Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2001 (Part II)

This is part two in our Royal Easter Show Flashback, focusing on 2001. Last week, I posted admission prices, transport arrangement and showbag advertisements.

This week, I share several newspaper clippings focusing on the Easter Show itself. 

Opening Day - Friday April 6

Source: Banham, C. 2001. "Show's opening brings out all creatures small and great". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 7: 1. 

By 5 pm, 25,886 had attended the first day of the show, which was just over half of the previous year's opening-day attendance. In 2001, the Easter Show began one week before the start of the school holidays, whereas the previous year, the first day of the show coincided with the last day of Term 1 for school students. 

In the main arena, crowds were entertained by Bluey, "the helicopter who thinks he's a sheep dog". There would be lunchtime and evening performances.

25 years later, we have Bluey the sheep dog who has his own TV show and is loved by kids around the world, and yes, you can even get a Bluey Showbag.

The Sun Herald captured the first day of the opening weekend in a full-page feature on April 8 2001.

Source: Smyth, T. 2001."Hardly a no-Show". The Sun Herald, April 8: 9.

Official Opening - Wednesday April 11

The 2001 Royal Easter Show was officially opened by Governor General Sir William Deane and was followed by the first Grand Parade, where 1000 of the finest livestock were paraded in the Main Arena

Good Friday - April 13

Traditionally, it's the busiest day of the show. 140,000 made the trek on the first day of the Easter Long Weekend, and it was the busiest day for Sydney Olympic Park since the Olympic Games held several months earlier.

Ticket limits are in place for each day of the show in 2026, so we will not see crowds like this again on Good Friday. That is why tickets must be bought for a specific day. 

Source: Jackson, A. 2001. "Show stopper: 140,000 drop in to say howdy". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 14: 1.

Easter Saturday - April 14

Another bumper crowd through the turnstiles

Source: Smyth, T. 2001. "A once a year, 'only at the Show' time". The Sun Herald, April 15: 9. 

On April 20, The Sydney Morning Herald posted a photospread in its main news section, along with a summary of the show

Source: Dennis, A. 2001. "Thanks a million for coming folks, and it'll be even bigger next year". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 20: 8. 

• Around 1.05 million attended the Royal Easter Show in 2001
• 16500 animals were exhibited
• 149 000 Dagwood Dogs were sold
• 400 cups of coffee were sold
• 500 children were lost, then found

Planning had already begun for 2002. There were plans to expand it onto Olympic Boulevard (they followed through) and to improve parking accessibility for those who elected to drive. Concerns about pre-booked parking may have deterred some.

Related Entry

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2001 (Part I)

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2001 (Part I)

Next week marks the start of the annual Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park. The year of focus is 2000 and will be presented in two entries.

This week, I will focus on key facts and the showbags.

Date:         April 6-19, 2001

The Easter Show ran for 14 days (Down from 16 days in 2000) and it will run for 12 days in 2026. 

Theme: The Great Australian Muster

Admission

Show Only entry ticket prices increased by $3 for adults and $2 for children. This was also the first show where the GST (10%) had been charged, being introduced on July 1, 2000, and would have attributed for much of the increase.

Adults: - $20
Concesions (Tertiary Students and Pensioners) - $15.50

Children: - $11.50

Showlink tickets were also available and could be pre-purchased at train stations for use on any one day of the show, including show buses. Prices below were for the Sydney Suburban Area with higher prices for those in the outer metropolitan area.

Adults: - $25.50
Tertiary Students - $18.50

Children: - $14.50

In 2026, ticket options are broader, but at the time of preparing this entry general prices were not listed:

Only early bird prices are listed

Adults - $ 48.00 

Concession - $36 

Child - $29.50 

PWD - $29.50 

Tickets in 2026 include free return travel on public transport on the day of the visit, and the date of the visit must be pre-booked. In 2026, it has broken down ticket purchases further where you have to locate the date and the type of ticket you want given each day has multiple options.

Source: NSW Department of Transport. 2001. "The only way to go to the Royal Easter Show" (Advertisement). The Sun Herald Official Sydney Royal Easter Show Magazine, April 1: 8. 

Showbags

All showbag advertisements were sourced from "The Sun Herald Official Sydney Royal Easter Show Magazine" published on April 1, 2001.

In 2001, Showbags ranged from $2 to $18.50. A total of 260 showboats were on offer. In 2026, 418 showbags are on offer.

Coca Cola

A constant best seller at the time. The backpack also kept up with the trends.

Pepsi

Like Coca Cola, they offered the sling bag or body bag as they called it but for just $12.00.

