1. The competitions – The show is your opportunity to watch competitions that you’ll see nowhere else in the city. Woodchopping, bull riding, competitive sawing are just some of the unique sports on show.
2. The music – Some of Australia’s hottest musos will be appearing at the show. See Ricki-Lee, The Potbelleez, Kate Miller-Heidke and Angie Hart in The VB Shed.
3. The animals – Sydneysiders don’t often get to see farm animals, and little kids always love the chance to pat these gentle creatures. For something really different make sure you see the Pied Piper Duck show, with a duck fashion parade and duck racing!
4. The art – The Sydney Royal Arts Show brings together beautiful artworks including sculptures, pottery, silverwork, beading, and more traditional forms. If these works inspire you, sign up for one of the show’s art classes.
5. The freaks – It may not be politically correct, but there’s not really many other ways to describe some of the show’s bizarre characters. There’s the sword-swallowing Space Cowboy, strong woman Betty Brawn, Ruby Rubberlegs the contortionist and heaps more.
6. The kids shows – Little ones can see all their favourite characters at the show, including Barbie, Dora the Explorer, Postman Pat and Bananas in Pyjamas. Children gets extra value on Kids Day (April 2). On this final day of the show kids can go to the show for just $10 and enjoy two-for-one rides!
7. The food – Check out the Woolworth Fresh Food Dome for some tasty treats. You can indulge yourself at the taste stations on the Food Lovers’ Walk, or learn how to create your own gourmet masterpieces with cooking demonstrations by The Woman’s Weekly’s Lyndey Milan.
8. The rides – These are always the show’s biggest drawcard. There are old favourites like the dodgem cars and the ferris wheel, but the adrenalin junkies will probably prefer the 24 metre high Sky Walker and the seriously fast Speed.
9. The shopping – Bargain hunters and style gurus will love to shop at the show. You’ll find the hottest new looks at the Fashion and Style Pavilion, treasures from around the globe at World Bazaar, and unique homewares at the Craft Corner.
10. The showbags – These are always a big hit with showgoers of all ages. Kids will love bags with their favourite characters like Elmo, Bob the Builder, and Hi-5. Magazine showbags are popular with big kids. My pick is the New Woman bag which comes with a funky tote bag and fuzzy slippers.

Date: Thursday 20 March to Wednesday 2 April
Time: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Location: Sydney Showground
Address: Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
Public transport: Catch a train to Sydney Olympic Park. ShowLink tickets, which include entry to the show and public transport, are available from Australia Post outlets, train stations, ShowLink buses, and at the show
Parking: Parking is available at Sydney Olympic Park in the P1, P3, P4, and P5 Pod A car parks
Cost: $32 for adults, $25.50 for concession holders, $21.50 for children and the disabled, and free for children under 3
Website: http://www.eastershow.com/

Image source: Christopher Chan @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler