$22 Gnocchi and $20 Showbags? Easter Show Fans Say ‘Ouch’

While the Sydney Royal Easter Show is an annual tradition for many families in NSW, this year’s prices have some loyal fans just a bit miffed.

Showgoers were shocked at how much a day at the fair, including rides and showbags and other activities, cost in 2025. Many shared what they spent on individual items, such as $22 for a cup of gnocchi, $9 for a glass of lemonade, and $20 for a Bertie Beetle showbag.

A social media user posted a photo of some of the food stall prices and wrote, “Easter show is for the elites now.”

The sign on which the prices were displayed included a kebab for $20, an Acai bowl for $18, a cheese stick for $8, and a crookie – a cross between croissant and a cookie – for $14.

“I’m waiting for my bank loan to get approved before I go!”, one person joked, while another said, “What a rip-off.”

A woman who shared photos online of what she and her family ate as well as the prices of each item was bombarded with comments in a similar tone, including shock at having to pay $15 for two scones.

“The scones and cream cost no more than $1 to make. That is daylight robbery,” one person said.

“These prices are insane and for families would be astronomical,” said another, while a third reminded everyone that the prices are comparable to many takeaway food venues across Sydney.

Sydney Royal Easter Show sustained by nostalgia

A Lake Macquarie mum told news.com.au she easily spent between $400 and $500 taking her family of four to the show, with food being one of the biggest expenses.

“Food was pricey, it’s basically restaurant prices for food truck food these days,” she said.

“It was definitely more expensive than last year. Early bird tickets this year were the same price ($45 for adults) as normal show tickets last year, food was a bit more expensive, and the showbags for the kids were $32 each, so it all adds up over the day.”

Many parents, whose children love the show, say that the expense is justified by the fact that it is such a long day, with many different activities and attractions for the family.

Another user on social media also posted a video of the massive line to get into the show at 11 am on Sunday, with the video getting almost 18k likes.

“No cost-of-living crisis here!” was a popular comment.

Others have told news.com.au that while they encountered lines, they were quick-moving and weren’t a problem.

The biggest reason people continue to attend the Easter Show, even amidst rising prices, is the nostalgia associated with the event.