2Day FM

Followed Coca Cola and Pepsi with their own bodybag or slingbag. It included two mugs, one for each of the Morning Crew members, Wendy Harmer and Peter Moon.

Triple M

They offered an "Extra Large" backpack for those who wanted a traditional backpack as opposed to the slingbag or bodybag on offer from its competitors. 

Nestle

Bertie Beetle Showbags were just $2. 2001 also marked the debut of the Wonka Showbag.

 

Bensons

The traditional (and best-selling) Cadbury Showbag was just $6. In 2026, still the same price but a victim of shrinkflation, i.e. focus on bite-sized bars as opposed to full-size.

Gag Magic

The showbag retailed for $8 in 2001. In 2026 it is $20 but you get $89.90 worth of goodies.

Extended Sampling

A Little Luxury was a bestseller in its time and sadly no longer is sold at the show. In 2026, Girlfriend and Men's Health Magazines are still in print, but no showbags on offer. 

Mega Showbags

New Concept

They sold Mars-branded showbags plus themed showbags from television shows and films.

Next week, I will post a selection of newspaper clippings from the 2001 Royal Easter Show.

1969: The Chairlift debuts at the Sydney Showgrounds

At the former Sydney Showgrounds site at Moore Park, those attending the Easter Show had the option of moving across the showgrounds by either Chairlift or gondola and not needing to worry about navigating through the hordes below. 

The chairlift was first used for the Royal Easter Show in 1969, and remained there until the final show at Moore Park in 1997.

It was also the first horizontal chairlift to be installed in Australia

 

Source: Anon. 1969. "Exciting "Lift" for Royal". The Sun, March 12: 25. 

Leading into the Royal Easter Show on April 2, I will post two entries on the Royal Easter Show focusing on 2001. This will take us through the next two Mondays. 

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2000 (Part II)

Last week, I posted the first entry on the 2000 Royal Easter Show and in our second and concluding entry, I will share feature articles and highlights.

Key Statistics

Up to April 28, 2000 (and does not include the final figures from April 29, 2000)

• 1,059,760 attended
• 883,500 travelled to the show by public transport. 623,320 travelled by rail and 260,180 by bus
• More than 620 children were recorded as lost.
• Approximately 10,000 animals were on exhibition
• 950,000 bottles or servings of water and soft drink were sold
• 500,000 coffees were sold
• 275,000 hot dogs and Dagwood dogs were sold

Source: Stevenson, A. 2000. "Salute to land and its people". The Sydney Morning Herald, May 1: 50. 

Main Arena Entertainment

Each night at 7:45 pm, the Main Arena would host a recreation of Banjo Patterson's The Man from Snowy River. 

Source: Buchan, N. 2000. "Back to the bush: Tradition returns to main arena". The Daily Telegraph, April 6: 7. 

Opening Day - April 14 

The Daily Telegraph had this report in its Final Afternoon edition (1:30 pm), reporting "massive crowds" for Day 1, and only half the day had passed. Opening Day coincided with the last day of Term 1, which also happened this year (April 11). 

Source: Gee, S. 2000. "Crowds show up in droves". The Daily Telegraph, April 14: 3. 

A new opening day record was set with 54,873 attending. Yours truly was amongst them. 

Source: Walker, F. 2000. "Big crowd makes show of security". The Sun Herald, April 16: 14-15

With the Olympic Games five months away, NSW Police performed a practice exercise on Saturday, April 15. A security checkpoint was located at one of the entrances used to check bags of showgoers, who were required to pass through a metal detector. 20,000 people were subject to inspection. 

Source: Buchan, N. 2000. "Schools' day sets a record". The Daily Telegraph, April 15: 8. 

Easter Long Weekend

Good Friday saw crowds of over 140,000, and the Easter Long Weekend in 2000 offered something that normally wouldn't happen - sunshine and clear weather. It is a Sydney custom that at least one of the four days of the Easter long weekend is rainy.

At this stage, the Easter long weekend 2025 is forecast to be warm and sunny.

Did you know that in 2000, Anzac Day fell two days after Easter Sunday (April 23), meaning the Easter Long Weekend was a five-day weekend? 

On Anzac Day, the gates opened at 11 am in respect of the day and to enable people to attend Anzac Day events. 

Check out the crowd on Good Friday! Only 80,000 tickets have been allocated for Good Friday this year (as with every other day of the show).

Source: Buchan, N. 2000. "Perfect day for a bumper crowd". The Daily Telegraph, April 22: 11.

Source: Sams. C. 2000. "Sunny side up cheers record crowd". The Sun Herald, April 23:25.

About 100,000 people attend on Easter Saturday.

