Exhibition train station in Bowen Hills will resume operations for major events at Brisbane’s showgrounds, including the Ekka, and is expected to begin running full-time services from 2029.
The station has been closed in recent years due to a major redevelopment as part of the Cross River Rail project. It will officially reopen this week to support the Camping and Caravan Show, running from Wednesday to Sunday.
In August, the station will once again serve visitors to the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) — its first time doing so since 2022.
Upgrades and Olympic Preparations
The showgrounds are also undergoing a significant transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the construction of the main athletes village and a major renovation of the main arena, which will expand its seating capacity to 20,000.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg highlighted that public transport will now be more affordable, thanks to newly introduced 50-cent fares.
“In 2022, a family of four traveling from Ipswich to the Ekka at peak time would pay over $38 using go cards,” Mickelberg said. “Now, it’ll only cost $4 return — regardless of the time of travel.”
Return of Train Access to the Ekka
During last year’s Ekka, special shuttle buses operated between Woolloongabba and Herston busway stations. This year, train access via Exhibition station will resume — providing direct entry to the showgrounds for the first time in three years.
The station’s overhaul includes new lifts and a redesigned entry plaza, supporting both event-based and future full-time operations once Cross River Rail opens to passengers in 2029.
Positive Response from Organisers
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou welcomed the development.
“It’s great news that people can once again arrive and leave the Ekka through the station,” he said. “It also gives us an exciting preview of what the future holds for the showgrounds.”
