Australian sporting events
Australia is a land of many strange and unusual events. And if you're looking for something wacky to watch or simply seeking an alternative to epic online pokie punting, these events are worth a gander.
From sporting events that involve animals to ute racing competitions that are just downright bizarre, Australia has it all!
In the first part of this two-part series, we take a look at some of Australia's weirdest sporting events. Seriously… you won't believe some of these actually exist.
Lasseter’s Camel Cup
Give Aussies and animal and we'll try to race it – it's a simple fact about the Aussie culture. And not even the docile camel can escape our saddles!
In truth, camel racing is actually quite popular all around Oz. But for sure the most iconic camel race in Australia is the Lasseter's Camel Cup.
This event, which takes place in Alice Springs, sees some of the world's best (and biggest) camels competing for glory on a one-mile track.
The event started out as a bit of fun back in 1970 but has since grown into a huge spectacle with around 5,000 people attending every year. Needless to say, it's a great day out for the whole (human or camel) family.
The Great Huon Apple Race
Australia might not be known for its apples... but don't tell the Tassies that! They're so proud of their apples that they have an annual race to celebrate them.
Called the Great Huon Apple Race, it's held every year and involves launching a floating apple from the bridge at Hounville and watching it race 300 metres down the picturesque Huon River.
It is now part of the Apple and Salmon Race. And the owner of the first apple across the line wins, with ever sale of apples (at $3 each or 4 for $10) operating as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Huon Valley.
So if you're ever in Tasmania during apple season, make sure you check it out!
Deni Ute Muster
Every true blue Aussie has heard of the Deni Ute Muster. But if you haven't, don't feel left out.
This event, which takes place in the small town of Deniliquin in New South Wales, is a celebration of everything ute!
For those not in the know, a ute is a utility vehicle – think a pick-up truck with two seats. They're very popular in Australia and have something of a cult following. So it's no surprise that every year, ute enthusiasts from all over Australia descend on Deniliquin for a massive ute muster – an event that features plenty of food, live music, ute judging competitions and even a ute parade.
Oh... and lots and lots and lots of beer.
Boorowa’s Running of the Sheep
If you thought the sport of running with the bulls was exciting, well, you might be slightly disheartened to run with a flock of sheep. But that's exactly what happens every year in the small town of Boorowa, which is located around an hour north of Australia's capital city, Canberra.
The event, which is part of the town's Irish Woolfest celebrations, sees a farmer on a quad bike and some dogs guide a flock of sheep down the main street. And while a bunch of bleeting sheep coming down the maino might not get the adrenaline pumping like Pamplona, at least the smell once they pass will have you "Oohhh-ing" and "Aahhh-ing"!
The Wife Carrying Championships
Australia is well-known for its love of weird and wacky sports. And the Wife Carrying Championships, which take place every year in the town of Singleton in New South Wales, is definitely one of the strangest.
The event, which is based on a Finnish tradition, sees couples compete to see who can complete an obstacle course while carrying their partner (the wife) in the shortest time possible.
The winners not only get bragging rights but also a cash prize and the all-important wife-carrying trophy. So if you're ever in Australia and fancy trying your hand at this strange sport, head on down to Singleton!
Tunarama
If you thought Australia Day was all pool parties, barbecues and beers, think again! Australia Day is also the day of Tunarama – a celebration of all things tuna held in the fishing city of Port Lincoln in South Australia.
The event, which has been running since 1971, is a celebration of the city's most lucrative fish resource. It features a number of tuna-themed events, including the World Championship Tuna Toss, where contestants compete to see who can throw a 20kg tuna the furthest.
There's also the Tuna Kids' Fishing Competition, a tuna filleting competition and, of course, plenty of opportunities to eat tuna!
Needless to say, it's better than anything that comes out of a can!
North Queensland Cane Toad Races
Weird sports don't get much weirder than sports from Queensland. And by far the weirdest one is the North Queensland Cane Toad Races.
The event, which takes place every year in the pretty beachside town of Port Douglas, sees contestants catch cane toads and then race them down a 20 metre course.
The winner is the person whose toad crosses the finish line first. And while it might not be the most humane way to treat an animal, let's just consider that cane toads are an introduced species that have no problem decimating native wildlife.
So in a way, you could say that the North Queensland Cane Toad Races are actually helping to save Australia's environment!
So what's your favourite weird Australian sport?
There's still goanna pulling, dry creek bed boat races and gumboot tossing to choose from, but we'll cover those in part two. For now, stick to spinning your favourite Uptown Pokie games – at least you won't get dirty or drunk!
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