Source: McCabe, K. 2000. "Crowds hoof it around Show". The Sunday Telegraph, April 23: 9. 

The Prime Minister also had the opportunity to spend some time at the show.

Cameron, D. 2000. "Howard puts the cap among the cockies as he gets in for his chop". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17: 5. 

In 2000, new restaurants opened at the showgrounds, increasing dining options, especially for those who dread carnival favourites—Pluto pups, dagwood dogs, and hot chips. 

Source: Buchan, N. "A step up from the pluto pups". The Daily Telegraph, April 28: 20.

Show Budgeting

Going to the Royal Easter Show is not cheap, even if on a budget. 

Source: Verghis, S. 2000. "Over budget, but hey, that's Show business".  The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17: 8.

A problem with showbags

The Pokemon bag was a best seller in 2000, but some items were missing due to shipping issues and failed to arrive in time. Ultimately, the price of the bags had to be reduced, and replacement items were provided to appease those eager to buy the bag.

Source: Porter, J. 2000. "Pokemon toys on missing list". The Daily Telegraph, April 17: 10.

  

Source: Buchan, N. 2000. "Missing toys cut price of Pokemon bags". The Daily Telegraph, April 18: 15.  

Some missed out on a particular bag because the day's supply was exhausted by 1 p.m. Pepsi was sold out by April 20, and no additional bags were sold as a result. Some items were substituted. 

Source: Clifton, B. 2000. "The great showbag shortage". The Daily Telegraph, April 21: 3.  

The Sydney Morning Herald (May 1 2000) published a special results supplement which included features on the show itself and a selection of photos.

That concludes our two-part series on the 2000 Royal Easter Show. Just a reminder that the 2025 Royal Easter Show runs until Tuesday, April 22.

It's time for a bonus - a map of the Sydney Showgrounds for the 2000 Royal Easter Show, as published in the preview magazine in The Sun Herald on April 9, 2000.

Related Entry

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2000 (Part I)

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2000 (Part I)

The cover of the preview magazine was published in The Sun Herald on April 9, 2000.

Friday marks the start of the annual Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park. The year of focus is 2000 and will be presented in two entries.

This week, I will focus on key facts and the showbags.

Date:         April 14-29, 2000

The Easter Show ran for 16 days as in 1997-1999 and it will run for 12 days in 2025. 

Theme: The Great Australian Muster

Admission

Show Only entry ticket prices remained unchanged from 1999

Adults: - $17
Tertiary Students - $13

Children: - $9.50

Showlink tickets were also available and could be pre-purchased at train stations for use on any one day of the show, including show buses. 

Adults: - $22
Tertiary Students - $15.50

Children: - $12

In 2025, ticket options are broader, but the general prices are:

Adults - $ 48.00 (Up $3 from 2024)

Concession - $36 (Up $2  from 2024)

Child - $29.50 (down $1.50 from 2024)

PWD - $29.50 (down $1.50 from 2024)

Early bird tickets are available with discounts. 

Tickets in 2025 include free return travel on public transport on the day of the visit, and the date of the visit must be pre-booked. 

Unfortunately, there is a $5.50 booking fee per ticket as all tickets are sold via Ticketmaster.

Transport

As in 1998 and 1999, the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA) oversaw public transport arrangements. The network of special regional bus services was maintained. The maps below were featured in the preview guide published in The Sun Herald on April 9 2000. There was no rail map for 2000.

Showbags

It has been reported that as many as 400 show bags are available in 2025. In 2000, 290 show bags were offered, still a large number. Showbags a quarter of a century ago ranged between $2 and $15, compared with $4 and $36 in 2024.

The images were obtained from the preview guide published in The Sun Herald on April 7, 2000.

Bensons

Note that the Cadbury Showbag was $5 and consistently a best seller. The "mega" bag for Cadbury fans in the day was the Crunchie Showbag, which cost $12. The Crunchie Showbag was a true Cadbury Showbag with various Cadbury Chocolates included.

One show bag I remember buying in 2000 was the Video Ezy Showbag, which included an ex-rental video alongside other goodies. I chose Armageddon as my movie because I am a fan of Disaster Movies. 

The Humungous Showbag, now sold under the Bensons Banner, was the only bag from The Showbag Factory that survived the move. 

Gag Magic

New Concept

They specialised in bags for TV Shows and films, including bags from Warner Bros. and Disney Franchises. In addition, merchandise could be purchased. WWF fans were also looked after, with two bags on offer. 

They also offered a Sydney Olympics Showbag ($12.50) and a  Sydney Swans showbag ($15). In 2025, AFL Fans can buy a bag for any of the 18 teams in the competition.

