EKKA days in Brisbane
The whistling, westerly winds start on queue - appearing from nowhere and the warmer winter temperatures take a mysterious plunge into unusual chilly days and nights. This means just one thing during August in Brissy, Brisvegas or otherwise known as Brisbane! The on-set of the westerly winds remains the trademark sign that the EKKA set-up in town, which brings a sense of excitement to the city.
The EKKA returns every year in August - still a favourite in Brisbane
The exhibition has been held at the RNA show grounds since 1886. It continues to be referred to affectionately as the EKKA and has been for several years now. It remains a steadfast tradition where country meets city and a great opportunity for city slickers and visitors to learn all about agriculture and show much needed support for our farmers.
What are the highlights?
Main Arena
There have been some changes to the show grounds with new development on site. This has meant a re-jig of the typical exhibitions, however has created new landscapes and green space that didn’t exist before.
Re-development of the RNA show grounds have opened the way to new spaces……..
The main arena remains the heart and soul of the exhibition grounds. The people landscape changed as you walked from Sideshow Alley into the arena, Akubras were still abound (big hats!), a sea of crisp, checkered shirts and the familiar smell of cattle and hay.
The EKKA continues to draw expansive crowds of people and the main arena is the hub of banter and sounds of cheering.
There is always a stack of FREE entertainment on at the Main Arena this year, which includes events such as:
The Main Arena had a lot of action happening - a great pit stop to rest the feet and be entertained - day or night!
The Fireworks Spectacular
Movie Stunt Drivers Show
Little Pony Roller Race
Roll over Vehicles
Aussie FMX
Monster Trucks (and much more)
Sideshow Alley
Walking into Sideshow Alley still immerses you into a sea of sights, sounds and the smells of the EKKA. The carnival precincts remain alive with the colours of the rainbow, packed with people, sounds of squeals and laughter, music pumped in every direction. The familiar sound of the carnies bellowing for the call up to rides and games. It feels like a whirlwind of bliss wrapped up in the aroma of dagwood dogs and hot chips!
Sideshow Alley was born decades ago, before the rise of today’s theme parks, however judging by the wide smiles of the riders and game players, it still manages to be as thrilling and exciting as any of its’ theme park counterparts.
Extreme Rides - Sideshow Alley
The costs range dependent on the game/ride, however you can often purchase a discount ride card from the Ekka before you go to keep the costs down. Even if not a rides fan, Sideshow Alley is a huge amount of fun to walk through to just soak up the atmosphere.
Virtual games and Pods set up everywhere!
Food, Food, Glorious Food!
The food offerings keep growing at the EKKA. The most renowned of course being the Dagwood Dog and the incredibly delicious Queensland Strawberry Sundae’s (which has continued year on year to raise much needed money for the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation).
Dagwood Dogs - the famous food staple at the Ekka.
Strawberry Sundae’s are the absolute best!!
These two foods are an EKKA must and well worth the spend (in my humble opinion although your waistline might not agree:)
The Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion continues to be a foodies heaven. Your nose floats through the pavilion, as if in a food trance and follows the delectable allure of Greek Gyros, Souvlaki, chocolate dipped strawberries, wood-fired pizzas, gnocchi and roasted nuts to name just a few!
The EKKA Cooking School - FREE to watch the cooking demonstrations.
Joining a Masterclass to enhance your cooking skills - is a small cost (usually includes a free apron) - this was popular!
Entertainment, Entertainment and More Entertainment
There is always usually entertainment galore. A quick check of the Offical Show Guide (given at the entry) for daily entertainment typically events like:-
Heritage Bank Racing Pigs
Luke’s Reptile Kingdom - Venomous Snake Show
Community Dance Group Performances
Bush Bands
RACQ Animal Nursery (a great time to get up close and personal with cuddly Australian Animals)
Cradle a Chick at the Arrow Pavilion (this was a firm favourite!)
Woodchopping and Sawing
All the competitions - Dog shows, cattle parades, Dairy Goats, Horse, Pisciculture and so much more!
Amazing musical performances which extended into the many bars across the EKKA.
The animals of the EKKA remains a drawcard for its many visitors.
Of course this is just a snapshot and all FREE upon entry. The show guide also hosted a number of discounts inside.
There are often little side stalls selling a range of products - this was absolute Lavender Paradise!
Education and Displays
Aside from all the things to keep you entertained, there are a tonne of things to see and do. This ranged from photographic, painting, drawing and sculpture displays (my absolute favourite) to agricultural displays with giant pumpkins and giant vegetables! The cake decorating was nothing short of incredible (below).
The EKKA also extends into the Old Museum (something I wasn’t aware of) and this was home to floristry and horticultural displays. It included fun things like making Flower Crowns… This was super popular!
All Displays - FREE
Fashion
Each year it hosts a Fashion Parade. Often they are themed and accompanied by live music. Pictures below taken from a previous parade. An absolute visual splendour.
The Queensland designers always put on an amazing production. The show are typically glamourous and always feels like an exciting start to the eve of Spring season.
Fashion parades are on daily - FREE
Showbag Goodies
What is a show without showbags? The Showbag Pavilion is home to over 400 different types of showbags. The choice seems to continue to grow. The showbags continue to be a novelty and a highlight at the EKKA.
Show bag Goodies
Is it good value? Yes I think it is. You can get discounted entry prices through a number of on-line sources. Good deals are available from RACQ and you could get a family pass for cheaper on-line through the EKKA online. Check out local competitions for chances to win tickets ahead of events and check Marketplace or Gumtree as avenues to see if anyone selling tickets to events locally.
To keeps costs down - you can also opt for a twilight ticket (after 6pm) and squeeze in as much as you can until it closes at 9pm.
The best day to go to the EKKA is the last day on the Sunday, as many of the show bags etc. are sold as two for one price or half price. This drives your dollar further, getting more for your money.
What is the cheapest way to get there?
It really depends on how many people were travelling together. Public transport by train is probably the easiest and cheaper option, as stopped right in the heart of the EKKA. However, the cheapest option if going with a few people would be to park at Brisbane City Council’s King George Square Park or BCC Wickham Terrace Car Park on Weekends, or after 4.30pm on weekdays. Grab an Uber from there to the Ekka. Car Parking was available in multiple surrounding locations, however it is often packed with long queues, unless you were there really early to grab a spot.
It is not impossible to find free parking, however it can present a bit of a challenge.
The CWA (Country Women’s Association) has been a part of the EKKA since 1925.
There you have it - some tips about the Ekka. It need not be a ‘break the bank’ kind of day out, just a little planning to have a super amount of fun!!
Gav and I were in Strawberry Sundae Heaven…..YUM!
If you are looking for a Stay-Cation or visiting downtown BrisVegas, then remember to plan ahead and include home-town festivals and events to make the most of your getting out and about experiences!
(Note: prices were applicable at the time of writing this post. Some posts may contain affiliate links, in which I may receive a small commission - at no cost to you- if you purchase through the link)
