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The showbags everyone will be lining up for at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
The Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag line-up is here, and the best ones have been listed.

Showbags hold a certain nostalgia and intrigue. I don’t care how old you get, eating chocolate from a showbag feels far more magical than eating that same chocolate from your local convenience store. Heck, most of us have never eaten a Bertie Beatle in the real world, but that Bertie Beatle showbag can take our money every time. And while we may have precisely zero interest in a big inflatable hammer for 364 days of the year, for that one day of rummaging through a showbag, there is nothing more entertaining. And for those in the know, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is the number one place to indulge in such showbag nostalgia. And the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag line-up has just been announced.

Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag pavilion
The 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag drop is here. (Credit: DNSW)

With a record 418 showbags available this year, the new range combines old favourites with new releases. And for all of us who dropped off the showbag wagon because suddenly we were adults and our parents weren’t paying anymore (and they all seemed a bit overpriced), a full 88 showbags available for $10 and under. With all showbags ranging from $5 to $38.

“Showbags are part of the tradition so many Australians grow up with – from the classics people return for every year to new releases that reflect what’s trending right now," said Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Head of Operations and Product Development, Shane McGrath.

“This year’s range offers great variety and value, and seeing families experience that first reveal is always a highlight".

Which showbags should you choose?

kid's who tested 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show showbag
Meet the official showbag testers of 2026.

When there are hundreds of showbag options, how does one choose a favourite? This year, 50 children and their families from The Children’s Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital and those supported by Kids With Cancer Foundation were the first in Australia to receive the 2026 showbags as ‘official showbag testers’ – putting in the hard yards so we could all streamline our showbag tent experience at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Their results? According to these kids in the know, the top 10 showbags in 2026 (in no particular order) are:

  • Darrell Lea Liquorice Showbag
  • Cadbury Family Deal Showbag
  • The Pooch showbag – for the dog lovers!
  • The Australian Women’s Weekly Showbag
  • Creative Junior – Arts & Stationery
  • Bluey Showbag
  • Capybara Showbag
  • Hello Kitty Pink Showbag
  • Stitch Backpack Bag
  • The Conscious Store Showbag
fruit display at Sydney Royal Easter Show
Showbags + fruit displays = Easter heaven. (Credit: DNSW)

And for those looking for a bargain, the top five showbags for $10 and under are:

  • Trolli Jumbo Showbag
  • Love To Squish Disney Bag
  • Chupa Chups Showbag
  • Fantasy Art Bag
  • G-Squad Showbag

Then, of course, you can spend $30 on the annual fundraising Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Foundation’s Give & Gather showbag. Beyond the goodies, it has discount vouchers for rides, food and shopping, saving over $350. Plus funds go to the RAS Foundation’s Community Futures Grants, which provide financial assistance for vital community projects across rural and regional NSW.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Sydney Royal Easter Show tickets

family at Sydney Royal Easter Show
Earlybird and After 4pm tickets can save money. (Credit: DNSW)

Tickets aren’t exactly cheap, with full price adult tickets hitting at $62,  and $44 for kids aged between 4 and 15. But Earlybird tickets are currently on sale at up to 15 per cent off.

“This year, we’re also introducing a new After 4pm Family Ticket, giving families the chance to arrive later in the day and experience the Show After Dark – from the illuminated street parade to a lit up Jamison Station and extended evening entertainment – all at great value," said Royal Agricultural Society of NSW General Manager, Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton.

After 4pm, tickets are available online, with prices around $39 for adults, $18 for children and $95 for a family.

Sydney Royal Easter Show details

Dates: 2-13 April
Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Website: Sydney Royal Easter Show

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au