The original Showgrounds station opened on 2 October 1954 on the north side of the Ashton Avenue road bridge.

It consisted of two 180 metre platforms with free standing passenger shelters and small administration/storage rooms for staff operating the station during Perth Royal Show week.

[1][2] The construction was part of the conversion of Perth's passenger train system from steam to diesel power, allowing smaller intervals between stations.

[3] The station closed on 1 September 1979 along with the rest of the Fremantle line, re-opening on 29 July 1983 when services were restored.

[6] From 2034, Showgrounds station's platforms are planned to be extended to the north-east to accommodate six-car trains.