Everything you need to know for Ekka, 2024, Royal Queensland Show
The most anticipated show of the year is among us – from all the rides, discounts galore and how you get to the show, this is your ultimate guide to the Ekka.
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The Ekka is fast approaching, so here is the ultimate guide for everything you need to know before Queensland’s grand show.
From fireworks and rides, to the best shows to get to, this guide is will have your Ekka experience covered.
WHEN IS THE EKKA ON?
The Ekka will run from Saturday August 10 until Sunday August 18 this year.
WHAT TIME DOES IT OPEN?
The Ekka opens from 9am every day.
WHAT TIME DOES IT FINISH?
Different areas like attractions and pavilions have different closing times – the earliest being 5pm.
Sideshow Alley, rides, games and catering will be open until late, as well as The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavillion.
WHEN IS PEOPLE’S DAY?
People’s Day – or the Ekka public holiday – will fall on Wednesday August 14 for the city of Brisbane. However, for South East Queensland regions they will celebrate the holiday on Monday August 12 – which happens to be Super Saver Day.
WHAT TIME DOES THE SHOW START?
As seen each year, every night of the Ekka the Main Arena puts on a stunning show called EkkaNITES which is filled with musical performances, dancers, monster trucks and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display. The show runs from 6:30pm to 8pm each night.
WHAT HAPPENS ON PEOPLE’S DAY?
It’s the day that brings Brisbane and other Queenslanders together, with multiple events set to impress the sure to be bustling crowds.
One of the highly anticipated events is the Grand Parade which will occur at 1:30pm at Main Arena, featuring more than 500 animals and Ekka champions including goats, dairy cattle, dogs and more.
Other highlights include the one night only drone show and RAAF’s aerobatic display team.
HOW TO GET TO THE EKKA?
Public transport is always the go-to option to get to the Ekka due to the large crowds.
However, with the announcement the planned temporary opening of the new Exhibition Station would again not go ahead due to construction delays, bus routes will remain the safest option.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish has urged commuters to plan their journey ahead of the show in advance to find what services best fit.
“We were on track for a temporary opening of the new Exhibition station for this years Ekka, but ongoing interruptions have made this impossible,” he said.
“Travel will look similar to last year when Exhibition station was also not in operation, however this year it will be even easier with free travel on the dedicated shuttle buses.”
Trains will be operating from Fortitude Valley Station, it is then just a 550 metre walk to the nearest show gate.
Accessible transfers for those with accessibility needs, parents with young children and prams will operate from Herston Busway Station and Fortitude Valley train station direct to Show Gate 5 from 8.30am to 11pm each day of the Show.
TransLink have warned on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August, there will be changes to travel on the Gold Coast line between Ormeau and Varsity Lakes due to Cross River Rail works.
There will be free dedicated shuttle buses running between Woolloongabba and Herston busway stations, via Mater Hill, South Bank, Cultural Centre, King George Square, Roma St bus and train station, Normanby and QUT Kelvin Grove every seven and a half minutes.
They will run to Herston between 8.30am and 6pm, and from Herston between 10am to 11pm every day.
Commuters can also jump on other bus routes to the Herston busway station which is then about a seven minute walk to the showgrounds.
For further information on public transport to this year’s show and to plan your journey visit the TransLink website.
Parking
The closest parking stations are located at:
McWhirters – enter via Warner or Ballow Streets
Valley Metro – enter via Alfred or Alden Streets
388 Brunswick Street Car Park – enter via Berwick Street
4 Mead Lane – enter via Ranwell Lane
Cycling
Although cycling inside the grounds is prohibited, secure bike racks are located in Carriage Street. (L-16)
Taxis and Rideshare
It’s only a short taxi or rideshare to the Ekka from the city, commuters can leave their car in the city and catch a taxi or rideshare service directly to the Brisbane Showgrounds.
CHEAP TICKETS?
There are several ways to nab cheaper tickets and rides to the Ekka.
