How to visit the Ekka on a Budget
As the Ekka rolls around again this year, you might find yourself debating whether you’re willing to spend all that money on another big day out. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for your perfect day out on a budget!
Ekka Entertainment Guide Every year the Ekka showcases plenty of free shows and activities. First and foremost, baby animals. Need we say more? You'll definitely want to set aside a couple of hours to check out the cutest exhibition on offer, the RACQ Animal nursery, open from 9.00am to 5:00pm. Who could pass up the opportunity to feed and pet the baby ducklings, calves, lambs, chickens and goats? And did I mention? It's completely free! After making your way through the nursery, get your heart racing with the annual Heritage Bank Pig Races. The first launch starts at 11:00am and runs throughout the afternoon. Cheer on the cute and courageous pigs as they fly through the showgrounds and jump into pools! Priceless. Literally.
Ekka Food & Show Bag Guide After all that action, you might be feeling the urge to splurge on some of the Ekka's many food stalls and show bags. Our best tip? Plan ahead! Golden Circle Factory Outlet has all your Ekka day snacking needs. Swing past one of the stores at Morayfield or Capalaba to stock up on biscuits, fruit snack packs, chocolate, lollies, soft drinks and nuts. That way you will have all the goodies you need ready for a day out at Ekka for only a fraction of the price! If show bags are a necessity in your trip to the Ekka, or you’re in charge of bringing home some goodies, we suggest grabbing a classic Bertie Beetle bag, M&M bag or Maltesers bag for less than $4!
Ekka Rides Guide Once the engine is full, spend your afternoon at Sideshow Alley. Since you’ve saved so much on snacks by stocking up with us, you and the kids are free to go wild on the rides! Woohoo! Definitely check out the Big Bubble Bump, the Rockstar ride, Skyflyer and of course, the Dodgem Cars! After all that laughing and screaming, kick back and check out the FREE early evening entertainment in the main arena. From 5:40pm onwards, you can experience Queensland Harness Racing, Children’s Fireworks, equestrian shows and of course the car shows. We suggest sticking around for the Movie Stunt Drivers Show at 7:05pm, Monster Trucks at 7:15pm and finally the Fireworks Spectacular at 7:40pm. After all that action, the kids will be tuckered out and you can rest easy knowing your day at the Ekka didn’t blow the budget.