First held in 1823, it comprises an agricultural show, an amusement park and a fair and combines the elements of each, showcasing the judging of livestock and produce.

[3] The Show is a celebration of Australian culture, from rural traditions to modern day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for attendees.

The Show has many competitions, including arts and crafts, photography and cookery, as well as tests of strength and skill such as wood chopping.

[5][6] The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (formed a year before the event) held its first Show in 1823.

In 1881, the Government of New South Wales provided land for the Royal Agricultural Society at Moore Park; the show was held at that venue for the next 116 years.

The former Sydney Showground at Moore Park has since become Fox Studios Australia, with associated development known as The Entertainment Quarter.

[5] The show since continued uninterruptedly after 1869, except in 1919 (during the Spanish flu outbreak), the years of 1942 to 1946 (during World War II) and 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic).

[citation needed] Yielding to pressure from the public, the show was later to be opened on Sundays and Good Friday.

(Inclusive of ticket holders, agricultural and commercial exhibitors, staff, volunteers and other show workers).

[16] In 2016 a "twilight ticket' was introduced, giving showgoers a budget friendly opportunity to come to the show for a discounted price after 4pm.

[17] Tickets for the show could be purchased on-line via Ticketmaster and from Woolworths Supermarkets where the pass included travel.

NSW TrainLink Blue Mountains Line and Bathurst Bullet services make an additional stop at Lidcombe for the duration of the show.