Royal Hobart Showground

The Royal Hobart Show is an annual event held at the Royal Showgrounds in October. The event focuses on the rural exploits of Tasmanians with events such as livestock judging and wood chopping. Also popular at the event are show bags and rides. In many ways it can be considered similar (although smaller) to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The show runs for four days, Wednesday through to Saturday, ending on the fourth Saturday in October.

The first show was in January 1822, in the Old Market Place, just in front of the present State Parliament House.[1] The venue of the Royal Hobart Show has varied over the past 184 years and has included Salamanca Place, Bridgewater, New Town, Tattersalls Park and even the Hobart Town Hall.[1]

In 1903, the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania purchased the 40 acres (160,000 m²) of bushland then known as the "Elwick Knoll" at a cost of £2525. The following year the first Show was held at its current location, the Elwick Showground. In 1922 His Majesty King George V approved the granting of the prefix ‘Royal’ to the Society and in turn became known as The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.[1]

A $4 million redevelopment of the Showgrounds took place in 1980 and provided Pacing and Greyhound Racing facilities, an upgraded arena suitable for a variety of events, and the enclosed Grandstand and Amenities building which includes bars, restaurants, betting hall, meeting rooms and offices.[1] The 1981 Inter Dominion was held at the Showgrounds. From 2004-2008, Greyhound and Pacing facilities have been merged with Thoroughbred Racing at Elwick Racecourse, just down the road.

In addition to the Royal Hobart Show that is conducted annually, The Showgrounds hosted the Royal Hobart International Wine show, the second largest Wine Show in Australia and the only Wine Show in the world believed to be conducted in line with ISO 9001 quality management system certification standards. In recent years the showground has hosted the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards and the Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year Competitions,[1] as well as attracting music events like the Southern Roots Festival in 2007 and the Eskimo Joe live show in 2006.

Since May 2007, the grounds have been the site of the headquarters of Football Federation Tasmania.[4] In addition, various animal fancy events, including exhibits of cats, dogs, poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs, are held by animal fancier clubs at venues in the showgrounds.[5]

• Hobart Showground website