Looking for something a little different? We’ve put together a list of the weirdest and whackiest events in Australia, from a tuna throwing competition to the Victorian Gnome festival. Why not get out and have some fun at a free event near you?
ACT – Charny Carny
Usually held around the third weekend in March is the Charny Carny, or the Charnwood Community Carnival. It’s held at the Christian Life Centre oval in Canberra, and with food, music, face painting and rides it is the perfect family event. To find out more, and the dates for 2016, visit the Charny Carny website.
NSW – Elvis Festival
The Parkes Elvis Festival takes place in January every year, this year from 6 – 10 January, in the town of Parkes, NSW. Elvis-impersonators flock to the town to shake their hips and sing their lungs out as they take part in over 150 events over five days. To find out more visit the Elvis Festival website.
NT – The Camel Cup
Held on 9 July this year, Alice Springs’s Camel Cup is a real crowd-pleaser. There are free shuttle busses to the event, and while you need to purchase a ticket to get into the races themselves there are lots of stalls, live music and a real carnival atmosphere around the outside of the stadium. To find out more visit the Camel Cup website.
QLD – Iron Bar Cane Toad Racing
Cane Toad Racing takes place Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at the Iron Bar in Port Douglas. Drop in for dinner beforehand and then enjoy a laugh at this whacky event. To find out more visit the Iron Bar website.
SA – Tuna Throwing
The Tunarama festival in South Australia will be held from 22–26 Jauary 2016 and celebrates South Australia’s fishing industry. The festival features wine, food and entertainment, but the real fun starts on the last day when the Tuna Throwing Competition takes place. Entrants compete to see who can throw a tuna fish the furthest – the record is currently held by an ex-Olympic hammer thrower. To find out more visit the Tunarama website.
TAS – The Burrow at the Royal Botanical Gardens
This little hidden gem is not a festival or event, but it is a great place to hang out when you need a rest when visiting Hobart. You can take a load off, read a book or watch one of the many short, local films that play on a loop. Find out more at Think Tasmania.
VIC – Victorian Gnome Festival
The Victorian Gnome Festival of 2014 is being held on 21 February. The event will be located in the attractive Peter Scullin Reserve near the Mordialloc Pier on the Mordialloc foreshore. There will be live music, creative activities, dress up and talent competitions, food, farm animals and LOTS of gnomes. To find out more visit the Facebook page.
WA – The Western Australian Circus Festival
The Western Australian Circus Festival will be held from 23–25 January. There will be plenty of free sideshows, classes and entertainment to enjoy, so why not head down to the Margaret River Region to enjoy some juggling? To find out more visit The Western Australian Circus Festival website.
