Visitors to the annual Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known by locals as the Ekka, will experience a taste of the Great Barrier Reef as well as the traditional country exhibits, rides, show bags and fun fair food this year.

The Reef Think Tank display – a joint Foundation and Queensland Government initiative – is all about encouraging visitors to take an interest and play an active role in helping to protect our natural treasure.

Great Barrier Reef Managing Director Anna Marsden said the Reef Think Tank at the Ekka will feature a live coral display (see if you can find Nemo!) and showcase of QUT’s marine research to help inspire new conversations about the Reef.

“The Reef is Australia’s greatest natural wonder and we all share responsibility for its future,” Ms Marsden said.

“Through the Reef Think Tank, we’re talking with Queenslanders about how their everyday actions, such as saving energy and recycling, can help keep the Reef great. We hope they’ll then share these ideas with their family and friends to multiply the impact.

“People also love to tell us about their own Great Barrier Reef experiences which is why we’re thrilled to be able to offer our display visitors a chance to win a once in a lifetime research expedition out to the Reef with marine biologist and Emmy Award-winning ocean cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick.

“Everyone who completes our reef scientist quiz will go in the draw to win while they’re also finding out more about what makes our Reef great.”

There are Reef Think Tank activities for younger visitors too, including making a Reef chatterbox full of fun Reef facts and marine creature scratch art.

Ekka’s famous fireworks display is even adopting a reef theme this year, inspired by the colours of the reef, and featuring a parade of marine animal kites in the main arena each night.

The Reef Think Tank will open at the Ekka from 9am to 6pm daily from 11 to 20 August inside the Agricultural Education Hall. 

Find out more about Ekka 2017