Royal Shows

Royal Shows

April, July, August, September, October

More than 500 agricultural shows are held in Australia each year, but the annual Royal Shows, held in each of the state capitals, are famous for their outstanding livestock, agricultural, and industrial exhibits as well as their competitive events. More than four and one-half million people visit the Royals each year.
The Royal Queensland Show, noted for its unusual display of tropical plants and flowers from all over the state of Queensland, is held in August. The Hobart Royal Show is held in mid-October. The Royal Melbourne Show, the Royal Adelaide Show, and the Perth Royal Show are held in September. The Royal Easter Show, held at Sydney's 71-acre show grounds in early to mid-April, is the most popular of the country's Royal Shows. All of the Royals feature attractions such as sheepdog trials, wood chopping, and tree-felling contests, and the uniquely Australian camp drafts—an unusual rodeo event in which cattle are driven over a course that tests both horse and rider.
Other agricultural shows include Alice Springs Show, Tennant Creek Show, Katherine Show, and Darwin Show —all observed in the Northern Territory during the month of July.

CONTACTS:
Australian Tourist Commission
2049 Century Park E., Ste. 1920
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-229-4870; fax: 310-552-1215
www.australia.com

SOURCES:
DictDays-1988, p. 56