Hands-on learning takes centre stage at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show
The Department of Education's stand at the Sydney Royal Easter Show will showcase the passion and potential of NSW public edcucation.
16 March 2026
Visitors to this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show will have the chance to get hands-on with learning at the NSW Department of Education stand, opening in the Home and Lifestyle Pavilion from Thursday, 2 April.
Packed with interactive activities, the stand will engage children, families, aspiring teachers and those seeking new career pathways.
Visitors can take part in STEM challenges like the Mars Rover experience, explore Aboriginal fish trap technologies, become eco detectives to bring back biodiversity, and discover career opportunities through quizzes and AI photobooth displays.
NSW Department of Education staff will be on hand to answer questions about NSW public school enrolment , high potential and gifted education programs, and pathways to becoming a teacher.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the stand demonstrated the breadth and creativity of public education in NSW.
“Our public schools are places where students can discover their passion and potential through engaging, authentic experiences,” Mr Dizdar said.
“The Sydney Royal Easter Show gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the innovative programs and learning happening across our schools. I encourage everyone to visit our stand and learn more about the wonderful opportunities available to students in public education”
A schedule of activities is available below, allowing visitors to plan their experience and make the most of what’s on offer. Most activities will run throughout the show, with some scheduled for specific times or days.
Event details
- Where: Home and Lifestyle Pavilion, Sydney Royal Easter Show
- When: Thursday 2 April – Monday 13 April 2026
- Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (7:30 pm during the Easter long weekend)
Activity schedule
Note: Activity timings are subject to change without notice.
| Activity | Description | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
Mars Rover challenge |
Operate a mini Mars rover and collect Mars samples |
4–6 April |
1–4 pm |
Aboriginal fish trap technologies |
Explore traditional STEM and cultural fish trap techniques |
7–8 April |
1–5 pm |
Lunar "Roo-ver" building |
Build your own lunar vehicle model using cut-out templates |
4–6 April |
10 am – 12 pm |
Eco detectives |
Bringing back biodiversity one adventure at a time, and embark on mini missions |
2–3 April |
10 am – 2:30 pm |
Beat the buzzer |
How quickly can you build a house out of Jenga? |
Every day |
Regular intervals |
Career quiz and rocket-ship dream job wall |
Discover future pathways and share your career aspirations |
Every day |
All day |
AI career photobooth |
See yourself in AI generated uniforms for different careers |
Every day |
All day |
Interactive sensory play for young children |
Digging for fossils, puzzles and picture book reading |
Everyday |
9 am – 4 pm |
Coding skills |
Learn and test your coding skills with hands-on activities for children and learners of all ages |
7–13 April |
9 am – 3 pm |
Build your ideas |
Use blocks and polydrons to build 3D shapes and objects |
Every day |
10 am – 4 pm |
Write a message to your favourite teacher |
Take your message with you to give to your teacher in Term 2 or hang on our apple tree |
Everyday |
All day |
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