Families Demand Refunds After Disastrous Easter Carnival

Families are demanding refunds following an Easter event at the Werribee racecourse that attendees described as unsafe, underwhelming, and poorly organized.

The event, known as the Easter Show Fun Day, took place on April 4, 2026. It was advertised as a family celebration featuring a petting zoo, live music, amusement park-style rides, and an Easter egg hunt.

Following the event, hundreds of complaints were posted to a local community Facebook group. Attendees characterized the experience as a rip off, with some reporting that the event left kids in tears.

Operational Failures and Overcrowding

Attendees reported significant logistical issues, including chaotic parking arrangements and hour-long wait times to enter the venue.

Reports of understaffing were cited as a primary cause for the long queues at the entrance and at the limited number of attractions available inside the racecourse.

Participants also described the event as overcrowded. Some parents expressed frustration that entry fees were charged even for newborn babies.

The advertised Easter egg hunt was a specific point of contention, with one attendee stating that the organizers didn’t have enough eggs to run the egg hunt.

Pricing and Admission Costs

General admission tickets were listed on some websites between $7 and $10, while family packages were advertised at approximately $30.

Once inside the event, visitors reported high prices for activities and merchandise. These costs included:

• $30 for bubble wands
• $20 for face painting
• $16 for pony rides

Council Investigation

The Easter Show Fun Day was a privately run event. The organizer has not responded to inquiries regarding the complaints or refund requests.

The Wyndham City Council has launched an investigation into the event. The council stated that it had not received a permit application for the fun day.