 we can get a pack of the show’s award winning produce including Tender Value Moroccan Lamb sausages,Small Cow Farm Fetta, Montana Smoked Salmon Dip (absolutely delicious), Kaczonowski Fresh Sliced Leg Ham, Brasserie Bread’s Pane Croccante, Mick’s Bakehouse Pies (a chicken and a beef one), Pasta Italia Fresh pasta and Country Valley yogurt. We can’t resist and as they sell out of the packs quickly we buy one and they stow it away for us to collect when we’re done for the day.
Love the cow imprint on the feta
The Royal Deli $40 pack
Tasting demonstration
Several times during the day, there is a tasting theatre which feature different types of food or wine being demonstrated along with a tasting for the whole audience. It’s good to rest the feet and who doesn’t like a free tasting so we settle in for the first of the day. It’s 5 minutes til it starts and there are still some places so we take a seat.The chef is an amiable fellow who loves to carry a tune and he is here to demonstrate Dairy Farmers.
Samples of the beetroot dip
He shows us how to make a mango lassi and some girls come out with samples trays of the lassi and then he makes a delicious beetroot yogurt dip which is very low fat and good for you which I will definitely try to make. I then get a sample bottle of the smoothie which is good and gives away a prize – an old fashioned Dairy Farmers Milk Bottle which I covet so much I go straight to purchasing one after the demo.
Next door there is a Kitchen demonstration area where Lyndy Milan shows how to cook various items throughout the day.
And we come across one of the most popular food stands of the show, the Dairy Farmers $1 toasted cheese sandwich. It seems everyone at the show wants to try the $1 cheese sandwich so we get in line and queue. It’s not bad although it could do with some more butter on the outside as that’s how I like my toasted sandwiches but for $1 who is arguing?
Dipping inside the Stuff on a stick stand
Hot Dog on a Stick $4
We venture on out in search of more entertainment and on the way we spy the carnival food of yesteryear. I remember Dagwood Dogs or Pluto Pups clearly. They used to be the only things you could buy there along with hot chips. My how times have changed. There’s food from all over the world now including German Sausages, Sushi, American ribs, Berries, Thai and Indian although it must be said that the Dagwood Dogs are omnipresent and still reign supreme. And who am I to argue? I get in one line and receive one but it’s more a Pluto Pup than a Dagwood Dog which I prefer.
So of course I go to the Rainbow Fritter Hut stand and order the item that I’m craving more than ever now, the Dagwood Dog. It’s a frankfurter sausage dipped in batter on a stick with tomato sauce. Sounds terrible for you doesn’t it and it probably is but I’m instantly transported back into time when I was half my height and wearing a cardboard Wonder Woman headband wandering the show in my embroidered blue dress. And I should warn you that there’s no elegant way of eating these, they will make a porn star out of you.
And because deep fried seems to be the theme for carnie food, one stand even offers up Deep Fried Cheesecake-we didn’t try this though.
“Don’t call me Mandy, my name is Amanda Vanstone!”
Our next stop is the bird section which features a stand for the Pigeon Fanciers Association (?!). We assume that this would be a fairly repetitive exhibit with it’s many, many varieties of birds but once we look closer into the cages we see some truly amazing looking birds and spend some time in there excitedly peering into the cages to see what exotic and unusual looking birds they have. I have a rather strange habit of seeing famous human faces in animals which drives me husband mad but tell me that the birds above don’t look like their names!
This bird looks so couture so I called her “Anna Wintour”
I shall call you “Newman!”
Click on the image to read the rather unfortunate X rated sign for this bird
We also see the Alpacas, one of the animals I am completely besotted by as they look so unreal to me (and tell me they don’t look like Prince!) as well as the Dairy Farmers Farmyard Nursery where goats and sheep wander around the kids who eagerly pet them.