2DAY FM, Pepsi & Triple M 

All three were bestsellers, and the question has to be raised as to why neither of them brought out an annual bag for 2025. 2DAY FM was, at the time, the most listened-to FM Radio Station in Sydney, but it has slipped in the past decade following the departure of Kyle and Jackie O to KIIS FM ( Formerly MIX 1065/2UW).

You got a bag you could use each day, and whatever was featured was a freebie, making the bags value for money.

2DAYFM and TripleM also provided coffee mugs. 

Nestle

Bertie Beetle Showbags were on offer for $3 or 2 for $5. Only the blue (original bag) was available. Lifesavers was owned by Nestle in 2000 but is currently produced by Darrell Lea, meaning that Lifesavers Showbags are now sold in the Darrell Lea stand. 

Candy World

Mega Showbags

& the others...

The NRL had their showbags on offer, but did not require a visit to the Showbag Pavillion and cost $20. All teams were available

Darrell Lea offered four show bags in 2000 and will offer four in 2025, though the Liquorice Showbag is the one that has survived. A " classics"-themed bag is also on offer this year. One popular bag in 2000 that is no longer offered is the A Little Luxury Sample Bag.

That concludes Part I. Next week, I will share some feature articles and highlights from the 1999 Royal Easter Show in Part II. 

Related Entry 

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 2000 (Part II)

Last Edited April 16 2024


      

Royal Easter Show Flashback: 1999 (Part I)

Above: The cover of the preview guide published in The Sun Herald on 21 March 1999.

Friday marks the start of the annual Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park. The year of focus in 1999 and will be presented in two entries.

This week, I will focus on key facts and the showbags, and I will share feature articles next week. For those following the series redevelopment of East Circular Quay, it will resume on Easter Monday (1 April)

Date:         26 March to 10 April 1999

The Easter Show ran for 16 days in 1997 and 1998, and it will run for 12 days in 2024. 

Admission

Ticket prices increased by $2 in all categories from 1998

Adults: - $17
Tertiary Students - $13

Children: - $9.50

Showlink tickets were also available and could be prepurchased at train stations for use on any one day of the show, including show buses. 

Adults: - $21
Tertiary Students - $15

Children: - $11

In 2024, ticket options are broader, but the general prices are listed below:

Adults - $ 45.00 (down $2 from 2023)

Concession - $34 (up $3.50 from 2023)

Child - $28 (down $1.50 from 2023)

PWD - $28 (down $1.50 from 2023)

Early bird tickets are available with discounts of up to 20% available, with further discounts if entering after 4pm.

Tickets in 2024 include free return travel on public transport on the day of the visit, and date of the visit must be pre-booked. 

Transport

As in 1998, the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA) oversaw public transport arrangements. The network of special regional bus services was maintained. The maps below were featured in preview guide published in The Sun Herald on 21 March 1999.

Showbags

It has been reported online that there as many as 400 showbags on offer in 2024. In 1999, 290 showbags were offer, still a large number. Showbags a quarter of a century ago ranged between $2 and $15, compared with $4 and $36 in 2024.

The images were obtained from the preview guide that was published in The Sun Herald on March 21 1999.

2DAYFM, A little luxury and Girls bag o' pressies (Girlfriend Magazine)

Sadly, 2DAYFM and A little luxury showbags are no longer sold despite their popularity at the time. 2DAYFM in 1999 was number one on the FM band and Nova was two years away from broadcast. The "Ugly" Mug was that of "Ugly Phil" who hosted the nightly top 30 countdown with Jackie O at the time. 

Bensons

With the Cadbury range, it was simpler. No "mega" bags or "budget" bags.

The Greatest Showbag on Earth and The Original Idiot Showbag are still on sale in 2024, provided you are prepared to pay $32 for each bag.

 

Coca Cola

Another best seller from 1999 not selling a showbag in 2024.

Triple M and Gag Magic

New Concept

New Concept also offered showbags for TV Shows and films. There were three themed bags for The Simpsons, South Park, and A Bug's Life, and there was even a Sydney Olympics Showbag. In 1999, Friends was one of the most watched television shows in Australia. In 2024, a showbag from that show is on offer, though no longer on screen. Oddly, in 1999, there was no bag. 

Showbag Factory

The Showbag Factory is an operator that has sadly disappeared from the Easter Show. One good aspect of their bags was their ability to focus on variety within their bags, e.g. Choc Favourites did not exclusively have to be from one brand. It also had the legendary Sunny Boy show bag and what I remember offered the best "big bags". 

Mega Showbags

That concludes Part I. Next week, I will share some feature articles and highlights from the 1999 Royal Easter Show in Part II.