Ekka Ideas
Ekka Ferris Wheel – The Wheel of Brisbane
As seen in countless American movies, the staple of any good show-carnival is always its Ferris Wheel, and the Ekka is no different.
Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, we’re unable to take our normal stroll down ‘Sideshow Alley’ to visit & ride the ‘Ekka Eye’ this year.
So for those craving panoramic views of Brisbane, we’ve come up with the perfect solution – take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane!
Located at the entrance to South Bank, the Wheel of Brisbane stands at 197 ft tall – providing you with 360 degree views of Brisbane, its gorgeous cityscape and surrounding areas.
Lasting 12-minutes, the Wheel of Brisbane is the perfect alternative to missing out of countless ferris-wheel rides, normally associated with the Ekka.
Wood-Chopping Competition
For more than a century, the Ekka has played host the ‘Woodshop and Sawing’ Competition, with axemen and women travelling from across the country to compete. The competition is always a highlight and one of the largest across the Australian Titles calendar.
No doubt, we’ve all wanted to try our hand at axe-chopping at some point (alongside a bit of friendly competition). Well this year, you may be able to – with the ideal alternative being one of Brisbane’s popular AXE-THROWING activities!
Located at either Newstead or West End, axe-throwing at either ‘Lumber Punks’ or ‘Maniax’ is the perfect blend of fun-filled competitive rivalry among friends, within safe environment.
Check out their websites for all the details.
Strawberries & Cream
Like Wimbeldon, the Ekka is renowned for its Strawberries & Cream. Without a doubt, for anyone who has attended the Royal Queensland Show has had the staple delicacy at one point or another.
As we’re able to get to the Ekka this year, purchase a tub of cream (supporting our Queensland farmers) and try your hand at picking your own strawberries at one of Brisbane’s local strawberry farms.
If you’re looking to make a day of it, try Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm on the way to the Gold Coast. Be sure to post a selfie if you do!!
For those unable to make it to the farm – a great alternative could be one of Brisbane’s many ice-cream and gelato parlors (such as Gelato Messina South Brisbane).
Sideshow Alley
For over 100 years, carnival-style attractions have made their home at the EKKA’s Sideshow Alley, bringing joy and excitement to generations of event attendees. But, for those looking for an adrenaline fix there are a number of options to check out across our humble city.
If a fast-paced action – minus the constant ramming of bumper cars – is in your nature, try go-karting at Eagle Farm for a great afternoon out.
Maybe you’re more into nostalgia and recapturing your more youthful days? Then don’t forget that Laserforce in Woolloongabba is still the go-to place for retro and classic gaming (Fun Fact: they are still the longest running laser tag site in the world).
And to turn it into more of a night out, check out B. Lucky & Sons: Arcade & Game Bar in the Brunswick Street Mall. Games + drinking? Check + check!
As always be sure to book ahead and make it a group activity.
Ekka – Stockman’s Bar & Grill
Another timeless classic of the Ekka is the XXXX Stockman’s Bar & Grill for lunch or dinner – matching excellent food with a glass of beer.
With the Stockman’s Bar out of action this year, a terrific alternative is to take a tour of the XXXX Beer Factory located in Milton.
The long-running brewery features guided tours, plus a cool alehouse with craft selections and bar bites!
If you can’t get to the XXXX Factory, try Felon’s Brewing Co – Brisbane’s premier inner city iron shed located at Kangaroo Point. Grab a drink or two for a casual Sunday afternoon session.
Experience Country Hospitality First-Hand
At the heart of it, the Royal Queensland Show is about showcasing Queensland country life and city-folk to get a taste of life in the country.
Unfortunately, the unprecedented global event which has impacted all of us, has resulted in us being unable to experience the little taste of rural Queensland we have grown to know and love!
We shouldn’t leave our rural neighbours in the dark, and the Ekka long weekend presents the ideal opportunity for us visit one of Brisbane’s neighboring local country towns.
With places like Warwick & Toowoomba only 1.5 hours away from Brisbane, you can experience first-hand, the friendly hospitality of a small country town community. Take a trip down their local main street, visit the local museum/art gallery, and shop at their local small businesses (#supportlocal). Top it all off with the fresh country air and lunch at one of many local pubs or RSL community clubs.
2020 has been a tough year for some local country towns – many have faced bushfires, floods, and COVID-19 all in the space of six-months. So, go on, take the trip & show your support – if the country can’t come to us, we’re going heading to the country!
