Ekka 2025: The cheapest way to enjoy QLD’s favourite show

Huge savings kick off this Friday as the Royal Queensland Show releases a limited batch of half‑price tickets — the biggest discount of the year — for families and thrill‑seekers alike.

Rupert, 5, Walter, 9 and Frankie Cameron, 7 with showbags ahead of the Ekka. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Queenslanders can snag tickets to this year’s Ekka for as little as $10.78 as organisers roll out a huge range of discounts designed to help families beat the cost of living.

With just 44 days until the gates open for the Royal Queensland Show, the RNA announced a mega 50 per cent discount on tickets starting midday Friday, June 27, for a limited time.

Once the half-price allocation is gone, a 30 per cent discount will apply until June 30 for those subscribing online.

But the savings don’t end there.

Visitors can also take advantage of four Super Saver Days — weekdays excluding the public holiday — on August 11, 12, 14 and 15, with adult tickets dropping to as low as $16.38.

New for 2025, families can also pre‑order a four‑pack of iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes for just $25.

More than 110 vendors will offer value menu items priced at $10 or less, with family bundles starting from $30.

The popular daily “two-for-one” ride session returns from 9.30am to 10.30am, complemented by the launch of the new Ekka Fun Pass app, which allows visitors to skip the queue at ride booths and claim bonus credit.

Huge crowds at the Ekka last year. Photo Steve Pohlner

Transport to the Show will be cheaper than ever, with 50‑cent train fares to the new Exhibition Station, making it $4 for a family of four.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said affordability was a priority for this year’s Ekka.

“This year families can really budget for their once-a-year Ekka experience by prepaying for their discounted entry tickets, strawberry sundaes and ride passes in the lead up to Show,” he said.

For mum-of-three Michelle Cameron, the cheaper ticket prices have been a game-changer.

“I think the fact that these tickets are going on sale well in advance is huge. That will mean any family, including ours, can budget and get to come and enjoy the Ekka,” she said.

She added that her youngsters are already counting down the days and plotting which rides and showbags to tackle first.

“The kids have never been to the Ekka before. They’re looking forward to it — they have their sights set on the dodgem cars and the showbags. We were in western Queensland and recently moved to Brisbane, so the animals will certainly be a hit too.”

The 2025 Ekka will run from Saturday, August 9, to Sunday, August 17, with organisers forecasting around 400,000 visitors. Tickets are available online at www.ekka.com.au.

Originally published as Ekka 2025: The cheapest way to enjoy QLD’s favourite show