Ekka long weekend will bring city to Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim is gearing up to show its city cousins the best of the country after the welcome news of an EKKA long weekend.

Brisbane’s traditional midweek Ekka holiday will move to Friday, 14 August to create a long weekend.

Mayor Greg Christensen thanked the Queensland Government for the decision and said it would provide a welcome boost to the Scenic Rim’s tourism industry after eight months of back-to-back disasters stifled visitation.

“The Ekka is all about bringing the regions to the city, so this will be the perfect opportunity for city-dwellers to visit the Scenic Rim and experience first-hand where all our beautiful produce is grown, support our region and have a great time while they are at it,” he said.

“We are ideally positioned just an hour away from Brisbane, and we have an abundance of local tourism operators who will welcome city visitors with open arms.

“Best of all, visitors will be able to make the most of the long weekend by booking one, two or even three nights so they can really settle in and explore all our beautiful region has to offer.”

He said the Ekka held great significance for the Scenic Rim, as agriculture underpinned the region's identity and economy.

"The Ekka provides a showcase for the Scenic Rim's tourism and agriculture industries, which contribute more than $630 million collectively to our regional economy,” he said.

“At Ekka time, many of our farmers, graziers, equestrians, families and school children head to the big smoke to show their regional pride in the Scenic Rim. And our Visit Scenic Rim stand in the agricultural hall attracts droves of Ekka-goers, keen to visit our region.

“This Ekka season, we’ll be ready for the city to come to us, and we promise the Scenic Rim will put on a show of glorious scenery, authentic local food and country hospitality like no other.”

To plan your Ekka long weekend in the Scenic Rim, head to www.visitscenicrim.com.au and follow Visit Scenic Rim on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo: Kay Tommerup of Tommerup's Dairy Farm. Tommerup's Dairy Farm was the face of the Ekka in 2018, and featured in the Ekka's 2019 campaign. Photo courtesy of the Ekka.