Somewhere in Brisbane right now, someone is already planning their strawberry sundae order for August. That's just what happens once Ekka season rolls around. The rides get tested, the showbags get restocked, and half of Queensland starts counting down to nine days at the Brisbane Showgrounds that somehow feel like Christmas, a footy grand final and the last day of school holidays, all rolled into one.
And 2026 isn't just any Ekka. The Royal Queensland Show turns 150 this year, running from 8 to 16 August at its original home, the Brisbane Showgrounds. A century and a half of woodchopping, prize pumpkins, cattle judging and fireworks, all in the name of bringing the country and the city together for one very good week.
Here's the thing we love about Ekka: underneath the dagwood dogs and Sideshow Alley, it's really a celebration of the people who grow and make things. Farmers, breeders, bakers, brewers. The whole event exists because Queensland has always had a soft spot for backing its own.
Funnily enough, that's exactly what we do too.
Why We're Bringing Real Queensland to the Party
We could talk all day about showbags. But if you're after something with a bit more staying power than a bag of mixed lollies and a plastic yo-yo, a gift hamper does the job better, especially one stocked with actual Queensland-grown produce.
Take our Wondaree Macadamias. They're grown on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland by Greg and Wendy, and the flavours rotate with the seasons, so no two harvests taste quite the same. It's exactly the kind of produce Ekka's agriculture halls exist to celebrate, just packaged up in a way you can actually gift.
Then there's Lavish Garnish, whose dehydrated blood oranges we can't get enough of. Made from Australian-grown fruit and dried down with nothing added (no sugar, no nasties, just fruit), they turn a plain G&T into something that looks like you tried. Slip one on the rim of a glass and suddenly you're the friend who "gets" cocktails.
Both show up across the hampers below, because once you've tasted them, it's hard to picture a Queensland-themed gift without them.
Hampers Worth Sending This Show Season
Casual Clare ($200)
For the mate who'll happily debate the merits of a good G&T over a plate of hot chips at the show. This one's built around Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin (or the Banks Botanicals non-alcoholic option, for anyone taking it easy), finished off with our Wondaree Macadamias for snacking and Lavish Garnish blood orange for dressing up the glass. Easy company, easier drinking.
Spritzy Suzy ($100)
For the friend who treats fairy floss as a personality trait. Spritzy Suzy pairs a fruity Aussie aperitivo spritz with our Wondaree Macadamias and Lavish Garnish blood orange to garnish every pour, plus enough sweet extras to keep the party going. A little bit of show season, bottled and boxed.
Humorous Henry ($220)
For whoever's earned a proper wind-down after nine days of show queues. Henry pairs Poor Toms gin with a candle and body wash set for the comedown, plus our Wondaree Macadamias and Lavish Garnish blood orange to keep things properly Queensland. Less showbag, more "you deserve better than a dagwood dog."
Sending the Show Spirit, Wherever They Are
Not everyone can make it to the Brisbane Showgrounds in August, and that's exactly where a gift hamper earns its keep. Got family in Cairns who'd love a taste of home, or a client who keeps bringing up the Ekka in every call? A hamper does the job a showbag simply can't, especially one packed with things that actually taste like Queensland.
Wednesday 12 August is the Ekka public holiday for Brisbane, which makes it a genuinely good excuse to shout your team or your clients something nice, whether they're heading to the show or just enjoying the day off. If you're sorting gifts for a whole office or client list, our corporate gifting page covers branded packaging and bulk orders.
And because every hamper we send has a minimum shelf life of six months, there's no need to time it perfectly around show dates. Order it whenever the mood strikes, they'll still be enjoying it long after the fireworks wrap up.
Looking for more Queensland-friendly options? Our Brisbane gift hampers collection is worth a browse too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) in 2026?
The Royal Queensland Show runs from 8 to 16 August 2026 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, marking its 150th anniversary. The Ekka public holiday for Brisbane falls on Wednesday 12 August.
Can I send a gift hamper to Queensland from another state?
Yes. We ship Australia-wide, with standard, express and Premium Express (next business day) options available to Queensland, alongside NSW, ACT, VIC and SA.
Do Good Day People hampers include Queensland-made products?
Some do. Our Wondaree Macadamias are grown on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, and they feature in several of our gin and cocktail hampers, including Casual Clare, Spritzy Suzy and Humorous Henry.
Can I send a gift hamper for the Ekka public holiday to my team or clients? Absolutely. We offer custom packaging, branded cards and bulk ordering for corporate gifting. Visit our corporate gifting page for details or send us an enquiry.
What's inside a gin gift hamper like Casual Clare or Humorous Henry?
Both feature Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin and Strangelove tonic, alongside Aussie-made extras like chocolate, Wondaree Macadamias and Lavish Garnish blood orange, with Humorous Henry adding a candle and body wash set for a full wind-down experience. Casual Clare also offers a Banks Botanicals non-alcoholic swap for anyone skipping the booze.
Do you deliver same-day within Brisbane?
Same-day delivery is currently only available within Sydney metro. For Brisbane and the rest of Queensland, our express and Premium Express options are the fastest ways to get a hamper moving.
