Ekka Animals: 10,000 Reasons to Visit the Royal Show

This article shares where to see the best Ekka animals at the 2024 Royal Queensland Show.

Alongside strawberry sundaes, Ekka animals are one of the best parts of the Royal Queensland Show. In 2024, there will be 10,000 dogs, cats, cows, goats, fish, birds, and sheep for us animal lovers to discover. And these aren’t just any animals, they are the best of their breed. Prepare to have your heart stolen at the many Ekka animal experiences included with your entry ticket.

Ekka animals are the backbone of the Royal Queensland Show

The Ekka has been bringing the country to the city since 1876. For many kids, Ekka provides their first taste of life on the farm. Purrfect for cat lovers and pup parents, the Ekka is known for showcasing many of Australia’s most coveted breeds. In addition to the impressive best of breed competitions, you can get involved in goat yoga, the baby animal nursery or check out the Dancing with Dogs showcase. Get a moo-ve on and read our tips on where to see the most legen-dairy Ekka animals at this years show.

Ekka baby animal nursery

Ekka = a taste of country and you don’t get more country than farm animals. We love transporting our family from the city to the country minus the stressful road trip at this interactive, hands on experience. The only challenge we found when we visited the free RACQ Animal Nursery was trying to get our kids to leave! This is also the case for the adults who are guilty of succumbing to cuteness overload when surrounded by more than 500 baby animals.

You can get hands on with guinea pigs, rabbits, piglets, puppies, lambs, chickens and ducks. Other farmyard cuties include lamas, alpacas, donkeys, a miniature horse, calves, sheep, and goats. Get your camera ready as your kids fall in love with a plethora of furry and feathery friends.

In 2024 you can buy a cup of animal feed for $3, or 2 cups for $5. Profits go towards the RNA Foundation, and EFTPOS payments are available.

• Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
• Families Hot Tip: The queue for the Animal Nursery closes at 4:30pm.

There is something extra special about holding a tiny chick in the palm of your hand. When we visited, our two kids sure had a challenge keeping the baby chick in their hands and it was hilarious to watch! The Ekka Cradle-A-Chick activity even allows families to watch chicks hatch from their shells in a special incubator.

• Location: Large Animal Pavilion (Ground Floor)
• Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm

The Ekka animals Grand Parade

More than 500 of the Ekka’s best animals will be on show in the iconic Grand Parade, held on People’s Day (Wednesday 14th August). It’s the parade of champions, from the tiny Grand Champion Fish of Show to the huge Grand Champion Stud Bull, along with ribbon-winning goats, beef cattle, dairy cattle, cats, dogs, horses and alpacas. It is an extraordinary sight to see! Get to the Main Arena early to ensure you get a seat.

• Wednesday 14 August, 1:30pm – 2:00pm
• Main Arena

Norco Grass to Glass experience

Visit the Norco milking barn where dairy experts will take you through the milking process and even try your hand at milking one of the beautiful dairy cows!  Your journey ends at the Norco shop where you can try your luck at the Norco Cape Byron Knock Down Game to win a small bottle of Norco Full Cream Milk. Yum!

• Session times: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm
• Ground floor, Large Animal Pavillion

Ekka cats: meow you’re talking!

Purrfect for feline lovers, we love popping past the cat precinct to admire the more than 50 breeds of cats on show. All breeds of cats including longhair, shorthair and kittens are displayed and judged at the Cat Competition. This year’s Grand Champion will be announced on People’s Day, Wednesday 14 August in the Cat Precinct. Make sure you avoid a cat-astrophe and don’t miss your favourite kitty breed by viewing the Ekka Cat Competition schedule.

Ekka dogs: you’ll be mutts about these pups

2,000 paws-itively gorgeous dogs from a diverse range of breeds will compete at the Ekka. The different categories include toys, working dogs, and terriers. These mighty pups will showcase their skills in rally, Dances with Dogs, agility, and jumping. We highly recommend checking out the Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog contests. The costumes and performances are the cutest.

This year, the Canine Competition will feature an exclusive Royal Show with a daily Specialty Show. These pups deserve a round of a-paws as the competition will be fierce! Find the pups at the Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion next to the Animal Nursery.

• Saturday, August 10 – Non-Sporting
• Sunday, August 11 – Hounds
• Monday, August 12 – Utility
• Tuesday, August 13 – Terriers
• Wednesday, August 14 – Toys
• Thursday, August 15 – Gundogs
• Friday, August 16 – Working Dogs
• Saturday August 17 – Announcements of Best in Show
• Sunday August 18 – Rally, Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog Contest

Sheep dog trials

Have you herd you can see some of Queensland’s best dogs as they round up sheep live in the Main Arena? The partnership between the dogs and their owners is heartwarming to see. This is a truly Australian experience having been held annually at the Ekka since 1899.

