Features
Brisbane EkkA 2008
25th July 2008
ROLL UP, roll up, its EkkA time again! Here you'll find everything you need to know about this year's show, from tickets to transport, timetables and directions, and of course, showbags!
What
Whether you call it the EkkA, the Exhibition or The Royal Queensland Show, it’s ten days of fun in Brisbane for all ages. There are heaps of events and attractions at the RNA Showground, including fireworks, concerts, displays, fashion parades, prize-winning animals, craft and food. Plus there’s always the fun of the rides in Sideshow Alley, tons of showbags and live music.
When
Thursday August 7 - Saturday August 16
Where
RNA Showgrounds - Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4000
View Larger Map
Tickets
Adult: $22
Concession: $16
Child (aged 5-14): $12
Child under 5 years: FREE
Family A (two adults + two children): $56
Family B (one adult + one child): $31
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be bought at the gate or pre-purchased from the following outlets:
Online - www.ekka.com.au
Queensland Rail - EkkA tickets can be purchased from attended QR Stations from July 21.
RACQ - Members receive 15% off EkkA tickets if pre-purchased through RACQ between 1st July and 6th August 2008.
Australia Post - EkkA tickets can be purchased from selected Australia Post outlets in Queensland.
Getting There
As a general rule, public transport will be your best bet to get you to the show, however parking will be
available at a number of sites in and around the showgrounds.
Train
There will be special Exhibition services running from the city to Exhibition station (in the heart of the
There will be no shortage of buses running to the EkkA this year, however due to major roadworks on Bowen Bridge Road, some will not be able to stop as close to the showgrounds as in previous years. In most cases, hopping off at the RCH Herston Busway, which is only a short walk from the gates, will be the easiest option.
Special EkkA shuttle buses will also be running from the City and Valley on high frequency timetables.
For more information on either train or bus transport to the show, and for specific timetables and maps, please visit the Translink website.
Parking
This year there will be car spaces available in Victoria Park with a tunnel leading you directly from your car to an EkkA entry gate (Victoria Park Entry Gate, gate number 7). Entry to Victoria Park is via Gilchrist Avenue (off Bowen Bridge Road).
Alternative parking options during the EkkA include:
- Wilson Parking, Herston Road, Bowen Bridge Road (outside Royal Brisbane Hospital)
- Northey Street “Park n Ride”, Northey Street, Windsor
- Other car parks in the Valley and CBD
- Kings Parking, Julia Street, Fortitude Valley
- Kings Parking, Warner Street, Fortitude Valley
- Secure Parking Pty Ltd, St Pauls Terrace, Spring Hill
Limited metered parking is also available in O'Connell Terrace. Various small vacant lots around the Showgrounds are operated by small charity groups.
Opening Times
Main gates open at 9am daily and close around 11pm.
Pavilion | Thurs 7 & Sat 16 Aug | Fri 8 to Fri 15 Aug |
Animal Boulevard | 9am - 7pm | 9am - 7pm |
Automotive | 9am - 6.30pm | 9am - 7.00pm |
B105 Showbag Pavilion | 9.00am - 6.30pm (Thurs) | 9am - 9.00pm |
10.30am - 6.30pm (Thurs) | 9am - 7pm | |
Bushman's Trading Post | 7.45am - 6.15pm | 7.45am - 6.30pm |
9am - 6.30pm | 9am - 6.30pm | |
Dairy Industry Hall | 9am - 6.15pm | 9am - 7pm |
Ekka Emporium | 9am - 6.30pm | 9am - 7.00pm |
Home & Outdoor Living | 9am - 6.35pm | 9am - 7.00pm |
Flower and Garden Pavilion | 9am - 6pm | 9am - 7pm |
John Reid Wool Pavilion | 9am - 6.30pm | 9am - 7.30pm |
Lifestyle & Leisure | 9am - 7pm | 9am - 8pm |
Meat Hall | 9am - 7.15pm | 9am - 8pm |
MEATing Centre | 9am - 8.30pm | 9am - 8.30pm |
9am - Close | 9am - Close | |
9am - 6.30pm | 9am - 7pm | |
Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion | 9am - 7.00pm | 9am - 7.30pm |
Show Day Holiday
The date of the EkkA show day holiday varies from region to region around Queensland.
Monday 11 August
- Lockyer Valley region (incorporates Gatton, Laidley)
- Logan City
- Moreton Bay region (incorporates Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe)
- Redland City
- Scenic Rim region (incorporates Beaudesert, Boonah)
- Somerset region (incorporates Esk, Kilcoy)
Wednesday 13 August
- Brisbane
People's Day
People's Day 2008 (Exhibition Public Holiday) is on Wednesday 13th August.
Senior's Day
Thursday 7 August - Seniors entry: $12 (on Seniors' days) upon presentation of AGE Pension Card or Seniors Card - all states.
Showbags
TBA
Tips for a great day
Dress appropriately - The weather can often be warm by day and cold by night so its a good idea to pack a hat, sunscreen and a jacket. A good pair of shoes is also highly recommended, as you'll probably end up completing a small marathon's worth of walking during the day.
Make a plan - With so much to see and do, it's a good idea to have a general idea of where you're going and what you want to see before you start. Make sure everyone you go with has a map and designate a meeting area in case you get lost.
Beat the crowds - Some of the events and pavillions can get pretty crowded, so if you want to avoid waiting in line or missing out on something you want to see, plan ahead. The showbag pavillion is usually pretty quiet in the morning with the big rush coming in the afternoon hours. Getting in early means a quick trip, but you'll have to carry your bag of goodies around all day (not always a bad thing). The fashion shows are also very popular each year so it might be worth arriving early to make sure you get a good spot.
Beat the germs - EkkA time also happens to be winter time. With thousands of people and those August westerly winds about, its easy to pick up a cold or flu. Its a good idea to take some anti-bacterial hand wash gel (no water required) to make sure you don't take any unwanted nasties home with you.
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