While the chance to grab half price tickets has ended, subscribers to ekka.com.au can still purchase tickets for a Super Saver Day, which offers an additional 20 per cent off.
The price of a family pass has also been frozen to help provide more hip pocket relief with tickets – this is available online only and buyers will need to nominate the day they are coming to the Ekka.
Sticking to the goal of being a budget friendly show, the popular daily two for one rides from 2023 will return giving showgoers one hour of discounted rides from 9:30am to 10:30am every morning of Ekka.
EKKA RIDE CARDS?
Ride cards are not valid for games they are only valid for carnival rides. Ride cards are valid at the B105 Sideshow Alley and Kids Carnival area.
At this year’s Ekka there is also 20n per cent off digital $150 ride cards and 15 per cent off $100 digital ride cards available for purchase.
Customers can download their digital ride card and add it to their e-wallet from their ticket confirmation email and can then be stored in their Apple/Android wallet for scanning.
FOOD DEALS?
For the first time ever, every food vendor at Ekka will offer a low-cost menu item plus discounted food and drink value bundles.
The majority of the new special value menu items offered by more than 110 Ekka food vendors will be $10 or less, and the food and drink bundles will start from $7.50.
The RNA is also launching a new discount food outlet – the Ekka Tuck Shop – which will feature a menu of hot food items priced at $5 and under.
WHAT IS NEW AT THE EKKA THIS YEAR?
Entertainment Headliners
The Queen of Country Music Tania Kernaghan’s passion for music is rivalled only by her connection to horses, and the accomplished horsewoman said it will be the first time she has performed at the Ekka in 12 years so she has some tricks up her sleeve.
Queens of the kids Emma Memma is also set to headline solo acts for EkkaNITES and the daytime entertainment program.
Miniature Pony Rollerblade Race
In this zany show, watch as riders wearing jockey silks and rollerblades roll around the arena while mounted on miniature ponies.
Special Value Items at each Food Vendor
For the first time in our 148-year history all food vendors at the Show will have a special value item plus a food and drink bundle on their menu.
The special value menu items offered by more than 110 Ekka food vendors will be $10 or less, and the food and drink bundles will start from $7.50.
RAAF Roulettes
The Royal Australian Air Force’s aerobatic display team will drop into the Ekka for a spectacular air display on People’s Day.
Ekka Drone Show
For the first time Drone Sky Shows will light up the Ekka sky with an exciting drone display on People’s Day.
Human Cannonball
Jaws will drop as Australia’s only human cannonball is fired from the mouth of the giant cannon and will soar across the arena.
BEST FIREWORKS SPOT
The best spots to watch the fireworks are from the main arena including Machinery Hill or Heritage Hill.
RETURNING RIDES
Here are the six returning rides Ekka visitors froth each year.
Crown Ferris Wheel
Sitting sky high, the popular Crown Ferris Wheel features half a million dollars’ worth of lights and ensures the most spectacular views of the Ekka and surrounds.
This ride can be enjoyed by everyone, being a wheelchair friendly Ferris Wheel as the gondolas have no central pole.
The Joker
After it’s successful introduction in 2023, the largest and fastest looping ride in Australia is coming back to the Ekka – reaching a jaw-dropping 55m into the air.
Enchanted Circus
This interactive funhouse features three levels of thrills where kids can experience a world of colourful lights, sounds and fun activities like rope bridges.
Pirates Nest
This four level pirate themed funhouse features 35 interactive obstacles, including an Australian first interactive water play zone and is perfect fun for the entire family.
Dodgem Cars
The younger showgoers can drive their parents around for once in the beloved dodgems – bumping, spinning and trying to catch their friends as they ride their “car” around the arena.
Speed 2
A thrill ride that embodies ‘the need for speed’ by reaching speeds of 120km an hour and rotates at more than 10 revolutions per minute – the definition of a thrill ride!
*This guide will continue to be updated as more information from Ekka is released.
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