How to Get To and From the Ekka with Minimal Stress

The Ekka (The Royal Queensland Show) is a highlight in Brisbane’s event calendar each year, but, because of its location at the Brisbane Showgrounds, a bit of planning is needed to make it easier for families to access this inner-city venue.

Brisbane Kids have researched the best ways of getting to and from the Ekka with a family, so all you have to do is go, enjoy, and eat plenty of Strawberry Sundaes!

Catching Public Transport to the Ekka

To avoid the traffic and the cost of car parking, catching public transport is a stress free way of getting to and from the Ekka, and now, thanks to 50 cent fares, it’s the cheapest way too. 

In fact, train arrival and departure platforms are located right in the middle of the Ekka, so you’ll arrive right in the heart of the action! Additionally, a number of bus stops are located around the perimeter of the showgrounds.

After extensive renovations the new and improved Exhibition Station opened to the public in June 2025, ready for everyone visiting the Ekka in 2025. According to Translink the Exhibition Station now features: 

“improved access with new lifts, a new entry plaza and pedestrian access to Bowen Bridge Road, as well as first class accessibility features including wayfinding signage, hearing aid loops, and step-free access to the station and platform via ramps and lifts.”

To plan your trip to the Ekka via public transport, visit the TransLink web site. Here you can enter your starting location, your destination and the time and date you wish to travel. TransLink will then work out the best route and timetable for you to follow.

Remember, you don’t need a Go Card to travel on public transport in Brisbane anymore, you can simply use your contactless card or device, by tapping on and off, like you would with a Go Card. To learn more visit Translink. 

The TransLink network stretches from Gympie in the north, to Coolangatta in the south, and west to Helidon. Ferry services between Redland Bay and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands are also part of the TransLink transport network. For more tips, you can read our guide on catching public transport in Brisbane with kids.

You can also catch a taxi or ride share home from the Ekka using the designated area located outside Gate 1, at the corner of Gregory Terrace and Costin Street.

If you wish to cycle to or from the Ekka, bike racks will be located on Carriage Street, but remember, bikes are not permitted inside the showgrounds. 

Driving to the Ekka

While there is no car parking available within the Brisbane Showgrounds during the Ekka, it is possible to park nearby and walk.

Driving is definitely the most expensive way of getting to the Ekka though, due to the cost of car parking and petrol (unless you can ask someone to drop you off and pick you up).

To find the Ekka on GPS or satellite navigational systems, search for the Brisbane Showgrounds which are located at 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills. Be aware, however, that a number of roads surrounding the Brisbane Showgrounds are closed during the 10 days of the Ekka.

The closest car park to the Ekka is the King Street Car Park, with entry via Machinery or Alexandria Streets. 

Secure Parking Fortitude Valley locations for the Ekka (9-17 August 2025) 

• Valley Metro Car Park – enter via Warner Street
• Chinatown Car Park – enter Gipps or Duncan Streets
• McWhirters Car Park – enter Warner or Ballow Streets
• 4 Mead Lane Car Park – enter via Ranwell Lane
• 388 Brunswick Street Car Park – enter via Berwick Street

Other car parking locations include:

• Limited street parking in the streets surrounding the Brisbane Showgrounds
• Cornerstone Parking, Herston Road Car Park

Stay in town and walk to the Ekka

If you live a little further afield, or you want to extend your Ekka experience, there are plenty of accommodation options located near the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Book a hotel in the CBD or Fortitude Valley, and then it’s just a short bus, train, taxi ride or walk to all the fun of the Ekka.

We’ve even compiled a guide for families that are planning a holiday in Brisbane, with ideas for family friendly places to stay, places to eat and things to do.

Accessibility at the Ekka

All gates into the Ekka are wheelchair accessible, however, the official accessibility drop-off point is through Gate 1, Costlin Street. 

Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams are available for hire at the Ekka and can be found under the John MacDonald Stand. This is on a first-come, first-served basis, so keep this in mind when contemplating hiring. 

There are many accessible toilets located throughout the Brisbane Showgrounds. Ramps and lifts are also located throughout the showgrounds. 

Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are permitted entry to the Ekka, as long as the appropriate documentation is carried and produced when required. 

For more information about getting the most out of your family visit to the Ekka, or to book tickets online, please visit the official Ekka website.