8 wacky Australian events not to miss
Travellers will scour the globe in pursuit of the weirdest, strangest, most-unique events. Turns out we actually have a lot in our backyard. Here are 8 weird Australian events you have to see to believe.
Wife Carrying, Singleton
While the practice of wife carrying as a sport originated in Finland, it’s the town of Singleton that has taken it to the next level. Each year as part of the Annual Singleton Show men carry their better halves through a tough obstacle course including sand, water and hurdles. A must watch!
Birdman Rally, Moomba
Melburnians fly (fall) straight into the Yarra River in the annual Birdman Rally that is held every Labour Day long weekend as part of the Moomba Festival. This famous even sees garishly dressed gliders in all types of human-powered aircraft attempt (and often fail) to soar for a good cause.
Elvis, Surfer’s Paradise
Who said Elvis was dead? Every July Elvis-impersonators and general aficionados descend upon Surfer’s Paradise to perform and enjoy a variety of shows in tribute to the late, great King of Rock and Roll. This is the closest you’ll get to experiencing The King outside of Memphis, Tennessee!
Morning Glory Cloud, Burketown
This awe-inspiring, if somewhat unfortunately named, meteorological phenomenon is a one kilometre cloud stretching from horizon to horizon, observable from Burketown in Queensland. The cloud can be up to 1000 kilometres long and is often only 100 to 200 metres above the ground.
Cockroach World Championship, Brisbane
Where else in the world can you race cockroaches in public and not be shunned from society? The Cockroach World Championship sees 7000 people watch cockroaches race around a circular track. Roach trainers can bring their own cockroach or purchase one on the day for just $5.
Beer Can Regatta, Darwin
Never have discarded beer cans be put to better use. The Beer Can Regatta is an annual boat race in Darwin, where the vessels have to be made out of beer cans. To be fair, most vessels sink before they make the finish line at Mindi Beach, leading to a rowdy even that’s a lot of fun to watch.
Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs
Here’s another boat race, but one with a difference (as you probably imagined by the fact that it’s taking place in Alice Springs). The Henley-on-Todd Regatta sees residents cut out the hull of boats and race them Flintstones-style through the desert. Crazy, but a lot of fun to watch!
Camel Cup, Alice Springs (Pictured above)
Forget the Melbourne Cup, this is the race that stops the nation (well, at least in parts of Alice Springs). The Camel Cup sees some of the Northern Territory’s finest racing camel’s hell for leather through sweltering desert heats. Goes without saying this is not your ordinary day at the races.