Entries Opening for 2025 Melbourne Royal Competitions
24 Apr 2025 / Melbourne Royal Competitions, Melbourne Royal News
There’s nothing like the thrill of winning at the Melbourne Royal Show. Last year, over 2,200 coveted blue ribbons were awarded — from elite livestock to champion riders, skilled woodchoppers to passionate artisans.
It’s time to plan your entry and be part of the excitement of this year’s Show, taking place from Thursday 25 September to Sunday 5 October at Melbourne Showgrounds.
Melbourne Royal Horses in Action Competition
With thousands of entries across 250 classes, the Horses in Action Competition brings together elite horses and riders from across the country. From the prestige of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout to the power of the Prince of Wales Cup, this competition is the pinnacle of equestrian excellence.
Entries now open
Entries close: 23 June 2025
Competition dates: 25 September – 5 October 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Horses in Action Competition page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Woodchop Championships
A Show staple for over 100 years, the Melbourne Royal Woodchop Championships showcase strength, stamina and sheer determination. Showcased over four days, and with over 40 events, competitors go axe-to-axe in hopes of claiming the Golden Axe.
This year, the competition will feature scheduling enhancements and increased exhibitor focus, alongside more competitive divisions and handicaps, ensuring accessibility for all.
Entries now open
Entries close: 14 May 2025
Competition dates: 25 – 28 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Woodchop page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show (Dogs)
Australia’s largest conformation dog show returns in 2025. With over 5,000 classes and 200 breeds on show, the Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show offers exhibitors a chance to benchmark their breed against the best, judged by a panel of international experts.
The Action Dog Program – featuring Obedience, Agility, Jumping and more – will test skill and stamina.
Give the next generation a head start! Participate in our competitions and youth-focused events, fostering a love for the sport.
Entries open: 28 May 2025
Entries close: 5 August 2025 (Championship) and 19 August 2025 (Puppies)
Competition dates: 25 September – 5 October 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Dog Competition page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery Competition
From handmade lace to show-stopping cakes, the Art, Craft & Cookery Competition celebrates creativity in all forms. With over 550 classes across traditional and contemporary crafts, there’s space for seasoned makers and first-time exhibitors alike.
Entries open: 4 June 2025
Entries close: 20 August 2025
Judging: September | On display during the Show
Visit the Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Poultry Competition
Returning this year is one of Australia’s most prestigious poultry competitions. The Melbourne Royal ® Poultry Competition is where breeders bring their best birds to be judged across a full range of classes.
The competition also includes the Victorian Ag Youth Judging Competition, fostering the future of poultry expertise.
Entries open: 25 June 2025
Entries close: 13 August 2025
Competition dates: 23 – 24 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Poultry page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition
Backed by over 150 years of tradition, the Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition provides exhibitors the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore the latest seedstock marketing, and share their passion for sheep breeding at Melbourne Royal Show. The 2025 Feature Breed is Valais Blacknose sheep.
Entries open: 12 June 2025
Entries close: 7 August 2025
Competition dates: 25 – 27 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Sheep page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Fleece Competition
The Melbourne Royal Fleece Competition showcases the finest fleece from across southeast Australia. From ultra-fine Merino to lustrous Lincoln, this is a celebration of quality and craft in wool production.
Entries open: 17 June 2025
Entries close: 8 August 2025
Competition date: 12 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Sheep page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle Competition
A cornerstone of the Melbourne Royal Show, the Beef Cattle Competition brings together leading studs, exhibitors and junior handlers. This is where livestock excellence and innovation meet tradition.
This year, the feature breed is Simmental cattle.
Entries open: 11 June 2025
Entries close: 31 July 2025
Competition dates: 1 – 5 October 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase Competition
Focused on carcase quality and yield, the Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase Competition is judged by Meat Standards Australia standards and rewards precision from paddock to plate. Competitors of the School’s Competition will receive invaluable practical experience and industry exposure.
This year, Melbourne Royal is partnering with an International Animal Health provider to provide free electrolytes samples to all exhibitors.
Entries open: 28 May 2025
Entries close: 17 July 2025
Competition dates: 26 – 27 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase page to learn more.
Melbourne Royal Alpaca Competition
The premier Victorian showcase for Suri and Huacaya breeds, the Alpaca Competition offers both Halter and Fleece judging. Exhibitors can compete in a professional environment designed to highlight quality and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Entries open: 27 June 2025
Entries close: 14 August 2025
Fleece Judging: early September
Halter Judging: 27 – 28 September 2025
Visit the Melbourne Royal Alpaca page to learn more.