• Sheep Dog Trials Heats – Sunday 11 August, 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Sheep Dog demonstration – Tuesday 13 August – Sunday 18 August, 1:15pm – 1:30pm
• Main Arena

Ekka horses: prepare for the mane event

Horses have been hitting the turf at the Ekka since the very first show in 1876. Back then, silver cups were awarded to the best stallion and best heavy draught stallion. This year, more than 15 breeds of horses will be on display across seven days of judging in the Main Arena. We always plan to see the showjumping competition and this year, you will even get to see Olympic hopefuls take to the field. You also won’t want to miss seeing the mighty Clydesdale’s.

The Horsing Around Show

The Horsing Around Show stars acclaimed horse trainer Dave Manchon plus some well-known retired racehorses, as he talks about his training methods and how they can apply to these off the track stars. This educational show will demonstrate what is possible with some of these equine super athletes once they slow down.

• Three 20 minute shows daily at: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm
• Ekka Show Ring

As a kid, I can remember spending many hours visiting the horse stables at the Ekka. You can swing by the stables to view the horses up close and chat with the owners.

Ekka cattle: you’ll be udderly in love

Beef cattle

Every year, more than 1,100 head of stud beef cattle descend on the Brisbane Showgrounds. It is remarkable to think that the Ekka delivers the largest showing of beef cattle in the Southern Hemisphere. Of course, anyone that has been to Rockhampton knows that we love our beef in Queensland! A highlight of the beef cattle judging is the Stud Beef Champion of Champions where the best beast of show is crowned.

• At this year’s Ekka, the Stud Beef will be judged on the Main Arena on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th of August 2024.
• The Beef Cattle will be housed on the Ground Floor of the large Animal Pavilion.

Dairy cattle

Our family loves seeing the cream of Queensland’s dairy industry at Ekka as they battle it out to claim the title of Supreme Champion Dairy Cow of Show. Prepare to witness the impressive size of these beautiful beasts, with around 250 of the best Australian dairy cattle on show. The six breeds on show include Ayrshire, Guernsey, Illawarra, Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss.

• Visit the dairy cattle on level 1 of the Large Animal Pavilion from 12pm on Monday 12th of August.
• At this year’s Ekka, don’t miss the dairy cattle judging in the Main Arena on Friday 16th of August 2024.

Sheep, alpaca’s and all things wool!

Ewe heard it here first: There will be a number of sheep breeds on display during the Ekka. See English Leicester, Border Leicester, Poll Dorset, Dorper, Suffolk, Texel, White Dorper and White Suffolk sheep in the large Animal Pavilion.

Plus, if your family enjoys the tempestuous nature of alpacas, you will be happy hear the Ekka will showcase both the Huacaya and Suri breeds.

You herd it here first! Goat yoga is back

Here is something that may not have been on your Ekka animal bingo card. Goat Yoga! Goat Yoga is back this year with even more baby goats and yoga poses. This is an intimate experience where you can ‘goat’ amongst the ‘kids’ and take some seriously silly selfies.

• Sunday August 11, 2024
• 10:30am, 11:30am. 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm (30 minute sessions)
• Stockman’s Rest

If you are looking for a more serious goat experience at Ekka, we have got you covered. In true Ekka style, the dairy goats competition is one of the largest in Queensland. You’re about to take a masterclass in goat breeds when you see the Anglo-Nubian, Australian Melaan or Australian Brown, British Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg dairy goats in action.

• Find the dairy goats on level 1 of the large Animal Pavilion from 12pm Monday 12th August 2024.
• Check out the dairy goat judging. Head to level 1 of the large Animal Pavilion on Friday 16th of August 2024.

Fishy business at Ekka

Well it is oh-fish-al. You can marvel at fighting fish, tropical and freshwater fish as well as crustaceans, amphibians and even aquatic plants at this year’s Ekka. These fish will be putting their best fin forward. The colours, shapes, and sizes of the fish on display at Ekka is dazzling. The fighting fish always rate highly with our little ones. Our kids are reely excited to see the fish and we are really excited for a break from the busier attractions.

• Find Nemo and his fishy friends in the AG Education Hall.

Not everyone loves visiting Ekka animals

Yes, you will most likely smell or hear some of the pavilions before you actually see the animals but trust us when we say it’s totally worth the trek and the smells. However, if you do have sensory needs, keep in mind that the smells and noise can be overpowering at times. Read our Sensory Ekka: Tips for Taking Your Child to the Ekka guide for other things to consider and our insider tips on enjoying the show.

What is your Favourite Ekka animal?

Do you love seeing the Ekka animals? Let us know your favourite animals to visit in the comments. Don’t forget you can visit the Ekka from the 10th -18th of August 2024. Save at this year’s show by reading our guide to Ekka discounts.