Our next stop is the Wood Chopping, a big draw card and a iconic vision of the Easter Show. We’re lucky, we’re just in time for some finals and the first international competition. In this ampitheatre setting it’s the Australian version of bull fighting with singleted men and women wielding axes and saws and making mincemeat out of large trunks of wood.
Another show which was surprisingly fun to watch was the Sheep Dog display which for a certified city girl like myself, was a real surprise at how they train dogs to rally sheep with the dogs climbing all over the sheep to get them to follow a particular path.
Sheep shearing
Racing and diving pigs
The show that had people queuing like a Space Mountain ride was the Racing and Diving Pigs. Indeed, the seating is relatively limited for the demand and an hour before the show, people are already queuing. We arrive half an hour before the show and the stands are full and there are crowds 3-4 people deep around the outside trying to peer through the blue mesh to catch a glimpse of the pigs doing their show (why they don’t remove the blue mesh we don’t know). The show itself is relatively short, about 10-15 minutes where four pigs race around twice and two pigs jump off a stand into a pool and whilst the diving pigs are cute, they probably don’t warrant the wait. Luckily we catch part of the Psycho Sideshow which is definitely worth watching and is only one twice a day at 3pm and 5pm.
The band playing in the Graze area
Seafood paella $15 from the Matador stand
At 6pm we’re getting a bit peckish and so we make haste for the Graze area where the International food is housed. There’s a range of Spanish, Thai, Indian, Seafood and Wine as well as a cafe. I have my eye on the Seafood paella from the Matador stand which at $15 is a relative steal and we order this. It’s actually quite tasty indeed with prawns, squid, chorizo and chicken and a rich yellow shade although I have to say that their “Ladies Plate” offering was quite poor and misleading and the attendents were very disorganised and reluctant to give people cutlery only giving knives to many.
Next the Showbag pavilion was calling. The only problem is that I’ve sworn off lollies and sweets except under exceptional circumstances so all the lolly bags go unbought. I do procure myself a “A little luxury” bag which for $5 can’t really be beat. When buying the showbags you can often get bonuses from printing off the pages from the website so check ahead to see whether they offer these bonuses.
We also see the fruitcakes and cakes which are hotly contested each year with some specimens looking lovely and luscious. How they judge these is beyond me though.
The Haunted Mansion ride
The “Buried Alive” ride
I always love to save the rides for last – at nighttime so that the lights take full effect and after downing another Pluto Pup (yes between the two of us we had three of these) we contemplate the rides. Rides start at about 6-7 coupons (1 coupon equals 1 dollar) but you can get discounts if buying 100 coupons by printing off a coupon here. The one that fascinates me the most is the “Buried Alive” ride where you can lie in a coffin and they simulate being buried alive i.e. being put in a coffin, driven to a cemetery and then winched down into a grave with dirt showering you. Sounds morose? Yes thankyou! At 10 coupons which equals $10 for the 4 minute experience it isn’t cheap but it’s fun for a ghoul like me.
Me in the coffin second from right
You can also watch everyone in their coffin on the TVs outside. I collect my “Certificate of Death” and wish that I had the budget to hire the shaking coffins for my Halloween party.
My Certificate of Death
And on that rather fabulous note, on a ghoulish high and after spending 10 hours at the show, the clock strikes 8pm and we go to pick up our cooler of produce and head off home with our tummies full of a mix of carnival food and fine food. And I still have a craving for a Dagwood Dog – is that wrong?
Buzz Me honey energy drink: just what we need for the ride home
Sydney Royal Easter Show
From April 9th-22nd April
Showground Road, Olympic Park, NSW
http://www.eastershow.com.au/
Another unusual bird
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42 Comments | Add your own
I love your pigeon names!
Wow.
That looks like SO much fun.
