Hawkesbury Showground

In 1845, the very first Hawkesbury Agricultural Show took place right here at Clarendon. The Sydney Morning Herald reported a scene of bustling activity, with Windsor deserted and the road to Clarendon overflowing with people making their way to the Hawkesbury Showground. Some rode horses, others travelled in carts and gigs, and many simply walked. Over 3,000 people attended that inaugural show. They were served by numerous booths, seven of which were public houses. The show itself was held in two adjacent paddocks. One paddock was dedicated to the ploughing match, a fierce competition with twenty-nine ploughs vying for victory. The local girls gathered on every vantage point to watch the ploughmen at work. The Hawkesbury Showground continued to host shows in the following years. These early shows, between 1845 and 1848, were a joint effort between the Penrith and Hawkesbury Agricultural Associations. After a period of various shows under different associations, the current Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association (HDAA) was formed in 1879. The HDAA has consistently held the annual show at the Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon ever since. There were only a few exceptions. The 1919 show was cancelled due to the flu epidemic. From 1941 to 1946, the Hawkesbury Showground served a different purpose, housing troops during the war years. Initially, the HDAA shared the grounds with the Hawkesbury Racecourse. This arrangement lasted from 1880 until 1986. In 1987, the show moved to its current location, still in Clarendon. While the Hawkesbury Showground offers plenty of entertainment and action, the focus remains on the region’s agricultural heritage. The show maintains a tradition of showcasing high-quality local produce and livestock. The HDAA prides itself on delivering an event that highlights the agricultural excellence of the Hawkesbury District. Beyond agriculture, the Hawkesbury Showground offers diverse entertainment. Live music performances showcase both local and emerging talent. The stage hosts acts for all ages. These include local dance groups, concert bands, folk bands, pop bands, and choirs. A particularly popular attraction is the Animal Nursery, where visitors of all ages can interact with a variety of animals. The Grand Parade is another highlight. It features a diverse range of livestock and machinery. This includes both new and antique tractors. And, of course, the Hawkesbury Showground also features amusement rides. In 2007 and 2008, it even boasted Australia’s largest movable Ferris wheel.