The new Exhibition Station, in Brisbane’s inner north, opens temporarily this week and will be a welcome addition to public transport options for this year’s Ekka crowds.
Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said with major construction now complete, the station would be in use for the Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow, which runs from June 4 to 8.
Minister Mickelberg said while the Exhibition Station was due to reopen for year-round services in line with the opening of the Cross River Rail tunnels in 2029, it would now be opened for major events at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
“Rail services to Exhibition Station will operate for major events being held at the showgrounds, starting from tomorrow (June 4), for the Caravan and Camping Supershow,” he said.
“Then in August, Queenslanders will be able to catch a train right into the heart of the Ekka.”
He said it would be the first time in three years that Queenslanders would be able to catch a train to the Brisbane Showgrounds to attend major events.
Minister Mickelberg said the new station featured 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.
He said about 1700 cubic metres of concrete, 1100 tonnes of structural steel, 105500 brick pavers and 11,000 tiles have been used to construct the station.
“The station’s plaza also contains approximately 73,000 custom bricks sourced from an Australian manufacturer to maintain the precinct’s heritage look and feel.”
RNA CEO Brendan Christou said the new Exhibition Station was a game changer for not just the Ekka but the Brisbane Showgrounds events precinct.
“This is great news for everyone who loves the Show and it’s just fantastic that people can arrive and depart from inside the Ekka for the first time since 2022,’’ Mr Christou said.
“It also offers an exciting glimpse of what is to come for the Showgrounds and we look forward to the immense benefits the new station will bring when it opens for daily use, alongside the major upgrades for the precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the new train station would play a key role on the South East Queensland public transport network.
“Once open for daily use, this station will significantly improve the commute for those working at nearby hotels, restaurants, and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital,” Ms Stapleton said.
“This fully accessible, modern station is just one part of the legacy transport infrastructure around the Games precinct at Victoria Park and Spring Hill that is starting to take shape well ahead of the Games.”
