Ekka begins today, and we in Brisbane Street Studios have been preparing for an influx of Brisbane holiday makers. Every tourist destination has a special holiday to eagerly anticipate. Here in Queensland, we all mark our calendars for the 10 days of Ekka, when guests flock to our Brisbane Studio accommodation with smiles on their faces and chocolates and lollies in their showbags.
The Ekka started in 1876 with an Intercolonial Exhibition, which was meant to promote the agricultural and industrial development of Queensland. More than 17,000 of Brisbane’s then 22,000 population attended its opening day. The merrymakers shared a feast on long tables, and brought home their first showbag - a free bag of coal.
Over the years, as Brisbane changed and flourished, so has the Ekka. Today the Ekka attracts over half a million holiday makers every August, and the bag of coal has transformed into the famous showbag, a blend of treats for kids, teenagers, and anyone who wants to feel young again for an afternoon.
Much like the showbag, the Ekka itself is a mix of the finest joys Queenland has to offer. This year, the Ekka concert series features five nights of indie pop and rock to get you into your choice groove. The performers include Amy Meredith, Vanessa Amorosi, The Grates, The Beautiful Girls, and Australian Idol Stan Walker. Roving entertainers wills also amuse you in thoroughfares as they capture the theme “Where country meets the city” through song, dance, and humour. You can also dance with the Calypso band as they let Afro Latin Caribbean rhythms loose in Brisbane streets.
An Ekka holiday would not be complete if you don’t experience the rides in YoGo Alley. Classic Ekka rides include the Euro Slide and the Rock and Roll Ride. A personal favorite is The Viewing Wheel, which is slower than the Ferris Wheel and allows you to hold your date’s hand or take pleasure in a quick kiss while taking in the view of the RNA Showgrounds. After the ride, you can then watch sheepdogs, cats, and horses take on fun trials of speed and skill in Animal Competitions.
And then there’s the food! This year's Gourmet Harvest shows off an outdoor dining area, where you can enjoy prawn cocktail with Marie Rose Sauce. cured salmon, barbecued spiced lamb salad, crab ravioli, or samosas and curry and sushi rolls. The full menu can be downloaded here.
Whether you’re looking for time off work or a holiday with the kids, Ekka is sure to fulfill your holiday wishes. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s the celebration of the Queenslander lifestyle, a showbag filled with every pleasure you can feel and taste in our state. You are invited to take the next flight to Brisbane now, and share this Ekka holiday with us.
For bookings at Brisbane Street Apartments, please click here.
Ekka Information: http://www.ekka.com.au
Image Source: ourbrisbane.com
Location: Bowen Hills