Alpacas are primarily bred for their fleece, producing lightweight, exceptionally warm, luxury garments that can be comfortably worn next to your skin. Alpaca fleece lacks lanolin, giving it a hypoallergenic quality.
Domesticated in South America for more than 4000 years and first imported in 1989, Australian alpaca numbers are steadily growing along with continuous improvements in the uniformity and fineness of the fibre produced and heavier clean fleece weights. There are two types of Alpaca: Suri and Huacaya. Suri alpacas have a silken fleece which is cool to the touch and drapes in long lustrous locks. Huacaya Alpacas have a rounded appearance with fleece that exhibits crimp across each fibre bundled in clearly defined staples.There are good markets for fibre sales and their highly nutritious meat.
Alpacas are social herd animals and prefer to be run in groups. They are an easy to manage livestock option and also make excellent guard animals for flocks of sheep and goats and with the right stocking rate alpacas do an excellent job of protecting lambs and kids from foxes and other threats.
We are excited for the Alpaca Section to return in 2027! Please keep an eye on this page for updates on how to enter and the schedule.
Showing and Judging Rules can be downloaded HERE.
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here or follow us on social for the announcement.
The Alpaca area opens from 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 9.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
We are excited to welcome back entries to the Art & Photography Section and open to everyone, from the beginner to the professional, with several categories across both Art & Photography.
We invite you to showcase your creative talent and represent the Canberra and surrounding region across all ages, levels and abilities. We can’t wait to see the talent on display at the Show!
Entries will OPEN late 2026 as soon as entries are open the schedule will be available to download and learn all about the different classes.
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Art and Photography is located in the Coorong Pavilion which is open 8.30am to 8.00pm Friday and Saturday and 8.30am to 6.00pm Sunday
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
Did you know that there are over 40 recognised cat breeds in Australia? You can meet many of them at our Cat Show! There are classes for purebred shorthairs, longhairs, kittens and even companion cats (our beloved moggies).
Please click on the links below for the schedule which includes the entry process which will become available once entries are open.
Entries are open for the Cat Competition please download the schedule below. Entries close on the 18th of January 2027.
To enter please follow the entry process in the schedule, by completing the entry form and post to the address in the schedule.
You can find the Cat Section in the Budawang Pavilion next to the Farmyard Nursery for 2027. The cats will be on display from 8:30am – 5pm on Friday and Saturday and Sunday.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
The first cattle competition at the Royal Canberra Show was held in 1965 and the competition continues to grow, bringing competitors from all over Australia!
For 2027 the feature bread will be Limousin!
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Look for the Cattle section behind the Mallee Pavillion and refer to our map that shows location via an icon. The area opens from 8.30am to 8.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 8.30am to 5.00pm on Sunday.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
The Crafts Expo facilitates the promotion of new and old crafts through competition, exhibition, demonstrations, education and sale of works. It enables exhibitors of all ages and all skill levels to showcase their unique craft exhibits and compete for the ultimate accolade of being crowned Champion of Champions of the Crafts Expo.
The Crafts Expo caters for around 20 different crafts, including a special subsection for those with disabilities. With around 1400 entries each year, the Crafts Expo is one of the most entered Sections of the Show. The quality of the exhibits is testimony to the hours of dedication and workmanship of exhibitors in their respective crafts. Importantly, the Crafts Expo also caters for those who are just willing ‘to have a go’! All exhibits are judged (unless disqualified) and all exhibits are displayed.
Schedules for 2027 is available and can be downloaded below.
Entries for 2027 are open! Please click the link below to go to enter.
The Crafts Expo is located in the Coorong Pavillion and opens from 8.30am to 8.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 8.30am to 6.00pm on Sunday.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
Did you know that there are 212 recognised breeds of dog in Australia? Dog Shows break them up into seven groups, depending upon their size and purpose. The Royal Canberra Championship Dog Show pits the best of the best against the best of the best across all seven groups, with extra classes for juniors and handlers. Make sure you stop by and make some furry new friends!
