The Farmyard Nursery at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a beloved institution, enchanting generations of city families with magical, hands-on encounters with baby animals. Drawing from over 60 years of community spirit, friendship and innovation, it remains one of the Show’s most cherished destinations – inviting every visitor to discover the beating heart of the farm, nestled in the heart of Sydney.
The Farmyard Nursery began in the mid-1960s, the brainstorm of two animal-loving friends: David White and Pat Birchall. Their bond, kindled as teenagers showing poultry at the Mudgee Show, blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they recognised a growing divide between city and country life, as urban expansion left many children wondering how milk came to be in bottles and rural holidays drifted into memory. Their answer: create a place where every child could reach out and touch the farm, learning by doing and delighting in discovery.
Their first efforts were humble – borrowing animals from country friends and local breeders, teaching lambs to bottle-feed, and wrangling cages onto trucks in a caravan. The warmth, goodwill and expertise of these pioneering committees, supported by RAS volunteers and agricultural greats, helped the Nursery flourish. Mary Willsallen supplied mares and foals, while renowned breeders loaned dogs, cats, birds and goats. Over the next three decades, David and Pat poured their hearts into the project, with Pat taking annual leave every Easter to oversee the display.
From the outset the public loved the display and it quickly grew, expanding several times into larger venues.
Increasingly, David and Pat took over responsibility for sourcing animals, and for the sake of convenience most were found in the Mudgee area. Local goat breeder and all-round animal whiz Darryl Bishop provided many, while Pat and his wife Dot raised birds and cavies as their contribution.
Timing was a big issue. Many animals had to be specially mated out of their usual season to make Easter babies.
On the Sunday before each Show, all the animals were brought to Havilah to be loaded onto a semi-trailer. Packing and stacking the chickens, the pigs, the ferrets, the calves and the everything-else in all their different sized cages was an enormous job. When the vehicle finally rumbled off down the road it looked like the Beverley Hillbillies heading to town.
At the Showground, settling in took several days. The single biggest job was to prepare the 60 baby lambs provided for children to bottle-feed. First, they were taught to drink, and then each was washed to look its snowy-white best for opening day.
Pat supervised the Nursery for the duration of each Show, and with so many little lives in his hands with their different feeds and needs, it was a big responsibility. At night, sleeping in the Nursery office, he’d wake instantly to any unusual bleat or rustle.
For David and Pat the reward was huge. To see kids’ faces light up as they held a chook, petted a rabbit, watched piglets play or eggs hatch – these encounters were priceless. In later years, the best result of all was to meet adults who had bottle-fed lambs as kids, returning with their own children. Always the most patient parents in the queue, they were determined to pass on an experience they treasured.
Today, the Farmyard Nursery remains the largest of its kind in Australia – an open-plan, indoor paddock where farm animals roam free, greeting children and adults alike. Friendly goats, playful piglets and curious calves mix with city children, who leave with memories of warm wool, soft feathers and wriggling noses. For a small fee, guests can grab a cup of kibble and join in, hand-feeding the farm’s gentle residents.
The enthusiasm hasn’t waned: nearly half of all Show visitors make the Nursery a must-see stop, and it remains a rite of passage for families year after year.
At its core, the Farmyard Nursery is about connection: between generations, between rural and urban, and between every child and the animals that sustain Australian agriculture. The legacy of David White and Pat Birchall continues through the countless Showgoers who return year after year, eager to share this special place with their own children. From the first bottle-fed lambs in the 1960s to the bustling, laughter-filled Nursery of today, this is a living story of friendship, dedication and rural magic.
In the Farmyard Nursery, animal welfare comes first. Every element of the experience is designed so that our animals can rest, move and interact on their own terms while still delighting Showgoers of all ages.
At the heart of this is a carefully managed Rest Pen system. Farmer James and Sue oversee a dedicated quiet area where animals can wander in and out freely, with no human interference. When they’ve had enough pats and attention, they can simply step away into this calm space to relax and recharge.
Close by, an on‑site animal hospital stands ready to provide immediate care whenever it’s needed. If any animal shows signs of discomfort or illness, qualified staff can respond quickly so that health concerns are addressed without delay.
Feeding is also handled with great care. Animals are closely monitored throughout the day, and if any appear bloated or uncomfortable, feeding is paused to prevent overfeeding and protect their wellbeing. These thoughtful practices allow us to rotate and rest animals effectively, making sure their comfort and health are always the top priority during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Located in the McIntosh Pavilion, the Nursery welcomes visitors daily throughout the Show with extended hours on weekends and public holidays. For a truly unforgettable experience, dive into a day filled with adorable animals, friendly volunteers and the timeless excitement of discovery on the farm. Be part of an iconic Show tradition – and maybe create a new family tradition of your own.
Additional words by Vicky Hastrich
The RAS Heritage Centre holds a unique collection that tells the story of the RAS and its associated activities.
Explore the online catalogue to search our archives, discover your own stories, and delve into the history of our premier event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
