You’ve seen prices rise before—but does this $55 burger cross the line?

A $55 burger at one of Brisbane’s most iconic events has sparked outrage among visitors, with critics branding it a ‘scam’ and a ‘p***take’.

Photos of the controversial menu item quickly spread on social media, igniting heated debate over whether it was worth the price.

Organisers, however, insisted the burger was far larger than it appeared in promotional images.

The menu at the Smash Burger stall at the Royal Queensland Show advertised a ‘Blockbuster’ burger and chips combo for $55.

It was described as featuring double beef patties, double smoky bacon, liquid cheese, and a ‘block bun’, but the menu image showed what many considered an ordinary-looking burger.

Attendees took to social media to condemn the price, with some urging a boycott.

One showgoer attempted to calculate the burger’s true value using the cost of extras on the menu.

‘So an extra patty is $4. That means the two patties in the burger are $8. Bacon is $3, so with two slices, that’s $6. We’re up to $14 now. Gluten-free bun is $3, which is more expensive, so let’s say the standard bun is $2. Another $2 for the cheese. Now we’re at $18. So there must be $37 worth of lettuce, tomato, and sauce in that burger.’

Others said they would have to be ‘insane’ to pay that amount, with one remarking they would expect T-bone steaks for patties at that price.

Some pointed out there were plenty of more affordable food options at the Ekka this year, with prices comparable to other venues despite general cost-of-living increases.

Show organisers defended the offering, saying the real ‘Blockbuster’ was much larger than the one pictured.

‘It’s huge… the burger is served in a hollowed half loaf of bread and is packed full of fillings,’ a spokeswoman said.

The combo meal was billed as big enough to feed two people, and photos showed the burger roughly the size of two children’s heads.

‘Visitors to the Ekka love trying new and wonderful food items… and the blockbuster burger certainly stands out among all the options available!’ organisers said.

Officials said there were more than 110 food vendors at the show, with several selling meals for $10 or less.

They estimated over 400,000 people would attend the Royal Queensland Show this year, with more than 70,000 turning out on People’s Day—the largest crowd in almost 15 years.