NewsBite

Ekka 2023: Matt Damon and his family spotted among crowds in Brisbane

The Ekka has become a magnet for A-list celebrities with Chris Hemsworth’s wife, Spanish model Elsa Pataky, joining good friend Matt Damon at the show.

Matt Damon takes family to the Ekka

The Ekka has become a magnet for A-list celebrities with Chris Hemsworth’s wife, Spanish model Elsa Pataky, joining good friend Matt Damon at the show.

The appearance of Hollywood hunk Damon was the talk of the Ekka on Tuesday, with the movie megastar pictured strolling through sideshow alley.

Damon surprised fans by wandering through the showgrounds with his family, including wife Luciana Barroso, 47, and daughters Isabella, 17, Gia, 14 and Stella, 12.

The wife of fellow star Chris Hemsworth, model and actor Elsa Pataky, was also seen hanging with Damon.

She and her children, daughter India Rose, 11 and twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 9, were spotted accompanying the Oppenheimer actor.

Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Elsa Pataky at the Brisbane Ekka.
Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Elsa Pataky at the Brisbane Ekka.

The 45-year-old Spanish actress looked effortlessly chic as she strolled around the agricultural displays at the show, checking out the different attractions, sporting a relaxed white V-neck T-shirt paired with jeans.

Her husband, Thor actor Hemsworth was notably absent during the family day out.

It is understood that the Damon family are in Australia to celebrate Hemsworth’s recent 40th birthday bash in Byron Bay.

Damon has also been spotted around Byron over the weekend, indulging at local cafes and going to the local cinemas.

Matt Damon and his family enjoying the Hollywood Horrors attraction in Sideshow Alley at the Ekka.
Matt Damon and his family enjoying the Hollywood Horrors attraction in Sideshow Alley at the Ekka.

Damon even found a little bit of home at the show with a visit to the Hollywood Horrors haunted house attraction.

Owner Jane Jones said it was very exciting to see him at the show.

“Everyone was thrilled to see him. He came up and bought a ticket to the haunted house and he got a bit of a scare,” she said.

“The girls had a bit of a chat to him. They asked him what he was up to and he said he was going to the states today, yesterday was his last day in Australia.

“He was super nice and really good to talk to.”

Matt Damon is back at the Ekka for the second year in a row. Picture: Mohammad Alfares
Matt Damon is back at the Ekka for the second year in a row. Picture: Mohammad Alfares

Ms Jones said he then he paid $20 for a photo after he came out with the kids.

“The actors scared him, some of them were a bit devastated because it goes quite quickly and he was dressed casually, a few of them didn’t actually know who he was at the time,” she said.

“They were a bit devastated that they didn’t get up close and personal with him.”

It’s the second year running Damon has been spotted enjoying the Ekka festivities.

“I come here every year to enjoy a family tradition,” he told the Courier-Mail.

Elsa Pataky joined Matt Damon at the Ekka on Tuesday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Elsa Pataky joined Matt Damon at the Ekka on Tuesday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Matt Damon is back at the Ekka for the second year in a row. Picture: Mohammad Alfares
Matt Damon is back at the Ekka for the second year in a row. Picture: Mohammad Alfares
Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky at the Ekka. Picture: Mohammad Alfares
Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky at the Ekka. Picture: Mohammad Alfares

Damon and his children enjoyed extreme new Ekka ride The Joker, which has a 360-degree rotation and reaches 25m into the air.

He also watched the men’s woodchopping competition.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese surprised Ekka-goers with an impromptu appearance, as he toured the show and sampled a strawberry sundae.

Speaking to media in front of a crowd, Mr Albanese said his favourite part of Ekka was the people.

“I reckon after Covid, everyone had so much time by themselves being isolated and just walking around here, people (are) just engaging,” he said. “We’re social beings and people are really having a good time.”

Ekka organisers say this year’s show will be one of the biggest of recent years, with more than 165,000 having gone through the gates in the first four days.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said this year’s Ekka was bringing out record numbers for recent times.

“We’re really excited and we’re on track for a great show,” Mr Christou said.

“Certainly it is one of the biggest in recent years. Obviously we had the two year break over Covid and last year was our comeback Ekka, but this one is back to pre-pandemic levels so we’re really thrilled.”

With a large number expected today, Mr Christou said extra precautions would be put in place.

“We have a plan in place that’s a little bit different tomorrow, just some of the areas, very subtle, but just to make sure there’s sort of one way movements in certain areas to make sure that congestion is eased, and we don’t have any issues,” he said.

“Obviously, we’re a big site. There’s a lot of outdoor space and indoor space. But our team is very much focused on ensuring it’s as smooth as possible.”

There are a number of traditions for People’s Day, including the grand parade.

“That is the parade of a lot of the champions that have been judged throughout the show up to this date,” he said.

“So that’s a very special thing on the main arena. You only see that on People’s Day.”

There will also be more woodchop and sawing competitions at the Woodchop Arena from 9am to 5.45pm.

Martha King from Pennsylvania in the US came to Brisbane to specifically compete at the Ekka.

Anthony Albanese tries an iconic Strawberry Sundae during a visit to the Ekka on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Anthony Albanese tries an iconic Strawberry Sundae during a visit to the Ekka on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“I’ve never been to Brisbane before, never been to the Ekka but they had a lot of Australian titles on for the women and I came here to test my mettle,” she said. “It’s been wonderful, everyone’s been really awesome. It’s great to compete in front of the crowd, they've been cheering wonderfully.

Ms King has been competing for 10 years and got involved as she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps.

“I love how strong I feel doing it. I love all the time and effort putting in. It's a really excellent platform to encourage and inspire a lot of people,” she said.

“I think a lot of people are impressed to see the harder you work, the more your capable of and they believe in themselves more when they see me out there winning, beating people who are a bit more fit than I am. “

Food stalls are also expected to be smashed on People’s Day. There will be a range of offerings including a mega burger from Boom Burgers.

At $54, it isn’t for the faint hearted and includes pulled pork, onion rings, slaw, three buns, cheese, beef, pickles and is topped with fried chicken.

As families feel the pinch, organisers have a range of affordable options including $3 toasties from Toastie Boy and two for one rides at Sideshow Alley and the Kid’s carnival before 10.30am.

Read related topics:Ekka

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/confidential/ekka-2023-matt-damon-and-his-family-spotted-among-crowds-in-brisbane/news-story/81cb75bd0e8583671ba466c008d638e9