Royal Melbourne Show 2012

The Show's in town! And there's something for absolutely everyone

First published on 22 Aug 2012. Updated on 31 Jan 2013.

This event has finished

The Royal Melbourne Show is massive. There’s so much to see and do here, you could go to every one of the 11 days the show is on and still not get through everything. There are rides, animals, food, celebrities, crafts, live music… We’d be here all day listing everything worth checking out so here’s a highlights reel for you.

As always, there are a ton of rides to get your adrenaline – and lunch – pumping. This year’s rides are divided into three sections: kids, family and thrill seekers. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling you can safely watch the kids enjoy the Circus Train and merry-go-rounds or be flung 40 metres high at 100km/h on Freestyle (and cop the usual brain bashing that accompanies the high-flying, upside down, inside out selection of extreme carni rides).

All you foodies have plenty to look forward to here with plenty of celebrity chef appearances and enough delicacies to fill up on that you may be swayed to give the cha-cha a miss. Don’t miss the My Kitchen Rules Contestant Cook-Off which promises an exciting, high-pressure comp and a chance to meet the contestants. Be sure to check out the Tastes of Victoria Pavilion, Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion and the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Deli to sample the best local food, wine and beer on offer and chat to some of our leading chefs. There are also plenty of arts and craft workshops to accompany the wine and cheese tasting including a chance to learn how to Yarn Bomb sew like mad with ThreadDen.

Animals have always been a main feature of the Show and this year is no exception. There are animal competitions, animal showcases, animal petting, animal everything! Highlights include an extensive cattle and livestock showcase, a huge dog competition, horse riding comps and, of course, all the softest, cutest balls of fluff you could ever hope to squish.

There are a bunch of awesome live events on offer too. Bob Valentine is here with his band and award winning country act Jetty Road is putting on a bunch of shows. You can also meet X-Factor contestants Reece Mastin and Johnny Ruffo throughout the day. For some more adrenaline soaked action, a team of precision drivers and moto-cross riders are showcasing their insane stunts. Then, as the night wears on and you’re keen for a sit, enjoy the trademark fireworks displays that are lighting up the sky each night.