Looking for free Ekka public holiday 2024 ideas?
We’ve compiled an awesome list of things to do on the Ekka public holiday in Brisbane. These ‘non- Ekka’ ideas are family-friendly and free!
When is the Ekka holiday in 2024?
The Ekka holiday is usually celebrated on the middle Wednesday of the 10-day show.
Here is a list of which dates the EKKA public holiday is on in 2024:
- Brisbane City Council celebrates show day on Wednesday 14 August 2024
- Redland City Council celebrates show day on Monday 12 August 2024
- Logan City Council celebrates show day on Monday 12 August 2024
- Moreton Region celebrates show day on Monday 12 August 2024
15 free Ekka Public Holiday 2024 ideas
Here are our picks of the best things to do for free this Ekka public holiday …
Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum is a museum of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement that tells the changing story of Queensland.
The Museum houses permanent and changing exhibitions and also provides in-depth education experiences, innovative public programs, early childhood activities and entertaining holiday activities. We aim to connect visitors to Queensland, its people and Queensland’s place in the world – past, present and future, through exhibitions, displays and public programs.
The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm. A great free Ekka public holiday idea for kids.
Museum of Brisbane
Rather than a museum of fossils and old bones, Museum of Brisbane is part of the living history of the city, examining how Brisbane and its people continue to change over time and revealing how each of our individual and collective stories are the milestones of the city’s evolution.
The Museum explores seemingly ordinary people and places of Brisbane to uncover unexpected and fascinating stories. The City Hall clock tower is the most iconic feature of the building and an important landmark and timekeeper for the city. The clock tower is open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Entry is free. Obtain a ticket in person on the day at the Museum of Brisbane reception counter on Level 3.
Brisbane bike adventures
Take advantage of this beautiful weather while it is not too hot and not too cold. Discover some of Brisbane’s most beautiful and spectacular bike rides in Brisbane Bike Adventures. From bay to forest, they have mapped out some of our favourite places to ride for fun and fitness. This is a great free Ekka public holiday idea for you and the kids.
Fishing platforms
Another great idea for this time of year is to spend the day fishing. Enjoy land-based recreational fishing from fishing platforms located in Brisbane City Council parks and reserves across the city. This free Ekka public holiday idea will take some planning, so quick quick!
City Hall Clock Tower Tours: Brisbane
Enjoy the old-world charm of our Clock Tower tours. Step into the original 1930s hand-operated lift, travel past the Art Deco-styled clock face to arrive at the final, 64m-high platform for a bird’s-eye view of the city. There is a reason this has been a time-honoured tradition for Brisbane families for almost 90 years.
Tickets are free and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You can obtain a ticket in person on the day of your visit at the Museum of Brisbane reception on level 3 of Brisbane City Hall. Only eight people can fit into the lift, including the lift operator. We advise you to arrive early to avoid disappointment – particularly during school holidays and public holidays. For more information, check out the Museum of Brisbane website.
Discover a new park
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to play spaces for kids, but where are the most amazing playgrounds in South East Queensland? We think we know where some of them are but we bet we didn’t catch them all. Take a look and see what you’d add to our list (and what you’d take off!).
Skate parks
Do your children nag you to go to the skate park like mine, but they always seem so crowded? Take advantage of the areas in Brisbane that do not have a public holiday and visit a skate park. They should be quieter and your little ones can experiment to their heart’s content.
Geocaching
We keep telling you about this amazing activity because you must try it. You will not regret it and the children will love it. The weather is perfect for this. Geocaching is the free high-tech treasure hunt where you use your GPS receiver to find caches hidden by other players. It’s a great way to be outdoors, enjoy the environment and revel in the thrill of the hunt! Read our article here.
Climb a mountain!
Mt Coolum perches majestically looking down on the Sunshine Coast and surveying the entire area around. So is climbing to the top with kids completely out of the question? Here’s our advice on what to know before you go!
Visit Roma Street Parkland
Have you been to Roma Street Parkland lately? There have been some changes that are very worth checking out! We have put together a great review here to help you plan a day trip.
Go climb a tree
So where exactly are the best climbing trees in Brisbane? Everyone can agree that one of the best things to do as a child is climb trees. From scaling massive tree trunks and swinging on its branches to looking down at the park below, it’s easy to understand why it is such a popular hobby among children of all ages. Want to give your kids a chance to scale some of the best climbing trees in Brisbane? Keep reading to discover the top seven places in Brisbane to climb trees.
Beyond the Horizon: Redcliffe
Visit the Imaginarium at Redcliffe Museum and explore outer space with their new Imaginarium: Beyond the Horizon!
Find interactive games and activities for the whole family to enjoy and watch video clips from the Australian Space Agency.
Opening hours are 10am – 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Find out more here.
Have some free fun at home
Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to be expensive, read this to learn budget friendly fun things to do with kids! Every child is different and will have diverse interests, this includes siblings! Just because they are related does not mean they will enjoy the same activities. Before you go and spend unnecessary money on games, try these activities!
Bake at home!
Have fun with the kids and do some baking together. We have heaps of recipes on our website to try out. Find them here.
The photo that’s in the article….where is this please? Looks awesome I know without a doubt my boys would absolutely LOVE it!?
Hi Meryl,
The photo was taken at Rock Riverside Park – 17 Mile Rocks.
I can recommend the Northside Fun Fair if you want an Ekka experience without the crowds and big costs. The circus was great (especially as it is free). We didn’t see the fireworks as they were a bit late for us, but I have heard they are good. Still expect to spend a pretty penny on food and rides though!
Great list – will try the geocaching!
u will love it