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
The Dog Show is located between Gates 4 & 7 at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2027. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
Flyball consists of a relay race between two teams of four dogs. Each dog must jump over four hurdles, retrieve a ball by triggering a flyball box pedal and then return over the hurdles to the start/finish line.
Flyball is a canine team sport which is founded on the activities that dogs love to do – run, jump, fetch, retrieve, compete and most of all: their desire to please their owners.
There is no discrimination in Flyball. Any dog; regardless of breed, size, shape or formal training, can participate and join in on the fun. Flyball does not interfere with obedience training. In fact, the sport reinforces the disciplines taught in obedience classes.
Race meets are run in performance based divisions. The fastest teams are put in Division 1 and slower division follow sequentially. This enables every team to have a fair go and be competitive in their division.
Unlike any other dog activity to date, flyball is pure fun for everyone: the dogs, the handlers and the spectators. Spectators are encouraged to applaud, laugh and cheer on their favourite team.
The flyball community is passionate, encouraging and diverse. The enthusiasm and sheer exhilaration on the dogs’ faces (and some of the handlers faces too!) creates a vibrant atmosphere.
If you are looking for a new and stimulating way to spend time with your pet – then why not give flyball a go!
For more information on Flyball head to the Australian Flyball Association.
Entries are open for our 2027 Competition for more information please visit the “enter competition” button below.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
The Flyball competition is located on the grass between the Fitzroy and Coorong Pavilions. The competitions run on Friday and Saturday from 8:30am – 5:00pm and on Sunday from 8:30am – 4:30pm.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
Do you love Guinea Pigs? Capital Country Cavy Club are here for the Canberra region for helpful advice on the care, health, handling, showing and ethical breeding of cavies. capitalcountrycavyclub.org
Sat and Sun show each day, Judging to commence at 9.30 am, products for the fun, health and comfort of your animals and where to find the products.
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
The Guinea Pig section is located in the German Shepherd Building behing the Sheep and Alpaca shed It’s open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] or call the office on Mon-Thursday on 6241 2478.
The Horse Section is one of the oldest and largest at the Royal Canberra Show, and one of the busiest — rings run from early morning across all three days.
Classes cover led and ridden events across breeds, along with showjumping in the main arena. Competitors range from junior riders in their first season to established campaigners chasing Royal ribbons, and there are classes suited to both.
Horses entering the grounds must meet health declaration and Hendra virus policy requirements, and all competitors are bound by the general regulations. Forms are linked below.
Horses entering the grounds must meet health declaration and Hendra virus policy requirements, and all competitors are bound by the general regulations. Forms are linked below.
The 2027 Horse Schedule is live and downloadable below.
Entries for 2027 are open!
Please click on the links below!
RNCAS PIC Number – NF750 013
Contact the horse section – [email protected]
The Horse competition is located on the Main Arena. Competition runs from Tuesday 16 Feb – Sun 21 Feb 2027.
Are you interested in being involved in the Horses Section? Please email us!
A big thanks to our sponsors that have already confirmed for 2027. If you are interested in sponsoring, please complete our expression of interest form HERE.
The Harvest Hall (Fitzroy Pavilion) is the Show’s hub for delicious food and beautiful flowers, fruit and vegetables. If you bake, garden, beekeep or are just really good at making vegetable faces, it’s the section for you! There are plenty of opportunities for children and professionals to show off their skills and win wonderful prizes.
The Harvest Hall is the Show’s hub for delicious food and beautiful flowers, fruit and vegetables. If you bake, garden, beekeep or are just really good at making cauliflower sheep, it’s the section for you! There are plenty of opportunities for children and professionals to show off their skills and win wonderful prizes.
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
All exhibits are to be delivered to Harvet Hall, Exhibition Park in Canberra (Showgrounds). Please come through Gate 4, off Northbourne Avenue – EXIT through Gate 2 off Flemington Road, please note access is for drop off only no vehicles may be parked on the ground. Entries that are being posted please send to the following address.
