Showtime is as much a part of Australian country life as beaches and barbecues are for those of us who live on the coast. Almost every small town has its local show, and the large ones which are held in our capital cities are visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. In comparison to these huge and glitzy events, country shows have their own special magic. Without the crowds, innumerable rides, fancy fireworks and overwhelming noise, these events are a 'true blue' celebration of the best of Australian country life: life on the land and strong community ties.
Country shows are lots of fun and much better value than their big city brethren.
Image is from the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd website.
The history of agricultural shows in New South Wales can be traced back to the very early years of colonial settlement. The Agricultural Society of New South Wales was first formed in 1822 by a group of the colony's leading citizens, and while it temporarily lapsed in 1836 due to the pressures of drought and economic woes, it reformed in 1857. Initially known as Exhibitions, shows were held regularly by the Agricultural Society, firstly in Parramatta before moving to Prince Alfred Park in 1868 and Moore Park in 1881, where it was held for the next 115 years before being moved to its current venue in the Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay.
Over the years, as the colonial settlement expanded, so too did the influence of the Royal Agricultural Society and regional shows became regular and greatly anticipated local events. These days, country shows can be found in all parts of New South Wales, from the peripherals of Sydney to large regional centres and small outback hamlets. Regardless of their size, each has its own distinct ambience, and there's invariably much to see and do to keep the whole family happy for a day or more.
Image is from the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd website.
Image is from the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd website.
With the arrival of cooler weather, the 2013 show season is now well under way. The following is a list of the many country shows which will be held throughout the rest of the year. For a fun, affordable and informative weekend away from the city, you really can't beat a visit to a rural show. Load your family into the car, leave the rat-race behind you and discover the pleasures of Australian country life. You may never want to return.
For more information about agricultural shows in New South Wales, go to the
Agricultural Societies Council of New South Wales website.
Image is from the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd website.
: Camden Show; Dunedoo Show; Gloucester Show; Lithgow Show; Muswellbrook Show
16 March 2013: Bombala Show; Tumbarumba Show
16 - 17 March 2013: Taralga Show; Yass Show
23 March 2013: Batlow Show
24 March 2013: Jingellic Show
1 April 2013: Jerrawa Show
5 - 6 April 2013: Stroud Show; Wauchope Show
7 April 2013: Mendooran Show
9 - 10 April 2013: Kempsey Show
12 - 13 April 2013: Macksville - Nambucca River Show; Bonalbo Show
12 - 14 April 2013: Gunnedah Show; Bathurst Show
13 April 2013: Brewarrina Show
14 April 2013: Woodenbong Show
16 - 17 April 2013: Maclean Show
19 - 20 April 2013: Grafton Show; Moree Show
20 April 2013: Bourke Show
20 - 21 April 2013: Orange Show
19 - 21 April 2013: Hawkesbury Show
23 April 2013: Yeoval Show
26 - 27 April 2013: Cobar Show
27 April 2013: Wellington Show
26 - 28 April 2013: Coffs Harbour Show; Narrabri Show
28 - 29 April 2013: Nyngan Show
30 April - 1 May 2013: Gilgandra Show
3 - 5 May 2013: Dubbo Show
4 - 5 May 2013: Bellinger River Show; Gosford Regional Show
7 - 8 May 2013: Coonamble Show
9 - 11 May 2013: Warialda Show
11 May 2013: Gulargambone Show
11 - 12 May 2013: Walgett Show
17 - 19 May 2013: Wee Waa Show
18 May 2013: Warren Show
18 - 19 May 2013: St Ives & Northern Suburbs Show
25 - 26 May 2013: Bingara Show
Spring Shows
9 - 10 August 2013: Tullamore Show
10 - 11 August 2013: Mungindi Show
13 - 14 August 2013: Trundle Show
17 August 2013: Bedgerabong Show
18 August 2013: Weethalle Show
20 - 21 August 2013: Peak Hill Show
23 - 24 August 2013: Condobolin Show
24 August 2013: Ganmain Show
24 - 25 August 2013: Penrith Show; Wentworth Show
26 - 28 August 2013: Parkes Show
30 - 31 August 2013: Narromine Agricultural Show; Grenfell Show
30 August - 1 September 2013: Campbelltown Show
31 August 2013: Lake Cargelligo Show; Barellan Show
1 September 2013: Finley Show; Woodstock Show
3 - 4 September 2013: West Wyalong Show
5 - 7 September 2013: Forbes Show
6 - 7 September 2013: Murrumburrah Show
7 September 2013: Narrandera Show; Manildra Show; Ungarie Show
7 - 8 September 2013: Barmedman Show
8 September 2013: Ariah Park Show
10 - 11 September 2013: Cowra Show
13 - 14 September 2013: Eugowra Show
14 - 15 September 2013: Bulli Show; Hay Show; Quirindi Show
15 September 2013: Cudal Show
21 September 2013: Ardlethan Show
21 - 22 September 2013: Nimbin Show; Merriwa Show
22 September 2013: Molong Show; Lockhart Show
22 - 24 September 2013: Young Show
27 - 28 September 2013: Kyogle Show; Singleton Show; Canowindra Show
28 September 2013: Temora Show; Hillston Show
3 - 4 October 2013: Wagga Wagga Show
5 October 2013: Culcairn Show; Bribbaree Show
6 October 2013: Berrigan Show
6 - 7 October 2013: Griffith Show
7 October 2013: Morongla Show; Walbundrie Show
11 - 12 October 2013: Leeton Show
11 - 13 October 2013: Taree & Manning River Show
12 October 2013: Illabo Show; Casino Show; Trunkey Creek Show
12 - 13 October 2013: Picton Show
13 October 2013: Corowa Show
14 October 2013: Norfolk Island Show
17 - 19 October 2013: Lismore Show
18 - 19 October 2013: Barham Show
19 October 2013: Cootamundra Show; The Rock Show; Tooraweenah Show
25 - 26 October 2013: Alstonville Show
26 October 2013: Carcoar Show; Junee Show
1 - 2 November 2013: Murwillumbah Show
1 - 3 November 2013: Albury Show
2 - 3 November 2013: French's Forest Show
8 - 9 November 2013: Dungog Show
9 November 2013: Holbrook Show; Neville Show
9 - 10 November 2013: Queanbeyan Show; Mullumbimby Show; Minto Show
15 - 16 November 2013: Bangalow Show; Bulahdelah Show
23 - 24 November 2013: Dorrigo & Guy Fawkes
