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Brisbane Journals

The Full Ekka Experience

Best of IgoUgo

An August 2006 trip to Brisbane by stomps

The Ekka is tiring.. Photo - Brisbane, Australia More Photos
Quote: The Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) happens once a year in the middle of August, and is definitely a spectacle not to be missed!
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The Full Ekka Experience Best of IgoUgo

Overview

The Ekka is tiring.. Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
The Ekka, or the Royal Queensland Show, is held every year in the middle of August at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane. This tradition has been alive for 130 years, albeit with different official names. The reason it is called “The Ekka” is probably because the show is an exhibition, and Australians really like to shorten any word with more than two syllables in it!The closest thing I have ever seen in America to this humongous, 10-day long show is the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where we have a huge carnival with plenty of food, games, and rides, along with livestock exhibitions and competitions. The Ekka, visible from the Inner City Bypass freeway and as far away from Mt. Coot-tha, ha...Read More

The Food Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Granny Rapper Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
One of the most important aspects of the Ekka is the food you eat while you are there. Whilst overpriced, like all shows, it’s hard not to be tempted by some of the huge selection offered here—plus, it’s all part of the Ekka experience! It just wouldn’t be the same to take a packed lunch, even if it would be cheaper and slightly more filling!One of the Ekka legends is the Strawberry Sundae. Essentially just a square of strawberry ice cream in a small cone with whipped cream and a strawberry on top, it’s a great $3 treat and something everyone has to try. I enjoyed it, although I didn’t see anything hugely different about it compared to other strawberry ice creams. The most difficult part about...Read More

The Petting Zoo Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Feed me? Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
When we first walked past the petting zoo, located in a large building near the International Food Village, we decided not to go in because of the large line. However, once we realized it was moving quite quickly, we jumped in line and were in the zoo within ten minutes. Really, who can resist small animals?Like all petting zoos, they were selling food for the animals at a small cost. The kids were, as usual, going crazy over this, but we bypassed the counter, wanting only to see the baby animals, possibly take a few pictures, and then leave again.Perhaps not buying food was not the best idea. None of the animals in thezoo would pay attention to us at all. I attempted to take pictu...Read More

The Rides Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Ekka Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
There is certainly no lack of rides at the Ekka. They stretch for what seems like miles from the entrance, only broken up by the endless array of carnival games. We didn't ride anything when we first arrived, although after seeing the crowds later, we realized this would have been the best time to go. However, we opted to explore the Showgrounds instead, and before long ended up at the complete opposite end of the show from the carnival. Luckily, there was a chairlift from the end of the International Food village straight back to the rides. Partly out of laziness, partly out of wanting to see the Ekka from the sky, and partly because Michelle wanted to conquer her fear of heights, we jumped o...Read More

The Showbags Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Fuzzy Hats & Bundy Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
When the Courier-Mail came out the weekend before the beginning of the Ekka, I was confused. What were these "show bags" that everyone was poring over, and why were they such a big deal? I soon learned that Showbags are one of the reasons to go to the Ekka. Ranging from $2 to $60, these bags are put together by many of the most popular companies in Australia. This includes what seems to be every candy and toy company known to man, along with all the major alcohol breweries (for the parents). The most famous of all these bags is the $2 Bertie Beetle bag. This contains three or four Bertie Beetles (Nestle chocolate that is kind of like an American Krackel bar) along with lollipops and little use...Read More

The Races Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Races Photo - Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
For some reason, the SE Queensland Ekka public holiday ("People's Day) is on a Wednesday. Many families use this day for going to the Ekka, but it is rare that you will see young adults there. This is because the Doomben racecourses host "Young Peoples Day", which is essentially just a good excuse for uni students and young professionals to get both dressed up and drunk. I had only had a couple drinks when we hopped on the train, which is possibly why I didn't find the trip nearly as enjoyable as many of the people there. The ride into the city was painstakingly slow. We first had to wait in line for thirty minutes solely to get tickets, since the electronic ticket machines were broken; then w...Read More