T H E E K K A 2 019
Oh Hey Indie!
THE NEW EMPORIUM SHOWBAG
The Last Round GOODBYE TRIPLE M SHO WBAG
The Green Guide BE ECO CONSCIOUS AT THE EKKA
ALL THE THINGS TO KNOW
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We give you the run down on Opening Hours, Tickets, Getting there and more...
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T H E 2 019 EMPORIUM COLLECTION
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You’re going love what Showbags we have in store for you this year! From fashion to beauty we have you covered! Take a look...
HOME & LIFESTYLE
More amazing Showbag hauls for your enjoyment!
STOCK UP ON YOUR FAV E AT TREAT CENTRAL
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We’ve got some EPIC chocolate, confectionery & savoury Showbags for you.. Check it out here!
BERTIE BEETLE
Enough said!
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SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT & POP CULTURE SHOWBAGS Comics, TV & movie characters.. Need we say more?! Click here Yo!
INSTA GUIDE TO THE EKKA
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Our hot tips for the perfect gram.
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HOW TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS
The more chilled out spots at the Ekka.
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MAX FUN, MIN SPEND!
How to do the Ekka without breaking the bank.
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6 WAYS TO BE GREEN!
Do Ekka with the planet in mind
TOTAL RANDOM THINGS TO DO AT THE EKKA
We’ve been to Ekka 16 years in a row! Yep, seriously! We know all those crazy fun unheard of things to do.
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WHAT DO I EVEN DO THERE?
Our itinerary tips for you and your crew.
All The Things To Know About The Ekka: Getting there, facilities and other essentials OPENING HOURS
TICKETS
The Ekka is running from Friday 9th
Gate prices remain the same as 2018. A family
to Sunday 18th August 2019.
pass will set you back $80. An Adult Daily
Gates open 9am daily and close at 8pm – with the exception of Gate 1 on Gregory Terrace
Pass is $35 and a Child Pass (5 to 14 years) is $20. Children aged 4 or under are free.
which will remain open until late. The Showbag
The amazing Twilight Pass is back again
Pavilion is open from 9am to 9pm every day.
for a bargain price of $20. Only catch is you can only enter after 6.00pm. For the die-hard Ekka fans out there, there is a 10 Day Pass which gets you in EVERY SINGLE DAY for $100. If you are an adult who is planning to hit the Ekka 3 times or more this is the ticket for you. Super Saver Tickets. If you want to attend Tuesday 13th, Thursday 15th or Sunday 18th you get 5% off the ticket prices! Or if you are feeling a little bit fancy, you could become an RNA member for an annual fee of $145 (city member) or $130 (country member). You get unlimited entry to the Ekka, access to the members’ grandstand and bar and more. Visit the Ekka website for more. RACQ members save 15% off Ekka tickets, you need to buy online before 31st of July!
: GETTING THERE
LOCKERS Lockers are available for hire at the Show. Find
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Avoid the traffic and catch public transport! There are
them located under the John MacDonald Stand.
special rates when you present your Ekka admission
INFORMATION
ticket (either online or hard copy) with Translink travel
Check out the Ekka App to plan your day at show
tickets of $6 return for adults and $3 for children.
and of course, pick your favourite showbags.
Special Ekka trains will be running to and from Exhibition Station right in the middle of the Brisbane Showgrounds and dedicated Ekka buses stop close to entry gates.
UBER AND TAXIS
It’s only a short Uber or taxi ride to the Ekka from the city. Leave your car in the city and catch an Uber or taxi directly to the Brisbane Showgrounds.
CYCLING
Although cycling inside the grounds is off limits, there are secure bike racks located in Carriage and King Streets.
R E A D M O RE
$30
The go-to showbag for any fashion lover! This Showbag is a styling dream where you can customise your Miss Coco outfit to suit your taste.
SE E MO R E
$25
Make your mark! The next level ELLE Australia Showbag brought to you by the world’s highest selling fashion mag.
SE E MORE
$28
One for the guys! The Men’s Style Showbag features a Duffle Bag and a Toiletries Bag along with Sunglasses and a Belt. Plus you get a bunch of men’s grooming and lifestyle products.
SE E MO R E
$30
Introducing our newest babe to our showbag collection. Indie is a festival ready showbag formulated for free-spirited, independent babes. We’ve curated a collection of essentials for fashion lovers for incredible value.
SE E MORE
$30
Active wear as day wear is here to stay. We’re all about the sports luxe athleisure wear that won’t blow the bank. We got you girl!
@STELLAATHLETIC
SE E MORE
Beauty Shop the best in cosmetics and beauty at The Emporium. We’ve got all tastes covered with both the iconic ModelCo brand and mineral-makeup babes, nude by nature.
