Rabbit Competitions first appeared at the Show in the late 1800s, with two classes officially recorded in the 1858 prize schedule.These two classes were ‘Best couple of Lop-eared Rabbits’ and ‘Best couple of rabbits of any breed’.

Rabbit Competitions then featured from 1869-1877 and 1881-1882 Rabbits in this period were in the poultry section, sometimes alongside ferrets, cage birds, rabbits, cavies and kangaroos.Classes for Fancy, Fur and Rex Rabbits were developed in 1997 and since then the Rabbit Competitions have been a consistent part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The ceasing of Rabbit showing during the late 1800s and the early 1900s was due largely to the ever increasing pest problem that arose from excessive breeding in Australia.

At the 1997 Show there were classes for Fancy, Fur and Rex Rabbits.