Brisbane Exhibition Station opens for major events from Wednesday

Getting to and from events at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds is about to get easier, with the new Exhibition Station set to open.

Getting to and from events at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds is about to get easier, with the Queensland government confirming the new Exhibition Station will be open for major events starting this week.

This will be the first time the station will be running in time for the iconic Ekka in three years, following Cross River Rail cost blowouts, construction delays and ongoing CFMEU strikes.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg confirmed construction was complete at the station.

“I’m pleased to announce rail services to Exhibition station will operate for major events being held at the showgrounds, starting from (Wednesday), for the Caravan and Camping Supershow,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“Then in August, Queenslanders will be able to catch a train right into the heart of the Ekka, making it easier to bring the country and city together to celebrate our great state.”

From June 4-8, loops will run from Central, Roma St and Fortitude Valley Stations every 30 minutes from 9am-6pm.

Ticketholders for festivals at the showgrounds, including the upcoming Oktoberfest festival and Fridayz Live, will now be able to catch a train right into the heart of the showgrounds.

The newly completed Exhibition Station next to the RNA Showgrounds

Station openings for other major events, including specific timetables, will be communicated prior to the event.

Last year thousands of Queenslanders were left disappointed after ongoing CFMEU protests at Cross River Rail sites forced them to bypass the Ekka train station to get to the annual show for a second year in a row.

Showgoers were forced to ride to Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills stations, meaning at least a 550m walk to the showgrounds

Royal National Association CEO Brendan Christou said the station opening would be a game changer for upcoming events.

“It also offers an exciting glimpse of what is to come for the showgrounds, and we look forward to the immense benefits the new station will bring when it opens for daily use, alongside the major upgrades for the precinct ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Christou said.

It features new lifts, a new entry plaza and pedestrian access to Bowen Bridge Rd, as well as improved accessibility features.

Year-round services are expected to commence in line with the opening of the Cross River Rail tunnels, which has been delayed until 2029.

The newly completed Exhibition Station next to the RNA Showgrounds

Originally published as Brisbane Exhibition Station opens for major events from Wednesday