The Ekka!

Let's take a look at the Royal agricultural exhibition or the Ekka as Brisbaneintes know if. It's a kaleidoscope of noise, colour, rides, smells and things to see and do. This week is some of my tips to survive the Ekka with as little annoyance as possible!

Ekka survival tip #1

Admit it; you’re going to eat junk here. Just enjoy it as it’s a once a year thing. Greasy Dagwood dogs and Prince Charles Hospital Foundation strawberry ice creams used to be an Ekka staple for me. Whilst This is still true for many there's now an array of food to eat at the Ekka from sushi, to Mexican, to Malaysian, fairy floss, popcorn, corn on the cob, tasty bites from Woolworths and almost any cuisine you can think of! I enjoyed strawberries and marshmallows drizzled in chocolate on a skewer, iced tea and satay. How you can eat your way around the Ekka! It's funny how food eaten at a specific time can evoke such memories of the past!

Ekka survival tip #2

If you are going to brave the melee of the show bag pavilion it helps to look online and in the paper and take a list of the ones that interest you and what stall number they are on, as there's just so many to look at otherwise! When you do find your chosen bags take a closer look at what you really get. Some bags say they are worth a certain value but you may find its mostly useless vouchers. Many of the bags are full of junk food and junky toys but there is some of decent value. Some are more like the original show bags which really were just samples of a brand's product as advertising and to get people to try something new.

Or you could just go to the Woolworths pavilion and make your own show bag like me! A tea and wine show bag? Yes please!+

Ekka survival tip #3

In this day and age of Paywave, cash is king at the Ekka. Many stalls including those with pricier show bags will only take cash (although some do take card). Those stalls that do take card will often charge you between 50 cents and $3 extra per purchase to use a card. There are a lot of ATMs onsite but I found by late in the day some of these were out of cash. So come prepared!!! Unless you want to buy tea or wine from the visiting Queensland wineries in the Woolworths pavilion then you can pay by Paywave with no extra costs because there guys are fabulous. So just buy wine I think?!

Ekka survival tip #4

For many the Ekka can seem a bit pricey to get into. However if it's just yourself you might want to consider volunteering. The Ekka has a volunteering program or you could contact the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation to help with making the famous strawberry ice creams. If you already volunteer for other groups such as the Brisbane Greeters you could also do a shift for them. For just a few hours work and good karma you can get a free pass into the Ekka so you can enjoy yourself after your shift! Other money saving tips include looking for ticket deals online e.g. through RACQ memberships or via Queensland Rail. Bring mostly your own food; buy show bags with discounted ride vouchers; check out all the free pavilions and shows; get free tastings at the Woolworths pavilion. There are so many ways to make your visit more economical!

Ekka survival tip #5

Once you've spent all your money and have had your sugar highs, a lovely way to too off your day is with the nightly fireworks show. However if you do choose to stay for this you may want a plan for immediately afterwards because every man and his dog will try to leave at once. It is well to wall people and the trains can't take them fast enough. So as a plan of attack you can try a few things. 1. Just wait in the stands -not the most interesting and you will have to wait up to an hour. 2) Wait to the crowd thins enough to do the short walk to Bowen Hills or Fortitude Valley station to wait with the many others who've done this or 3) go and check out the free band at the bar in front of the conference centre until the crowds disappear.

Ekka survival tip #6

With all the people, noise and things going on it could get a bit overwhelming. My tip is to think like a kid and embrace it! Wander through sideshow alley (especially at night) enjoy all the lights and action even if you don't go on any of the rides. Eat something Ekka disgusting even if it's just one thing. Go per the animals. Get the free samples. Enjoy the animals in the main ring. Get excited by the woodshop races. And most of all enjoy the fireworks. Overall embrace the madness that is the Ekka!

Ekka survival tip #7

Don't forget essentials the hand sanitizer, water, snacks, hat, umbrella, jacket, cash and take the train if you can!