ROLL UP, DARWIN
The time has come yet again to roll up, roll up, friends. Over three fun-filled Dry season days, the Royal Darwin Show returns to delight the masses, with over 45,000 of you expected to get around it.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
WHEN YOU THINK about the Royal Darwin Show, what excites you most? Is it petting cute lil’ baby chicks, ogling at the cake competition, hitching a ride on the Ferris wheel, winning an oversized stuffed toy in the side-show alley, or marvelling at the chainsaw man’s wooden sculptures? If one or all the above resonated with you, then get along to the Royal Darwin Show.
For 74 years, the Royal Darwin Show has celebrated life in the NT. Each year, pavilions and grounds are packed with entertaining and educational displays and stalls, showcasing diverse local talents with arts, crafts, photography, baking, local produce, plants, and more.
In 2025, this tradition continues.
Showgoers can expect to be wowed by acts and performances, including the hilarious mascot race, The Sandman creating his impressive masterpieces, the V8 Performance Utes, and, for the little ones, the new Harry and Carly Ute Show.
If your little ones love dinosaurs, they are in for a treat. The Dinkum Dinosaurs are on deck with their hilarious puppet show that combines ventriloquism, comedy, and amazing dinosaur puppets. There’s also the Baby Dinosaurs Zoo display, as well as the Dinosaur Dance Party, complete with a four-metre-tall dancing dinosaur that will leave the kids in awe.
Horticultural Hall features a huge array of NT-grown produce and plants, with giant pumpkins, orchids and bromeliads, whilst furry friends are showcased in the Dog Arena with the Championship Dog Show and Trials.
Larrakia culture is celebrated with the traditional spear throwing and fire lighting competitions, both emceed by the legendary Charlie King, and supported by the Larrakia Lee family.
Not only does this year’s Show look good, it sounds good. The Bandstand features a diverse line-up of live music and performances, including the Royal Darwin Show Country Music Talent Quest, giving local performers a crack at a national scholarship to the CMAA Academy of Country music in Tamworth.
There’s honestly too much to list here – this thing is jam-packed! – so head along and celebrate the epitome of Territory livin’.
Oh, and there’s fireworks, too.
Sold.
Royal Darwin Show
WHEN THU 24 – SAT 26 JUL
AT DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS
COST FREE-$60
INFO darwinshow.com.au
