How to get to Ekka 2023: From carparks, bus and train

Travelling to the Ekka may be a bit different this year with Exhibition Station not operating. Here are some of the options for catching the train or bus, or where to park if you drive in.

Travelling to the Ekka may be a bit different this year with Exhibition Station not operating due to Cross River Rail works.

Here are some of the transport options if you’re headed to the Ekka via bus and train or looking for various carparks that may be available.

CARPARKS:

There are a few carparks within walking distance.

Queensland Newspapers

Park at Queensland Newspapers for $25 on the Wednesday, August 16 public holiday.

Parking is available from 8am to 4pm at Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd Cnr Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills QLD.

Cost is $25 per car, with all proceeds donated to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

To book visit https://events.humanitix.com/ekka-parking

King Street car Park

Between August 12 until August 20 there will be a flat rate of $35.

The car park is on King Street at the Brisbane Showgrounds with 380 spaces and five levels. Parking is accessible via Machinery or Alexandria streets.

Parking is 24/7 and about a 220m walk from the main arena.

Cornerstone Parking – Royal Brisbane Hospital

Parking will be available at 325 Herston Road, Herston 24/7 during the Ekka.

There is no need to pre-book.

Parking is next to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and can be accessed from Herston Road or Gilchrist Avenue.

The prices go up to a maximum $40 a day. Prices start at $5 for 30 mins and $15 for an hour.

Eddie White, 4, with huge Quantum the bull, as he and his family set up their White Livestock cattle for the EKKA, as judging starts this week, at the RNA show grounds, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Valley Metro Car Park

Parking is located at 52 Alfred Street at Fortitude Valley.

During the Ekka, day parking will go from $50, day and night parking is from $60 and night parking is from $10.

McWhirters Car Park

This carpark is located at 13 Warner street at Fortitude Valley. During the Ekka day parking will be available from $40 if you book online.

While Day and night parking will be available from $55 and night parking will be $10.

Weekend and public holiday parking will be from $20 if booked online.

BUS:

An Ekka shuttle (route EK1) will be running daily from 8.30am to 10.30pm between Woolloongabba and Herston busway station.

Herston bus station is about a seven minute walk from show gates.

TRAIN:

Pictures of work underway to construct the new Exhibition Railway Station. Bowen Hills. Picture David Clark

This year Exhibition station will not be operating due to the construction of Cross River Rail. But there are other stations which can be used.

A train could be caught to Fortitude Valley Station and from there it is a seven minute walk if the signs to the show gates are followed.

Those needing to catch the train to South Bank Station can end there and transfer with the Ekka bus shuttle from South Bank busway station ending up at Herston busway station.

CYCLING:

Cycling inside the grounds will be off-limits. However, there will be secure bike racks located at Carriage Street.

RIDESHARE AND TAXIS:

Ahead of the Ekka some people will be opting to park close to the city and uber or taxi directly to the Brisbane showgrounds.