ROLL up for the greatest show in Queensland - the 2009 Ekka, also known as the Exhibition and the Brisbane Royal Show.

From August 6-15, Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds will come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the show.

Thousands of people will pass through the gates every day to visit the numerous pavilions, showbag stands, arena events and sideshow alley.

Thrilling crowds since 1876, the Ekka is a Queensland institution. As a result, Wednesday, August 12 is people's day at the show. This is where the city of Brisbane shuts down (to a degree) and people from the city can enjoy an action-packed day with family and friends.

Not forgetting the country counterparts, there are also special holidays for school groups from various regions in south-east Queensland, where students can enjoy a day at the Ekka should they wish.

A full listing of the show day holidays for school groups can be found here.

So what's on at this year's Ekka?

Apart from the usual attractions like the woodchop and fireworks displays, 2009 sees heaps of fantastic new additions to the Ekka, like the Sunny Queen Little Miracles Newborn Corner, where you can witness the wonder of a ewe giving birth to a little baby lamb.

Held inside a purpose-built birthing facility, vets will be on-hand to commentate and answer your questions during the birth, right through until the fluffy bundle of cuteness takes its first wobbly steps towards mum.

Please note: parental guidance is recommended, and those who are a bit squeamish might want to give seeing the birth a miss - but don't miss the little bubs afterwards.

There's so much to see and do at this year's Ekka, so be sure to visit the ourbrisbane.com website for an in-depth list of entertainment on offer.

What are the admission prices?

Prices vary from $17 for a children's ticket through to around $60 for a family pass.

Tickets can be bought either online at the Ekka official site, or at Queensland Rail stations.

I want showbags!

Chocolate, lollies or fun stuff? That is the question when standing in the middle of the showbag pavilion.

To make things easy, ourbrisbane.com has created a huge list of this year's Ekka showbags. With something for everyone (and we mean - everyone) shopping for showbags has never been so much fun.

Thrill me. Keep me amused.

Every year seems to see the introduction of a bigger, better and more thrilling amusement ride. 2009 is no exception, with the Ekka unveiling more rides with a fun factor blasting out of the solar system.

Ourbrisbane.com reveals what people will be lining up to experience, so you can prepare yourself mentally for some adrenalin-pumping fun.

Great, so how do I get there?

No matter where you are in Australia, coach services like Greyhound and Premier Motor Service have Brisbane city drop-offs. There's also a domestic airport in Brisbane catering for airlines like JetStar and Virgin Blue.

Once you're in the city, Queensland Rail and the TransLink bus network will get you to and from the showgrounds safely.

I'm from out of town - what accommodation's available?

Discover a selection of available accommodation with the help of ourbrisbane.com. They've created a list of hotels, motels and hostels which cater for all budgets. Be sure to get in early though, as rooms will be snapped up fast.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your time at the 2009 Ekka and get ready for days full of fun.