$20
Get primed for ModelCo! Iconic Australian beauty brand, ModelCo, has developed awardwinning tanning, cosmetics, sun care and natural skincare solutions for over a decade.
SE E MO R E
$28
Flirty, floral and feminine. Inspired by Rihanna’s passion to always reveal her true self, RiRi by Rihanna captures a fresh, vibrant essence with a playful twist that lets your vivacious spirit shine through.
SE E MORE
$28
Australia’s #1 Mineral Makeup. Nude by Nature delivers highperforming, natural formulas that provide beautiful finishes and benefits that go beyond make-up.
SE E MO R E
HOME & LIFEST YLE
Here’s our pick for the foodies and entertainers out there. The Australian Women’s Weekly Showbag is one of our classics and at only $18 offers amazing value. The MKR and Home and Away Showbags are for those TV lovers.
$18
A show classic with unbeatable value! Australia’s most iconic and trusted woman’s magazine is back again with INCREDIBLE variety.
S E E MOR E
$30
You’re Summer Bay ready! Home and Away fans get enough drama following the lives, loves, happiness, and heart-breaks of the residents of Summer Bay your showbag choice is easy.
SE E MORE
$25
Your kitchen will RULE! Our favourite cooking show has an epic haul of all things food. Cook up a storm with the Official My Kitchen Rules Showbag.
S E E MOR E
TRE
SE E MO R E
$10
$15
$10
$10
EAT CENTRAL $15
$10
$16
$10
SE E MORE
Gotta love Bertie Beetle!
Bertie Beetle was first formulated from the factory of Hoadley’s Chocolate in Melbourne in the early 1960’s. Bertie Beetle was devised as a means of utilising the unused shards of honeycomb from the production of Violet Crumble. You could say that Violet Crumble was Bertie’s Father! Bertie Beetle first appeared as part of the Hoadley’s Chocolate Showbag in 1963 alongside Violet Crumble and Polly Waffle. This was back in the day when there were 30 odd showbags available, not the 400 you can choose from today. It took a few years before the little guy broke through but in 1972 he did it – a new look Bertie Beetle finally had his own Showbag. From here, there was no turning back. Decades have passed and the legend of Bertie Beetle has continued to grow. Today there are 6 different Bertie Beetle Showbags available at the Royal Shows and now, in 2018 Bertie Beetle has gone digital, yep - you can now buy Bertie Beetle online. Bertie fans rejoice!
GET SOCIAL WITH
@BERTIEBEETLESHOWBAGS
BERTIE BEETLE
@BERTIEBEETLESHOWBAGS
$2
$3
$5
$8
$12
$15
SEE M ORE
$26
$26
ENTERTAINMENT & POP CULTURE $26
$26
$26
$26
$26
$26
LAST ROUND Triple M is putting out their LAST SHOWBAG EVER! The Triple M Show Bag has been an iconic part of the Brisbane Ekka since the 80s……..and this year, marks the end of an era. The last ever Triple M Show Bags go on sale from August 9, and inside one of them, will be something INCREDIBLE. Big news coming soon!
$30
Grab yourself a piece of history with the last Triple M Showbag EVER!! SEE M ORE
OH HEY Insta-fluencers! Did you even go to the Ekka if it’s not on Insta? We’ve scouted the best Ekka insta’s from across the nation for the ultimate inspo.
DAGWOOD DOGS ARE LIFE! N E E D W E S AY M O R E . BY @CHANNEL7
THAT EPIC CROWD SHOT NEVER DISAPPOINTS L I K E @PA P E R B AC KG L A M O U R
YO U R C U T E K I D & FA I RY FLOSS BIGGER THAN THEM THANKS @THEEKKA
SHOW US YOUR WINNINGS ( E S P E C I A L LY U N I C O R N S ! ) LIKE @CAROLINEHGROTH
MERRY-GO-ROUND DREAMS (& SNAPS W/ YOUR LOVER) LIKE @TEENATITAN
I T ’S R I D E T I M E ! BUT WHERE TO START?! W I T H @ K I M B E R LYC H I A
SHOW OFF YOUR TRIBES MATCHING OUTFITS LIKE @ K I D S FA S H I O N B L O G G E R
A LWAYS B R I N G T H E LO L S LIKE THIS CHEEKY SWIPE BY @PAST E LT Y R A N T
CRAZY FUN SHOT WITH THE FERRIS WHEEL BY @EVENTS_AU
FOOD ENVY IS THE BEST KIND OF ENVY THANKS @THEEKKA
BUBBLE GUN PROPS W I T H @ J A K E R I C H T R AV E L S + @KAILEYEMMASMITH
SHOW OFF THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE NEON NIGHTS LIKE @DIANAQIAO
CAPTURE THE STREET ENTERTAINMENT IN ACTION LIKE @RUTHLESSJULES
FA M I LY M E M O R I E S O F T H E K I D S F I R S T R O YA L S H O W LIKE @KRYSTAL.BROOKE
@KRISTIN_GEE & HER HUBBY BROUGHT THEIR WEDDING PA R T Y TO T H E S H O W!!
