The countdown to the Perth Royal Show is officially on, with more than 360 showbags unveiled for 2026 — including a host of nostalgic favourites, new characters and plenty of bargains.
Children staying at Ronald McDonald House Perth were among the first to get their hands on this year’s collection on Wednesday, with the special preview bringing a taste of the Royal Show to families spending time away from home.
There are 130 new or reimagined bags in this year’s line-up, with new additions including Vegemite, The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, Friends, Jaws and Lotso, and the much-loved bear from Toy Story.
And for families looking for a bargain, Bertie Beetle is back for just $5, joined by The Ripper and The Brain Blaster at the same price.
At the other end of the scale, the Best of the West Mourish Nuts bag is priced at $175, but contains $220 worth of products.
For 12-year-old Mayson Barnes, the preview was a welcome break after an extraordinarily difficult month for his family.
Mayson and his sister Aliyah were at Ronald McDonald House with their mum Charlotte Grainger after a fatal car crash in WA’s north.
“We’ve been here over a month now, stuck in the Ronald McDonald House between there and the hospital, so it’s just nice to get back into a bit of normality, and it’s so fun and exciting,” Ms Grainger said.
“We were in a fatal car accident just outside of Shark Bay where we lost a very close member of the family, and Mayson was actually dead when the car accident happened.”
Ms Grainger said the care provided by Perth Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House has given her son a second chance at life.
“Perth Children’s Hospital has been amazing at giving him another chance, Ronald McDonald have also been amazing at helping us without having to stress about accommodation or food, it’s really good,” she said.
Mayson chose the Chicago Bulls and Pokemon Trainer showbags, while his sister Aliyah opted for the Sparkle Squad bag.
“Because I like sparkles,” she said.
“We’re having so much fun, we went on two of the rides, we went on the car one and the teacups.”
Three-year-old Silas Prebble was another child able to enjoy a taste of the Royal Show while his family was staying at Ronald McDonald House.
His parents Tegan and Joel said they had been lucky enough to have an appointment coincide with the event.
“We’re lucky we had an appointment, and it just happened that they were running the show, so it’s good we got to see a few things, have some drinks, something to eat. Just had his first go on the carousel and that,” Mr Prebble said.
Silas has undergone surgery after his skull fused too soon, with his parents now attending follow-up appointments to monitor his development.
“His skull fused too soon, and they had to do surgery to basically crack it open, so he would grow in the right directions,” Ms Prebble said.
“So he’s had to have follow-ups with craniology and his eyes to check that there’s no pressure.”
For Silas, the day was all about having fun.
“He’s enjoyed everything. He’s had so much fun. He thought the cows were awesome, and getting some presents,” Ms Prebble said.
“It’s just been lovely to sort of make a day out of something that’s not fun.
“We’ve spent all morning at the hospital waiting for different appointments, so it’s lovely to kind of have a reward at the end of it.”
Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia chief executive Robyn Sermon said the 2026 showbag collection had something for everyone.
“Show bags are one of the many fabulous traditions of the Perth Royal Show,” she said.
“Every year, there are the old favourites we know and love, alongside new characters, trends, and surprises and the 2026 collection certainly delivers.”
Ms Sermon said there were almost 60 bags priced below $10 and another 40 under $20.
“Bertie Beetle is back for just $5, and Bertie has some competition at $5 this year, with The Ripper returning at the same price,” she said.
A Capybara showbag has also joined the line-up, while anime and Sanrio fans can choose from Pokemon, One Piece and Hello Kitty.
Bluey, Bingo and Paw Patrol are also returning, with Paw Patrol characters set to appear at the show to meet fans.
Grown-ups have not been forgotten, with Friends, Jaws, The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine and Wanda among the nostalgic offerings.
Sports fans will also have plenty of choice, with bags representing every AFL team, the English Premier League and NBA.
And for those who believe the best showbag is one packed with lollies, there are old favourites including Trolli, Zappo, Nerds, Holy Waffle and Curly Wurly.
The Perth Royal Show will open its gates at Claremont Showground in just 17 sleeps, with the event continuing its long tradition of bringing West Aussies together.
“The Perth Royal Show is one of Western Australia’s greatest traditions, for generations it has brought people together to celebrate community, agriculture, and everything that makes Western Australia wonderful,” Ms Sermon said.
The showbag preview was also a chance to bring some of that tradition directly to families who might not make it to the showgrounds this year.
“For those families, we brought a little bit of the Perth Royal Show to here today, and we brought our favourite parts: the rides, the games, the entertainment, the animals, and some delicious show food,” Ms Sermon said.
Ronald McDonald House executive manager operations and facilities Courtney Kennedy said events such as the preview could provide an important break for families facing a medical crisis.
“We believe families cope better together. We believe no family should face their child’s medical crisis alone,” she said.
“For the families that are staying with us, days like today provide moments of joy, connection, and normality during what can often be incredibly difficult times.
“Looking around today and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and the joy shared by the families is a wonderful reminder of the difference that experiences like this make.
“These moments enhance wellbeing, create lasting memories and provide a welcome break from medical appointments.”
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