Horticulture Produce
RNCAS
PO Box 124
Mitchell ACT 2911
Harvest Hall (Fitzroy Pavilion) opens from 8.30am to 8.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 8.30am to 5:30pm on Sunday.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please complete our expression of interest form HERE.
Great news for sheep enthusiasts, the sheep competition is back for the 2026 Royal Canberra Show with more space in the Sheep Shed. Did you know that sheep are waterproof? A compound in their fleece called lanolin repels water and helps to keep them toasty warm in the coldest weeks of winter. If lanolin seems familiar, you might have seen it in your hand cream – it’s great for dry skin.
Sheep form a large part of Australia’s thriving agricultural industry. Australian farmers produce excellent wool and some of the best quality lamb in the world. You can meet fleece, meat and dual purpose sheep at the Royal Canberra Show – stop by and say hello!
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Membership: Financial members may claim 20% reduction on total entry fees where total of entry fees are $30 or more, or as outlined in the Conditions of Entry.
The Sheep section is located directly ahead of the Gate 7 entrance next to Alpacas.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please complete our expression of interest form HERE.
Back by popular demand! Get ready to witness the thrills and excitement of the Woodchop Section at the Royal Canberra Show in 2027.
Experience the awe-inspiring skill and precision of our talented competitors as they showcase the artistry of woodcutting. From razor-sharp axes to the thunderous echo of chopping blocks, immerse yourself in the excitement of this iconic tradition. Join us for a weekend filled with adrenaline, camaraderie, and the timeless craft of woodchopping at its finest. Don’t miss this legendary event!”
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Visit the Woodchop section opposite the Gate 4 entrance. Woochoppers are chopping all day.
A big thanks to our sponsors for 2026. If you are interested in sponsoring, please complete our expression of interest form HERE.
Wool has been part of this Show since the beginning, and the region’s fleeces still hold their own against anywhere in the country.
The Wool Section judges fleece on quality, character, style and preparation — the details that decide what a clip is worth long before it reaches a mill. Classes cover a range of micron and breed categories, and entries come from both commercial producers and studs.
You don’t need to be a grower to appreciate it. Fleeces are laid out for inspection across the section, and the judges are usually happy to explain what they’re looking for.
Schedules for 2027 will be published here once entries open.
Entries for 2027 aren’t open yet. Check back here, or follow us on social for the announcement.
Visit the Wool section in the Mallee Pavilion opposite the cattle area.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please complete our expression of interest form HERE.
Most sections are open to everyone, from first-timers to professionals, with classes graded by experience and age. A few sections have breed or registration requirements — check the schedule for your section.
Entries open at different times for each section, generally from late in the year before the Show. Each section’s schedule and entry link appears on this page as soon as it’s live.
Financial RNCAS members may claim a 20% reduction on total entry fees where fees total $30 or more, or as set out in the conditions of entry for your section.
Health declarations and waivers are required for cattle, horses and sheep, and horses are also covered by our Hendra virus policy. All current forms are linked in the relevant section above.
Results are published to our online results portal during and after the Show, linked from the Competitions menu.
The Royal Canberra Show is proud to uphold a long tradition of excellence, fairness, and community spirit across all competition sections. These General Regulations set out the standards, expectations, and responsibilities that ensure every exhibitor, steward, judge, and participant enjoys a safe, transparent, and rewarding experience.
Whether you are entering for the first time or continuing a family tradition, these rules provide the foundation for consistent judging, smooth operations, and the integrity of our competitive program. All exhibitors are encouraged to read the regulations carefully before submitting entries, as compliance with these requirements is essential for participation in any section of the Show.
By entering a competition at the Royal Canberra Show, you join a century‑long legacy of skill, creativity, and agricultural excellence. These regulations help us honour that legacy while delivering a fair and enjoyable experience for all.