6 Ways To Be Green The EKKA and environmentally friendly aren’t really terms you’d think of in the same sentence but the good news is you can still have a fabulous day at the Show and not make a huge impact on the planet. We’ve created an eco-guide to navigating the Ekka the conscious way.
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Use an eTicket. Instead of printing
Picking up souvenirs like hand-made
We know, this is not as easy as
your ticket unnecessarily, use
pieces from the Art & Craft hall,
it looks! There is single-use food
your phone and present it to be
Chocolate covered Macadamia’s
packaging EVERYWHERE at the show
scanned at the gate. It’s always on
from the Woolworths Fresh Food
but we have noticed a shift in what
you and you won’t have to worry
Pavilion all need to be carried with
the food & beverage vendors are
about losing a piece of paper!
you until you can get home and
offering now. Go for the cardboard
enjoy them. We recommend bringing
bowls, the paper bags, the wooden
your green bags or calico bags from
sticks and the novelty cup that you
home and having them on hand
can take home (and even use for
instead of accepting a plastic bag.
beverages for the rest of the day!)
U S E A N E T I C K E T:
B R I N G YO U R O W N B AG S :
C H O O S E YO U R PAC K AG I N G :
E XC I T I N G N E W S A B O U T R E C YC L I N G AT E K K A ! For the first time, the Ekka will provide purple bins for recycling through the Containers for Change Program, raising funds for the RNA Foundation (RNAF). There will be 50 easily accessible purple bins around the Ekka for visitors to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans. For every bottle and can recycled, money will be donated to the RNAF. The RNAF raises funds to aid agricultural heritage preservation, agricultural education and agricultural awareness and development.
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5.
6.
B E V E R AG E V E SS E L :
Even our kids are realising that straws
C O M PA N I E S W H O U S E
There are SO many beverages
are detrimental to animals and the
R E C YC L E D P L AST I C :
consumed not just by you, but by the
environment. What seems like a
thousands of people that visit The
convenient way to keep your upper
Ekka. Just think how many disposable
lip from being cold/hot and wet, it
single use coffee cups, plastic water
really does make a difference if you
bottles along with slurpie and beer
say “no thank you!” to a plastic straw.
C A R RY A R E U SA B L E
cups are being tossed away after one
SAY N O TO ST R AW S :
B U Y S H O W B AG S F R O M
Did you know all of Chicane Showbag’s plastic bags are created from recycled plastic? We also have a range of our showbags in paper bags and in reusable bags removing the plastic all together!
use. Most people drink more than one beverage at the show! That’s hectic!
READ M ORE
Do the planet a favour and bring a reusable cup to use for your drinks. It may do your wallet a favour too with some vendors offering a small discount for bringing your own vessel. Yay!
L E T E K K A K N O W W H AT YO U T H I N K ! Don’t just take our word for it. If you see ways that Ekka can improve their Greenness then get in touch and give them your tips! Support a greener Ekka! You are the eyes on the ground and we all have a part to play in looking after the Earth.
How To Escape The Crowds
The Ekka is known for a few things, strawberry sundaes, Bertie Beetle and of course, the notorious Ekka crowds. A quiet Ekka kinda sounds like an oxymoron and while we can’t exactly promise you a quiet experience but if you’d rather an Ekka with chill vibes then keep reading, we got chu. Firstly, it’s imperative you choose the right day and time to go.
Timing is also important. Crowds pick up in the
Now not to state the obvious but guys… the weekends and the
afternoon so if you make a nice early morning
Ekka Wednesday are always going to be hectic – full stop. If you
visit (gates opens at 9am) then you should expect
want to be able to swing your cat around then we do not suggest
it to be a bit quieter around the grounds.
you visit on these days. So, when is a good time? Our 18 + years of Ekka’ing tell us the Tuesday is the quietest day of all (which this year works out to be Tuesday 13th August). You should also find Friday 9th and Thursday 15th to be on the quieter side. Monday the 12th is the regional Queensland Show Holiday (anyone outside of Brisbane really) so this can be on the busy side.
