The crowd can be 20 deep in places, so get there early. Transport into and out of the area is for some hours before and after the evening parade is impossible. The Royal Easter Show is held at its new home adjoining the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games complex at Homebush Bay from March 26 to April 10. Open from about 9am to 11pm daily, the 'Show' is Australia's biggest agricultural exhibition. It attracts thousands of livestock and produce exhibitors for whom a championships ribbon means real recognition.
Exhibits run the gamut from prize canaries to massive beef cattle, honeycomb to giant pumpkins.
Events from chariot races to the grand march-past of champions are held in the main arena. There are amusement rides, sideshow entertainment and a wide choice of food outlets. It is Sydney's biggest family entertainment event of the year, and a fascinating insight into Australia's massive rural economy. Remember, Australia has cattle properties bigger than Texas, and some sheep stations measured in the hundreds of thousands of square miles. A highlight for many visiting sheep and cattle ranchers are the sheep and cattle dog trials.