It’s showtime in Sydney! My family and I hopped on the 6am flight from the Gold Coast and headed straight to Olympic Park for a full day—and night—at the Royal Easter Show, finally getting to see firsthand the incredible work of Shane McGrath and his team.
Darts, Laughter and Fun
Our adventure began with a few rounds of dart throwing on Chant’s Amusements darts. The clever, funny banter from their team had us laughing from the start—it was the perfect way to kick off the day, along with some corn on the cob and cheese on a stick!
The Agricultural Heart of the Show
Next, we wandered through the farm animals and agricultural precincts. This part of the Show never fails to impress. It’s an amazing opportunity for children—and adults—to understand where food comes from, the work that farmers do, and why agriculture is such a vital part of our lives. Truly fascinating, educational, and inspiring!
Sideshow Alley VIP Experience
Then it was time for Sideshow Alley, where we were treated like VIPs by some amazing AALARA Members: Penny & Jamie Pickett, Broderick & Susan Pavier, and Glen & Sarah Blades. What a ball we had! Every ride, game and attraction was a highlight—and it was made even more special thanks to the warmth and generosity of our industry friends.
Rest and Evening Entertainment
After stopping by Phil Durkin’s lot, the early start and jam-packed day had my kids literally collapsing in the shade of Phil’s awning—well-earned rest for our little show-goers! A quick break at the hotel, a change into night clothes, and we were back for the night-time show, which was nothing short of spectacular.
A huge thank you to Shane for sharing with us the magic and scale of the Royal Sydney Show. Experiencing the Show with my family, seeing the passion and dedication of so many incredible industry professionals, and understanding the breadth of this iconic event was unforgettable.
It’s days like these that remind me why our industry is so special—full of energy, innovation, and a real sense of community.
