Head off to the Brisbane regions to sample country delights traditionally offered by the Ekka

Sadly the pandemic has brought about the cancellation of Ekka time in Brisbane this year but while the country won't be coming to the city, you don't have to miss out on all the sights and sounds of Queensland's premier agricultural show.

Why not plan a day trip or short break into Brisbane's regions and enjoy firsthand all the country delights traditionally offered by the show?

Plan your trip with these EK-xperiences and get your inspiration flowing at Ekka Online before you go.

Animals - Scenic Rim

Head off into the majestic Scenic Rim and meet the farm animals that are a perennial favourite at the show. Tommerup's Dairy Farm is running special Ekka-inspired events for city folk during the show period. Think local produce, food, wine, craft beer and meeting the farm animals, including calves, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and guinea pigs.

While in the Scenic Rim, try picnicking with alpacas at Mountview Alpaca Farm or cosying up to camels at Summer Land Camels. Here, you can discover the magic of camel milk skin products and try their delicious camel milk-inspired gelato, cheeses - including their Camel Milk Persian Feta - and cakes.

If you still need more of the cute and cuddly, Ekka Online has you covered with '360 Baby' where you can virtually visit RACQ's animal nursery!

Agriculture - Lockyer Valley

Fresh produce from the countryside is a hallmark of the Ekka so head west into one of Australia's most fertile regions, the Lockyer Valley, and savour up the fruits (and vegetables) of the land. Follow your own personalised food trail to meet the growers and producers, discover hidden cafes serving up local delicacies and find out-of-the-way farm gates and roadside stalls.

A popular pit stop in this region is Schulte's, where you can browse locally-produced meat, pork, lamb and small goods alongside farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced bread and bakery lines, milks and yoghurts plus cheese, olives, pastes and other antipasto selections. We're getting hungry just listing this.

Find inspiration for your locally sourced haul from the Ekka Online Chef's Special, with world-class chef Sean Cummings demonstrating how to cook the best beef, from succulent sticky ribs to the classic T-bone steak.

Creative arts and crafts - Somerset

The Ekka's arts and crafts displays are always popular. Saunter into the Somerset countryside and explore the Kilcoy Craft Market, where you can find knitted and felt items, quilting, soft toys, jewellery, clothing plus timber and pet products - all made by the local residents and housed in a historic cottage.

After securing your new prized possessions, take a trip along the Somerset Art Gallery Trail, where you'll find crafts, sculptures, traditional oil paintings, photography, creative fabric and modern impressionist pieces by Somerset artists.

Strawberry sundae - Moreton Bay Region

The Ekka is famed for its strawberry sundaes and this trip is definitely one to make a day of it, particularly on a 'Sundae'. Head north and pick your strawberries or buy from the shop at Rolin Farms. Then drive over to nearby Bribie Island and pair your strawberries with ice-cream from the appropriate-named Scoopy's Family Cafe right next to the beach.

Scoopy's is rolling out divine strawberries and cream during Ekka but we think gathering your own strawberries gives you a far greater sense of achievement. If the stomach is really rumbling, enjoy a meal at this café or pick up a seafood feast from the legendary Savige's Seafood. We suggested making a day of it so why not enjoy land and water-based activities at the nearby Bribie Island Hire Hut & Tours?

And if you can't make it out of the city, check out the locations of the Ekka's strawberry sundae and dagwood dog pop-up stalls here.

Sideshow alley - City of Logan

Everyone loves the adrenaline-inducing rides of sideshow alley. Get your dodgem car fix and take it up a notch in the go-karts at Kingston Park Raceway. Or seek an adrenaline fix by cable wakeboarding or skiing at Bayside Wake Park. All this is bound to excite the appetite so pop into South East Queensland institution 5Dogs in Loganlea and chow down on a delectable hot dog.