26 October 2026
As Patron of the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST), last Thursday Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, was pleased to officially open the 2026 Royal Hobart Show,
The Royal Hobart Show has been a fixture on the city’s calendar for more than 200 years, since the very first event took place on what is now Parliament Lawns in 1822.
Over two centuries, generations of Tasmanians have visited what is Australia’s agricultural show to learn about Tasmania’s agricultural sector, celebrate the skills on display in a wide variety of competitions, and enjoy the entertainments on offer.
Following the Show's Official Opening, Her Excellency toured the exhibits and presented prizes to winners of several competitions, including the woodchopping.
Her Excellency then attended the Show’s Official Luncheon where she presented Russell Cripps with the Living Legend of the Show award and Ian Blades with a RAST Life Membership.
The 2026 Show was the final edition to be held at the temporary venue of the Hobart Regatta Ground, before the event returns to the redeveloped Hobart Showground in Glenorchy in 2027.
Read Her Excellency's speech to officially open the 2026 Royal Hobart Show.
Photos: Alastair Bett Photography
