Let’s face it, a day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show can get expensive once you add up entry tickets, rides, food and showbags. The good news is that with a little planning you can still enjoy a fantastic day at the show without blowing your family budget. Here are some simple ways to save money at the Sydney Royal Easter Show which runs from Thursday 2 April to Monday 13 April 2026.
Planning your visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show? See our complete Sydney Royal Easter Show Guide for ticket information, transport tips and the best things to see and do.
Buy Early Bird tickets
One of the easiest ways to save money is to purchase Early Bird tickets. These discounted tickets are usually released months before the show begins and can save several dollars per person. The discount price is only available until 1 April 11:59pm.
Choose a cheaper day to attend
If you miss the Early Bird tickets, consider visiting on one of the special value days.
Kids Day is traditionally one of the most affordable days for families. It runs on Monday 13 April 2026. Children receive discounted entry and there are often 2-for-1 carnival ride offers until 4pm, which can make a big difference if your kids are keen on rides.
Another option is to buy After 4pm tickets, which allow entry after 4pm at a reduced price. You’ll still have several hours to explore the showgrounds and can stay for the evening entertainment and fireworks.
Use public transport instead of driving
Parking at Sydney Olympic Park can be expensive and car parks fill quickly during the Easter Show.
The good news is that Sydney Royal Easter Show tickets include same-day return travel on public transport between Thursday 2 April and Monday 13 April. Simply show your Easter Show ticket to transport staff when boarding. Just remember not to tap your Opal card, otherwise you will be charged as normal.
Bring your own food and drinks
Food is one of the highlights of the Easter Show. After all, it wouldn’t be the show without a chip on a stick, a CWA scone, a toffee apple or some fairy floss.
But buying food throughout the day can add up quickly. Families are allowed to bring their own snacks, sandwiches and refillable water bottles, which can help reduce spending.
One tip is to eat a good meal before arriving at the show and then treat yourself to a few iconic show snacks rather than buying every meal there.
If you’re looking for a cheap bite to eat, the Big Bush BBQ sausage sizzle is a great option. The classic $5 sausage sandwich is not only affordable but also supports regional communities.
Bring refillable water bottles
Instead of purchasing bottled water throughout the day, bring refillable bottles.
There are free water stations around the showgrounds, making it easy to refill and stay hydrated without spending extra money.
Enjoy the free attractions
While the carnival rides are exciting, many of the best experiences at the Easter Show are included in your entry ticket.
Families can spend hours exploring the Farmyard Nursery, livestock pavilions and District Exhibits, watching the woodchopping competitions or enjoying kids’ entertainment.
If you stay into the evening, the arena entertainment and fireworks finale are also included with your ticket. Many families find that the evening shows and fireworks are the highlight of the entire visit.
Be strategic with carnival rides
If your kids are keen on rides, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. You can purchase ride credits individually rather than committing to a large credit package. That way you only pay for the rides you actually use.
Read our Sydney Royal Easter Show Rides Guide which explains how the Carnival Fun Pass works and which rides are best for different ages.
If you do load extra credits onto your Carnival Fun Pass, you can apply for a refund for unused credits after the show finishes. Refund applications must be made within the specified time period and include a small processing fee.
Another good way to save on rides is to visit on Kids’ Day, when 2-for-1 ride promotions are often available until 4pm.
You can also visit on 2 April 2026 and purchase an Unlimited Ride Wristband for only $45. It’s valid for use between 10am – 2pm, Thursday 2 April only. This offer is only available to the first 6,000 people. Wristbands can be purchased only on 2 April 2026 from booths at the Gong cha Carnival and Sushi Hub Kids Carnival and are not available to purchase online.
Arrive early for shorter ride queues
Many families head straight to the carnival rides as soon as they arrive, but the best time to go on rides is often early in the morning before the crowds build.
If you arrive when the show opens, you can often go on several rides quickly without needing to buy a large number of ride credits because you’re not tempted to keep topping up while waiting in long lines. Later in the afternoon and evening, ride queues can stretch well over 30 minutes.
Set a showbag budget
Showbags are another area where spending can quickly get out of control. With hundreds of showbags available, it’s easy for kids to keep spotting new ones they want.
Before heading to the showbag pavilion, decide on a clear showbag budget for each child. You can also browse the showbag list online beforehand so kids know exactly what they want.
Showbags start from around $5, so there are options for every budget, and this year there are 80 options for showbags $10 and under.
Buy showbags last
A simple trick many regular visitors use is to leave showbag shopping until the end of the day. If kids buy showbags early, they often spot more things they want later and ask for additional bags. Waiting until you’re ready to leave helps avoid impulse purchases and stops kids carrying bags around all day.
Some parents even encourage kids to choose just one or two favourites after walking through the pavilion first.
Final tip
The best way to save money at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is simply to plan ahead. Decide which rides, showbags and attractions are most important to your family and build your day around those experiences.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy one of Sydney’s biggest family events without the price tag becoming the main memory of the day.
Plan Your Sydney Royal Easter Show Visit
If you’re planning a day at the show, these guides can help:
• Sydney Royal Easter Show Guide – tickets, transport and planning tips
• Best Things to Do at the Sydney Royal Easter Show – must-see attractions
• Sydney Royal Easter Show Rides Guide – rides and Carnival Fun Pass explained
• Best Showbags at the Sydney Royal Easter Show – popular showbags for kids