I want to go someday!
aww it’s been YEARS since I’ve been – probably in year 9 – which was 1997! The smaller shows are nothing like the Easter show
I love a good show – it makes me feel young again. Looks like you had a fab time – good move on skipping the deep fried cheesecake!
oh! i love the show. am feeling horribly upset at not being able to go this year (the cows! the decorated cakes!) so am very glad i got to go vicariously through this post
What a marathon day NQN, like you I love Dagwood dogs and the fresh lemonade. Was the taste as good as you remembered it to be?
HAHA! Anna Wintour is the best! She looks like she is going “I disapprove of your taste in clothes. Hmph!”
I wasn’t going to go but ur pics have convinced me otherwise. I talked the bf into going this weekend-Thnx!! =)
i’m sorry but having a fear of pigeons, it was the first time i nearly gag while perusing your blog!
Oh you’re actually making me sad I haven’t gone to the show this year. It’s usually such a drag because I take the kids, but maybe now they’re older it could be more fun. Perhaps next year if I’m feeling VERY RICH.
You did well to have enough energy to stay day and night. The deli pack sounds good and it’s great that they keep it cool for you.
That looks like so much fun! The animals are adorable and the food looks fantastic.
Looks awesome! I’m definitely going now!
This looks like so much fun! I LOVE cheese on a stick.
wow the cake display is so cool. i’d love to be one of the taste test judges at the Easter Show. that would be one of my food blogging life goals. it’s great to see they have foodie events. i’ve never been to the homebush Easter Show.
s
looks like a whole lof of fun!! I wish that had stuff like this here…bet you had a great time!
My favorite part of the Easter Show last year was definitely that huge food depot where I chatted with the sample-givers so they wouldn’t realize I took seconds…
Second favorite was definitely all those fancy pigeons.
Thanks for the tips – we are off to the show on Thursday. I always love the District Displays.
That is a particularly lovely picture of the ferris wheel…
I’m so enjoying the Easter Show again! I went yesterday and saw cats and dogs and alpacas, but you packed in so much more – must be an age thing, the older I get the slower I am…
What a wonderful post! Thank you. I grew up in Sydney but haven’t been to the show in the new location…. and now I have two sons of my own to take. Maybe next year.
Re: lassi!!!! Oh please … how to make a really nice lassi .. mango, rose, lychee … don’t care. My local Indian takeaway has them in slushee machines! BLISS!!!
And … what to do with a surfeit of bananas?
Wow, what entertainment! It looks as you had a great time enjoying the food & the animals & of course the eating!!
Great atmosphere too!!
Great review darling! Thanks for the coupon link too – we’re heading there on Sunday.
Definitely going to get a dagwood! Yum!
That looked like fun!
OOhhh so hunngrryy… mmmmm now I want to eat everything in deep fried form!! Should’ve tried the cheescakey hee hee
LOL at Newman!
that chili factory is AMAZING! I’ll be like a kid in a candy store in that place, because I LOVE my spice! you always seem to really know how to enjoy yourself, oh entertainment master!
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe they do all this for an Easter Show. Wow! We have large events like this in the States, but often they are State Fairs (or something to that degree) and typically held in the months of August when it’s blazing hot.
Great photos!
I like that little cupcake stand! Even as a Texan, I don’t know if I could take chili that hot!
moooo. this looks like a tremendously fun time. any time tasting sessions are involved, i’m an eager beaver. and corn dogs with mustard rule.
When the show comes to town, everyone turns up. I especially love all the food too, but it seems you guy there in Sydney get spoilt! I dont remember getting such gourmet fare here in Melbourne, maybe they need to step their game up.
One more thing, I’m a real chilli fiend, I LOVE anything hot and spicy, one year I thought I would try the chilli at the chilli factory, I went for the dragons blood, yep…the hottest one. I took a spoonful and put it on a cracker. I popped it in my mouth and nothing, no heat no nothing, I was very disappointed. I walked away only to find that 10 seconds later it hit me! I was doubled over in pain, tears shooting out my eyes and snot dripping down my nose! It was not NICE!
I feel like this post was for, after continually asking what the Easter show was, haha!
