When: Monday 7 December, 2026
Where: Eureka Stockade Park, 121 Stawell St, Ballarat East
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm
The Building Unions Picnic 2026
Melbourne Showgrounds proudly hosts The Building Unions Picnic 2026 once again — a much-loved annual tradition bringing union members and their families together for a day of celebration, entertainment and fun.
There’s plenty to look forward to this year, with Hot Wheels & FMX Stunt Shows, thrill-seeking rides and family favourites, plus delicious food to enjoy. There’s something for everyone!
The fun continues in Santa & Christmas Land, where festive magic awaits the whole family. Catch Sesame Street Christmas and The Grinch Christmas Show on the CBUS Kids Stage, meet the Grinch, or visit Santa in person. Little adventurers can also enjoy pony rides, explore the inflatable zone and reptile zone, and get up close with animals in the nursery.
The celebrations extend beyond Melbourne! Regional picnics are also taking place across Victoria, with additional locations listed below. Please note, the Wodonga Picnic takes place on Monday 14 December, 2026.
Please note: We recommend using a regular browser window to purchase tickets.
Event details
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WhenMonday 7 December, 2026
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WhereMelbourne Showgrounds
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Event times9:00am - 3:00pm
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Event accessPublic transport is recommended and train services will be operational.
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Family ticket (admit 5) $60
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Additional child (admit 1)$20
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Please noteThis is a cash free event
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Tickets are redeemed forCFMEU & PPTEU members
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Purchase ticketsETU & AMWU members
Event details
-
WhenMonday 7 December, 2026
-
WhereMelbourne Showgrounds
-
Event times9:00am - 3:00pm
-
Event accessPublic transport is recommended and train services will be operational.
-
Family ticket (admit 5) $60
-
Additional child (admit 1)$20
-
Please noteThis is a cash free event
-
Tickets are redeemed forCFMEU & PPTEU members
-
Purchase ticketsETU & AMWU members
Regional Locations
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When: Monday 7 December, 2026
Where: Geelong Harness Racing Club, 40 Broderick Rd, Corio
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm
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When: Monday 7 December, 2026
Where: Glenview Park Traralgon, McNairn Rd, Traralgon
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm
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When: Monday 7 December, 2026
Where: Shepparton Showgrounds, High Street, Shepparton
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm
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When: Monday 14 December, 2026
Where: Wodonga Racecourse, Hamilton Smith Drive, Wodonga
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm
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Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Attend Ballarat or Shepparton instead.
Getting to Melbourne Showgrounds
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The best way to avoid traffic delays is to catch the Train to Showgrounds. Trains will be running directly to Melbourne Showgrounds station from 9am for this event. Trains stop at Southern Cross and North Melbourne, then run express to Showgrounds.
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Bus No. 472 (Williamstown to Moonee Ponds) stops along Langs Road and Epsom Road.
Bus No. 404 (Footscray to Moonee Ponds) stops on the corner of Epsom and Ascot Vale Roads.
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Tram No. 57 (Elizabeth Street City, to West Maribyrnong) stops at Showgrounds Village Shopping Centre (stop 32) on Epsom Road, a short 3 minutes walk from Gate 1 of Melbourne Showgrounds.
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Limited onsite parking is available for $25 per car and delays are to be expected. Public transport is recommended. Car Parking entry via Gate 7 on Leonards Crescent.