2017 Ekka Cheat Sheet

August 11, 2017

You can’t go to a place like the Ekka without a game plan. The Ekka rolls around only once a year so you need to make sure you’re armed with the best information to make the most of a wonderful day out with the family.

This list is your personal cheat-sheet to the Ekka 2017 but keep it quiet…we don’t want everyone to know all our secrets! Our goal is to help you brave the crowds and chaos whilst seeing the best the EKKA has to offer in 2017. One quick tip before we jump into our hot tips; why not head to the Ekka on the Thursday or Friday rather than having to compete with massive crowds on the Wednesday Public Holiday.

You won’t want to miss some of the best things to do and see at the Ekka this year – especially the next six…

  1. Animal boulevard

With hundreds of animals big and small the much-anticipated animal boulevard is back again this year and is better than ever. This family favourite provides an opportunity for Ekka guests to broaden their knowledge of Queensland’s primary industries, and for the kids to get involved with interactive displays.

The RACQ Animal Nursery is perfect for little ones letting them feed and pat some of their favourite animals including lambs, ducklings and goats. Get your piglet fix with the Pat-a-pig exhibition before checking out the little chicks at Cradle-a-chick. With some eggs still incubating and hatching before your eyes this is one experience you won’t want to miss. Make sure to drop into the Horse Breeds Expo, Legendairy Milking Barn and Sheep Shearing as well.

  1. Sideshow Alley

A visit to the Ekka isn’t complete without a visit to Sideshow Alley. At 25 metres tall and with a swing of 45 metres high, a new ride appropriately named ‘The Beast’ is a must for any adrenalin junkie this year at the Ekka. Don’t feel like soaring above the Ekka at 120kms an hour? No worries, there is a ride for everyone in the Sideshow Alley. Make sure to ride the ‘Star of the Show’ with your family this year, Australia’s first rotating gondola Ferris Wheel providing 360 degree views of Sideshow Alley. The speed is controlled by you the rider so it’s a perfect ride for families and a great way to get your bearings.

PS – don’t forget that Translink offers a Regular Exhibition loop train that drops you off in the heart of Sideshow Alley.

  1. Visit the Zambrero Mexivan!

Did someone say Mexican? Wait….Mexivan? Yes, you heard correctly, Zambrero has officially shapeshifted into food truck form. Having just launched in Queensland, the newest mysterious pop-up location of this Mexivan has been revealed as The Zambrero Family Tree on the Crn of Gregory Terrace and Alexandria Street at the 2017 Ekka.

If you want to shy away from the dagward dogs this year, watch the waistline AND have some delicious Mexican food, then Zambrero Mexivan should be your first port of call for a family timeout. With kid’s options, superfood power bowls, nachos or the classic burrito, this food truck will be sure to accommodate for everyone in the family.

  1. Strawberry Sundae

Crunchy wafer cone, white ice-cream, delicious chopped strawberries, yummy strawberry ice-cream, tasty fresh cream AND a juicy strawberry on top… *drool* need I say more?

The iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundae returns again this year with profits helping fund research to find cures and save many lives. Treat the kids and support the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation at the same time with this classic iconic sundae.

  1. Show bags

The Ekka wouldn’t be the Ekka if you don’t leave with show bags bunched up your arms. In our opinion, nothing can beat The Bertie Beatle bags which can only be bought at the Ekka once a year. With Bertie bags starting at $2 it’s no wonder this chocolate is always a crowd favourite.

Don’t worry, there is a show bag for every age and interest this year from Peppa Pig to Doctor Who to Gobstoppers. No one will leave the show bag pavilion empty handed. Remember – the earlier you buy your show bags in the day, the longer you have to carry them. Maybe try check them out towards the end of your day or bring a large bag to store them in.

  1. EkkaNITES

Finish the day by seeing the newly designed night program in the Main Arena. The traditional segments such as wood chopping and the trots will be tied with a Hot Wheels High Octane Show and live music providing entertainment for the whole family. Children’s fireworks start at 6pm and the fireworks finale will wrap up a perfect day at the Ekka for you and your family.

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