Swallow, any variety, c—.
LMAO! Poor fella!
That place looks utterally amazing!
But as for terribly bad food that are wonderfully delicious, you should try a deep fried mars (chocolate) bar.
Man, they are fantastic!
I went there years ago when I’m still a uni student and it was not as exciting as what your photos taken. Seem the organisers are taking a great leap to add more excitements and provide more great produces.
Hi Y -hehe thanks!
Hi Dina -It was! I didn’t know what to expect after so many years!
Hi Fiona-I know, me too! It was even longer for me!
Hi Cakelaw-Me too, it really brought back some lovely memories. Haha yes it didn’t look too appealing in the display!
Hi shez-Aww no
Maybe next year! You’re welcome 
Hi Teena-It was indeed but the time flew by. Yep just as good as I remembered (or bad, however you want to put it
)
Hi Steph-Hehe she has that look doesn’t she! I think she is wearing Valentino feathers
Hi Aubrey-Oh cool! Have a wonderful time and you’re welcome!
Hi r -Oh really? I haven’t heard of that fear before!
Hi SydneyGal-Yes they might ask for less showbags (perhaps!). hehe yes the rides and showbags can really add up! For us we spent a lot on the food of course
Hi Arwen-The time flew very quickly which was great! Yeah I think they got a lot of people wanting one but not wanting to carry it around all day
Hi anna-Thanks! Yep it was indeed
Hi Brianna-Fantastic! Have fun
Hi Sara -I missed the cheese on a stick, I should have tried it instead of the hot dog!
Hi Simon-Yes that would be very cool but I bet it’s very competitive! You should definitely go, it’s lots of fun
Hi Alexandra- It was indeed
We had a fantastic time!
Hi Brittany -haha good strategy!
Yeah I was surprised about the birds-there were so many unusual ones!
Hi Suzie-Oh very cool-you’re welcome! Have fun!
Hi little red hen-Thanks! The rides look fantastic at night.
Hi belle-Oh no, I think we’re probably around the same age! I think it’s just been so long and my husband hasn’t ever been so we were like kids there for the first time
Hi Carol-Thankyou! Sounds like a great idea!
Wow, in a slushe machine? 
they must go through a lot. Are they icey at all?
Hi Sophie-Thanks! It was so much fun!
Hi Christie-Fantastic, you’ll have a ball I bet! Some things you just have to have I think
Hi Bethie-Thanks, it was!
Hi FFichiban-It was a bit like that, there’s the smell of deep frying in the air. Hmm hubby refused to share it with me
Hi Belinda-Hehe he was the first thing I thought of!
Hi Sophia-It was like a culinary ride! We try, I love things like that!
Hi Sandie-I know, it’s such a big thing here. I’ve seen some great photos of your fairs and they do look awesome! Thanks!
Hi Blond Duck-Cute isn’t it! Oh really, no?
Hi grace-Yup tasting is always going to be a hit with me
They were only giving tomato sauce with ours! 
Hi Maria-it seemed that way!
Is it a different show in Melbourne? there’s definitely a lot of nice gourmet food now which is great. Eek! yes I’m picturing a teaspoonful of it on a cracker. I had a tiny dot and it was so hot-you poor thing! 
Hi Artemis-Haha yes I know, trust my husband to notice that one!
You know I’ve never tried one, I feel like I’m really missing out!
I feel like this post was for, after continually asking what the Easter show was, haha!
Hi Lilia-I think they are really making a big effort as there were so many things to do although I can’t compare it to a few yeaers ago as I haven’t been for so long!
We loved the show but really upset about the burried alive ride we found it highly over rated and expencive and … simply crap!! Great day becides that tho
Hi Rainbow-I did try and warn you that it was expensive and only 4 minutes worth!
Glad you enjoyed the rest of it though!
Very good review!…I’ve never been to Australia but I want to visit there for at least a week of vacation.
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