There is something magical — and slightly terrifying — about standing beneath a 24-metre mechanical sea monster on the quiet eve of the Perth Royal Show.

On Friday, The West Australian was given a sneak peek of the Show’s most heart-stopping rides at Claremont Showground, including the brand new Krak’en.

The Australian debut feature is a spectacle of pure adrenaline, unleashing full 360-degree loops with free-spinning gondolas that will test even the most seasoned thrill-seekers.

Stepping up to take on the monster firsthand, the sensation is instant — a breathless rush as the machine flicks you straight up into the air and sends you spinning upside down in a dizzying frenzy.

For owner-operator Leon Marsh, who is celebrating nearly three decades on the carnival circuit alongside his two sons, watching showgoers take flight is what it is all about.

“It’s very scary, it’s one of the best rides in the world, just absolutely incredible,” Mr Marsh said.

“I know it’s the only one in Western Australia. I think there might be one on the East Coast, but this is the main one in Australia. All automatic, just push the button, and they go off.

“This is my 27th year, I believe that there’s generations on generation on generation, and too far for me to remember. My two boys are here as well and I reckon when they have kids, they’ll be here as well.

“Its brilliant, it’s my passion.”

Describing the unmissable kick of the new attraction, Mr Marsh guaranteed showgoers wouldn’t be disappointed.

“It flicks you straight 24 metres in the air and upside down, round and round. Yeah, It’s incredible. You’ll love it,” he said.

“It’s all lights and smoke and mirrors, and it’s better than sitting at home in your bedroom on PlayStation.”

At $20 a ride, the Krak’en sits comfortably alongside the showground’s other heavy hitters, including the $25 Lunarix — which made its debut last year.

Also testing out the Lunarix on Friday afternoon — a hair-raising pendulum ride, featuring more than 12 rotating seats, twisting and tumbling in a circular motion — The West can confirm this one is not for the faint of heart.

Reaching speeds of about 100km/h, I walked off the platform painfully aware of my beating heart and a little shaky to say the least.

Next up was Speed II — a dizzying 40m tower ride where two gondolas, attached at opposite ends, flip and fall while soaring at lighting speed.

While not as terrifying as the Lunarix, it still got the heart racing and is perfect for anyone who wants to let out an exhilarated scream.

Beyond the high-flying action of side show alley, the Perth Royal Show — returning to Claremont Showgrounds from today until October 3 — is bigger and bolder than ever.

Standard general admission tickets sit at $49.95 for adults, $25.60 for children aged 4 to 15, and $135.05 for a family pass.

Children three and under enter free.

Showgoers planning an evening visit can also grab an After Dark ticket for $36.80 for entry from 5pm.

Under a half-price early bird release, a family or group of four can attend for less than $80.

Once inside the gates, visitors can lock in an entire day and night of action with hundreds of things to see and do included with admission.

Showgoers can stretch their budget further with meals starting from just $5 and 2-for-1 rides every morning between 10am and 11am.

Headlining the 2026 entertainment line-up is US multi-Guinness World Record holder Dave ‘The Bullet’ Smith, a second-generation human cannonball making his gravity-defying WA debut by soaring across the main arena.

The world premiere of The Royal Round Up will see two expert sheepdog teams race to guide 100 sheep through a high-stakes arena, while the Hot Wheels Heroes Super Truck Show and the new 36m SkyVista Ferris Wheel round out the skyline action.

Food lovers can tackle exclusive Show-only treats at the inaugural Snack Showdown or sample local produce through the new Made in WA Harvest Collective.

Agriculture remains at the core of the event, with the farmyard nursery returning alongside Wool Fashion Day and the Stud Pig Competition — which hasn’t been seen at the Perth Royal Show in over 20 years.