Families heading to the Perth Royal Show this year could face substantially higher admission costs, despite the State Government providing $3.95 million in support for the event and agricultural shows across WA.

The Cook Government announced the funding on August 12, describing it as support to keep the Perth Royal Show affordable for families. The 2026 Show runs from September 26 to October 3 at Claremont Showground.

The funding package includes $3 million through the Agricultural Promotion Program and $950,000 from Lotterywest. The Government said 70,000 discounted pre-sale tickets would be available, with a family of four able to attend for less than $80.

However, standard ticket prices listed for the 2026 Show, show significant increases for some visitors compared with 2025.

An adult ticket remains $49.95, the same listed price as last year. But the standard child ticket has increased from $13.99 in 2025 to $25.60 in 2026, an increase of almost 83 per cent. The concession price has also risen from $15.51 to $28.65, an increase of almost 85 per cent.

The 2026 family ticket, covering two adults and two children, is listed at $135.05.

The Government discount took the form of two rounds of early-bird ticket releases that offered the 70,000 tickets at discounts of 50 per cent and 40 per cent, but both are now sold out. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development refused to make an additional comment.

WA Parliament’s 2026 Budget Estimates provides another piece of the story. When questioned about what the Royal Show funding actually pays for, the Government said the money goes towards subsidised ticket prices, as well as operational costs.

The Royal Agricultural Society of WA, which delivers the Perth Royal Show, said the event combines agriculture, entertainment and family activities, including livestock competitions, animal displays, rides, food and nightly fireworks.

For some families, the cost of attending remains a concern. One Perth family said there was not enough marketing around the discounted tickets and they were unaware pre-sales had already occurred and sold out. The family also said the rising entry price, combined with the cost of food and activities inside the Show, influenced their decision to not attend this year.

The Government provided $2.8 million towards the 2025 Perth Royal Show, increasing its funding by 41 per cent this year to subsidise ticket prices. But for those who missed out, ticket prices have risen significantly.