Next step to having a #ChillEkka is to pick the right places to go and more importantly WHEN.
So, what about the most chill things to do?
Have a Moet-Moment. Yep, there’s a Moet & Chandon
We’ve picked a few of the most tranquil
bar at the Ekka. You can enjoy a quiet moment and
Ekka activities we could find to keep your
sip some champas away from the crowds!
day easy breezy lemon squeezy. Bush Poetry, is there anything more chill? Don’t miss the poets belt out bush ballads at the Old Museum. This is happening on 10 August 2019 9.30am – 12.00pm only.
Get above the crowds by taking a slow spin on the ferris wheel. On a side note, if you want showbags – this should be your straight up first stop. Get in there at 9am, make your purchase and then get outta there. If you really wanna nail it, you should get a locker so you can still use your arms for Ekka fun.
With the help of local florists, you can make your own Flower Crown. Find them at The Old Museum. Swing by the Longhair cat competition and check out the preened to perfection kitty cats.
READ M ORE
RANDOM Things To D PIG RACING IS BACK! These brave little piggies will fly through the sky, dive into a pool of water and race each other around a track.
DAGWOOD DOG EATING COMPETITION. This is exactly as it sounds. There are amateur, professional and celebrity classes. Even if you don’t participate this would be worthy of a watch.
BURGER PIE DONUT? Give this treat from Mick’s Bakery in Gregory Terrace a try. It’s a burger in a pie crust and a beef pie that looks like a donut. Insert scared face emoji here.
DRAG QUEEN BINGO DARLINGS. For the second year in a row, Drag Queen Bingo is back! Hosted by Queens Ball ‘Drag Performer of the Year’ Vollie LaVont, the free event features drag performances by ‘Dolly Parton’ singing 9 To 5, ‘Faith Hill’ belting out This Kiss and ‘Shania Twain’ with Man! I Feel Like a Woman.
FLOWER BEARD COMPETITION. Forget glitter beards – the Ekka is bringing back flower power! This special event takes place on Wed 14 at 2pm. Magnificent bearded men will be manscaped into a flowery sensation by a team of florists.
Do At The Ekka
READ MORE
LINE DANCING HOEDOWN. Country music. Cowboy hats. Synchronised dancing. What more could you want? There will be social dancing, competition demonstrations, beginner workshops for the public and the Queensland Club Challenge.
LONGHAIR CAT COMPETITION. From long haired Ragdolls to the gorgeous Norwegian Forests, a variety of Longhaired cats will be judged and one crowned the winner.
ROPE SKIPPING PERFORMANCE. The Cleveland Air Magic Skipping Club will impress with their high energy music, fitness, acrobatic skills and skipping speed.
W O M E N ’S P I N B A L L C H A M P I O N S H I P. Watch the best female pinball players in the world compete. The talented players include Australia’s highest ranked female, 16-year-old Emily Cosson and the highest ranked female player in the world Danielle Peck from New Zealand.
GIANT VEGETABLE COMPETITION. See ‘out of the ordinary’ specimens and celebrate the wonderful and unique odd shapes (and sizes) traditional vegetables can grow into.
Max Fun, Minimal Spend
Whether you’re the parents of a tribe of littleies or someone trying to impress a date, the Ekka can be pricey. Never fear, we have your back (as always!) and are here to provide all the ins and outs of a more affordable day at the Show. H AV E A P L A N O F AT TAC K . Spend some time on your pre-show game and come
FIND THE CHEAPEST DAY TO G O .
up with a schedule for your showtime. This means you
There are value deals all over that can have you
won’t be wandering around aimlessly and dropping
sitting pretty when it comes to Ekka entry. There is
cash randomly. FYI: We’ve cultivated some epic
currently a promo running to get 10% off Ekka ticket
itineraries for you to maximise your time at the show.
prices. Enter code FAMILIES10 before 11.59pm July
Use public transport. It’s the easiest and most efficient way of getting to the show and Translink provides discounted tickets for adults and kids. Make sure you have your Ekka ticket to gain the cheap travel!
31, 2019 to redeem the offer. You can save 5% on ticket prices by visiting on Tuesday 13, Thursday 15 or Sunday 18. Another fab option is the Twilight Pass (entry after 6pm) which is only $20! (compared to $35). Ekka ticket prices are available here https://www.ekka.com.au/buy-ticket#tickets
PAC K YO U R LU N C H!
S H O W B AG H A U L P R E P.
