This year, we don’t want to hear the words “The Show is so expensive… I can’t afford to go” uttered from anyone’s mouth. Because, you don’t have to go all out and re-mortgage your house to have a rad day out at The Show! Sure, we love fancy things but don’t be fooled — we’re also massive bargain lovers!
So, we’ve done some research for our fellow bargain-loving Adeladies! Here’s how to do the Royal Adelaide Show on a budget.
Tickets
:: Our #1 tip for saving money is to pre-purchase your tickets for The Show! This can either be done online via Ticketek, or in any IGA or Foodland supermarket. By buying tickets ahead of time, you can save at least 10% on gate prices! AND you save lining up at the ticket booth, wasting precious time you could be exploring The Show!
:: Your fave days of the week will now be Wednesdays and Thursdays — they are discount days at The Show.
:: If you plan to attend The Show on multiple days, don’t forget you can purchase a $12 return ticket at any Show Kiosk before you leave, OR purchase a Society membership, which gives you access to the Show on all 10 days!
:: If you can only make it to The Show after-hours, check The Advertiser Monday to Friday for a coupon that will give you $13 entry after 6pm!
:: There are also special discounts for BankSA customers and RAA Members. BankSA customers can pre-purchase online a $10 ticket to come in after 5pm on any night of The Show and RAA Members save 15% on pre-purchased family or concession tickets or 5% on these tickets at the gate!
Transport
:: Public transport is an easy way to save money on your day out, rather than trying to find a park and paying. Also you’re at no risk of a parking fine!
Bus – A number of bus routes stop along Anzac Highway and Goodwood Road. If your commute includes passing through the city, catch the 21W Show Shuttle Bus to and from the Showground. The O-Bahn Show express also serves those in the North-Eastern suburbs, with pickup at TTP, Paradise & Klemzig.
Train – Adelaide Showground railway station has been open for over 12 months now, and access is SO easy with the Railway gate entrance.
Tram – How easy is a ride on the tram? No traffic, no delay. Arrive at Goodwood Road (stop 3) and take a 5 minute walk to the Leader Street gate.
For more information on public transport offerings or to plan your trip, visit adelaidemetro.com.au.
:: If you do have to take the car, save some money by parking at Priceline Stadium in Mile End for $12 per day and catch the free shuttle to The Show!
Food
:: Even though The Show food options are next-level, you can save quite a bit if you simply BYO food! There’s no restriction on what food you can bring with you, however glass and alcohol are not permitted.
:: If you don’t fancy bringing food with you and wish to enjoy some Show treats, the Family Value Pack is a great deal. For $152, you receive:
- entry to The Show for a family of 4 (2 adults/2 children OR 1 adult/3 children)
- Parking at Priceline Stadium (with a free shuttle to and from the Showground)
- lunch for 4 people (with a choice of options) including a drink
- 2 x $10 showbag vouchers (to be used at any participating showbag stand)
- $40 of BankSA discount ride coupons
Valued at over $200, this bundle deal is a great way to enjoy ALL aspects of The Show on a budget.
Rides
BankSA discount ride coupons are a great way to save money on rides. For $35, you receive $40 worth of ride coupons (each coupon is valued at $1) and can be used for any ride at The Show! If you’re a keen thrill-seeker, you can buy $100 worth of BankSA discount ride coupons for $80.
*discount ride coupons are not valid for sideshows; however some vendors may accept them.
Our best tip for best value rides? The dodgem cars! For around $8-9, share a car with your family or friends to get 2 rides for the price of 1 (or $4-5pp)!
Be sure to also check out The Show Magazine for special offers on rides including 2-for-1 coupons!
Other tips:
:: Bring extra cash to avoid cash withdrawal fees at the ATMS.
:: Bring a drink bottle to refill at the water fountain in the atrium (outside Venue Management Office).
:: If your heart is set on a particular show bag, purchase it early on and keep it in a locker for $2 a day.
:: If you’re after a bargain, some exhibitors and showbag vendors reduce their prices to get rid of stock before the end of The Show. Visit The Show on Sunday 9 September to score some great deals!
:: Plan your day ahead to save time and ensure you don’t miss anything! Visit theshow.com.au to find 100 free things to do and recommended itineraries, which highlight activities that are all included in the price of entry!
So, when you really nut it out and plan your Royal Adelaide Show adventure beforehand, you can spend $15 – $24 per person for a WHOLE DAY of fun!
