Facilities & Accessibility

The Brisbane Showgrounds is designed to provide exceptional services and facilities to all visitors.

Although everyone is welcome to attend any day of Ekka, we acknowledge those with accessibility needs may encounter greater challenges in the environment.

Therefore, we've gathered some key information to assist in making their Ekka experience a great one.

Quieter days and quieter areas

Quieter days

Though we cannot guarantee how the crowd would be like every day of Show, we can advise that traditionally the quieter days of the Show would be the Super Saver days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday).

Quieter locations

Stockmen's Rest is quieter in the mornings and evenings, it is a shady area and located nearby a water station.
John Reid Pavilion is quieter in the mornings and afternoons.
The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion is quieter in the mornings.
The Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion is quieter in the morning and afternoon unless it’s raining.
The Parent's Room and the Prayer Room provides a quieter space for a short break during your visit.

You can find these locations via the Ekka map (printed or in App) or by asking one of our friendly staff at the nearest Information Booth.

Keep Your Kids Safe Program

Collect a FREE wrist band from the Ekka Police Station marquee on Gregory Terrace. Police will write down your contact details on the band so if you and your child become separated they will be able to reunite you ASAP.

Tips for being prepared:

Take a photo of your child on the day so this can be shared with police if necessary
Show your child where the Ekka police station is and teach them how to identify a police officer
Organise for your child to meet you at the Ekka police station if they become lost
Remember all located lost children will be looked after at the Ekka Police Station until reunited with their family

Plan Your Day

Planning your time at the Show can be a helpful way to make your experience a great one—not just for Showgoers with disabilities but for the entire family.

Some suggested tips include:

Plan a Visual Schedule using MyEkka
Prepare a nametag or collect a free wristband from the Ekka Police Station marquee located on Gregory Terrace as part of the "Keep Kids Safe" Program
Watch videos of the Ekka here; there is lots of movement, colours, and sounds at the Show. Watching some videos can help ease into the Show experience.
Choose a meeting location in case you get separated.
Practice waiting in line; this is useful if you're planning on going on rides or purchasing Showbags.
Have some earplugs or headphones handy.
Bring a sensory toy or comfort item.

Companion Cards

Free entry if accompanying disabled person (one carer per person).

If you require a ticket for a Companion, a valid Companion Card is accepted at the gate as a ticket for entry.

Please present your Companion Card upon entry to enter the Ekka showgrounds. For any further enquiries, please email [email protected] so that we can best assist you.

Accessible Toilets

Individual accessibility restrooms are located on both the upper and lower levels of the convention centre and there is one ambulant toilet within each bathroom location.

Facilities

Information Booths

Outside the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion on Gregory Terrace
Near the Norco Shed
Near the Woodchop Arena in Sideshow Alley
In the Channel 7 Pavilion (ground floor)

Toilets

Toilets are located in most buildings around the Showgrounds and can be located using the Ekka map.

Lost & found

Lost and found is located at Guest Services on the lower level of the Royal International Convention Centre.

ATM

ATM facilities are located around the Showgrounds.

Wifi

The RNA will provide Wi-Fi to keep Ekka guests connected during their visit to the show. Guests can access the Wi-Fi at four key locations around grounds - on the Plaza, in Expo Place (Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion and Animal Nursery), at XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill and in the Members Bar.

Mobile phone charging

A secure mobile phone charging station can be found near the locker facilities under the John MacDonald Stand.

Parents room

There are four parents rooms located around the grounds for those with babies and young children. The larger parents room under the Ernest Baynes Stand features a microwave to heat up milk, a sink, breastfeeding facilities and nappy change facilities.

Locker hire

Locker facilities are primarily located under the John MacDonald stand, but can also be found at several other locations around the Showgrounds.

All-Day Lockers (under John MacDonald Stand)	Standard: $10 + $2 refundable key deposit = $12 total Jumbo: $18 + $2 refundable key deposit = $20 total
Self-service Lockers (next to The Courier Mail Showbag Pavilion)	$2 per use
Bulky Item Storage	$5 per item plus all day locker hire
Large carry Bag	$4
Pull stroller (shopping bag)	$20
Phone charger, per use	$2

First Aid

Hest Paramedical is providing support and first aid services for Ekka 2024.

There are three first aid locations that operate between 8am and 11pm daily:

Under the John MacDonald stand
In the Kid's Carnival sector on the grassed area at the far end of Alexandria St
Near the Large Animal Pavilion

Accessibility

Ramps & Elevators

Ramps will be in place to provide easy access between roads and footpaths, as well as entrances into Pavilions. There are also elevators located on each level of the Channel Seven Pavilion and the Large Animal Pavilion.

Drop off / Pick up zones

Dedicated drop off / pick up zones with disability access for cars and taxis on Costin Street.

Wheelchair Viewing Areas

There are two dedicated Main Arena viewing areas for wheelchair patrons:

Near Heritage Hill along Gregory Terrace
Between Ernest Baynes Stand and Members Stand.

Parking Disablity Access

There are limited Disability Parking Spaces in King Street.

Assistance Dogs

Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are permitted entry to the Ekka, owners must carry their identification card and ensure their dog is wearing the correct badge accreditation.