Although there is EPIC delicious food coming at you
We upload all of our 2019 Ekka Showbags leading
from all angles, buying food at the show is hella
up to the Show on the Ekka Official Website AND
expensive! To minimise the damage, we recommend
chicaneshowbags.com.au. Do yourself a solid and
packing a sambo (healthy option) and purchasing
plan what purchases you wish to make. Be mindful
a really amazing treat (hello Strawberry Sundae!)
to come in the morning so that you don’t miss out
so you can maximise your spend on rides and
on your picks. Sometimes on the final days there
Showbags!! BONUS - Your mum will be so proud!
are discounts if you want to pick up a bargain.
CHEAP EATS.
C A $ H O N LY B A BY !
If packing your lunch is all a bit too hard then
Sounds a bit crazy but trust us – it works! This concept
you can take advantage of the cheapest food at
will minimise the impact on your wallet, especially if
the Ekka. Here’s a few we can recommend:
there are kids involved. You can’t spend more if you
• $3 Cheese Toastie • CWA Scones and Tea
physically don’t have it with you. It’s exhilarating to plan with your crew what money is being spent where. Teamwork makes the dreamwork!
• Eat free sample in the Woolworths Pavilion • Super Food Sunday (last day of the Show) – Ekka food outlets offer two-forone deals on select items all day
READ M ORE
But What Do I Even D
Here are some sure-fire ways to get the most out of your Ek
Don’t worry – we have only listed what is on EVERYDAY so it doesn’t matter what day you go
@CHARLIEDUNN9
CREATIVE SPIRIT. @KRYSTALWILSON_
There are so many beautiful displays of the creative genius of QLD! Take a look at our pick. P H OTO G R A P H Y D I S P L AY:
Talented photographers from all over QLD have entered their winning shots for us to enjoy. 9 : 0 0 - 19 : 0 0 . L O W E R R O YA L I C C .
PA I N T I N G & D R AW I N G D I S P L AY:
Feast your eyes on a stunning display by artists
FA M I LY F U N . Grab your kiddies and get ready for some great family fun around the Ekka. RACQ ANIMAL NURSERY
Get up close to the cute and the cuddly animal friends!
from across the state. Be inspired and enter your
9 : 0 0 - 17 : 0 0 . R A C Q A N I M A L N U R S E R Y
work next year!
L I T T L E B A C K YA R D FA R M E R S
9 : 0 0 - 19 : 0 0 . L O W E R R O YA L I C C .
This is an interactive, hands on experience
MULITCULTURAL PLAZA:
for the littler urban famers.
Experience a diverse curation of music
9 : 0 0 - 17 : 3 0 . T H E O L D M U S E U M .
from around the world presented by
FIELD TO FORK
Multicultural Queensland Month.
Educating kids on how their food
10 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 .
makes it to their plate.
MULTICULTURAL MUSIC STAGE
9 : 0 0 - 18 : 0 0 . A G R I C U L T U R A L H A L L .
Do There?!
kka!
R E AD MO R E
o!
@CATGUTSPHOTO
DATE NIGHT. We adore seeing loved up couples spoiling each other with excessive sugar @BEERHAUSAU
hits and all the Showbags!! Here’s our Lover’s Guide to the Ekka.
A D U LTS O N LY. We’ve got the child-free peeps covered with some grown up fun at The Ekka.
DODGEM CARS
Guaranteed to bring the LOLs! 9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 . S I D E S H O W A L L E Y .
EXTREME RIDES
Get that adrenaline high with the Beast, Freak Out and Speed 2.
DRAGON CASTLE (NEW)
Is your date a little frightened?… cute! 9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 . S I D E S H O W A L L E Y .
9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 . S I D E S H O W A L L E Y .
KING STREET FEAST
This is just the best place to eat in our opinion. 9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 . K I N G S T R E E T .
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
They just keep getting better every year!
KING STREET FEAST
All the best eateries to chill and share a meal. 9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 . M A I N A R E N A .
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Always an epic display and super romantic to gaze at the lit up sky together.
19 : 2 5 - 2 0 : 0 0 . M A I N A R E N A .
19 : 2 5 - 2 0 : 0 0 . K I N G S T R E E T
DRAG QUEEN BINGO
ICONIC EKKA
Yas Qween! If you happen to be at Ekka
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
on the 15th August. Don’t miss it.
Dessert for a cause – you can’t say no to that!
2 0 : 3 0 - 21 : 3 0 .
9 : 0 0 - 21 : 0 0 .
X X X X S TO C K M E N ’S B A R & G R I L L .
W O O LW O R T H S F O O D PAV I L I O N
Get social with us FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF SHOWBAGS + THEIR CONTENTS CHECK US OUT ONLINE
CHICANESHOWBAGS.COM.AU
@CHICANESHOWBAGS
@CHICANESHOWBAGS
