From camel cups to cockroach races, there are some pretty weird sporting events taking place around Australia.
It's safe to say the Aussies are a competitive lot. Whether it's on the footy pitch or the track, everyone loves to prove they're the top banana. Even those who are rubbish at sport have found a way round it — find the nearest animal and race it.
The Camel Cup
Where: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
The first camel race took place in 1970 after two mates decided to settle a score on the dried Todd River Bed. Since then, camel racing has grown into an institution in the Northern Territory, with visitors annually pouring in from all over the country to join the mayhem. As camels are both petulant and unpredictable, the races always make for good viewing.
In Alice Springs, the Camel Cup has become so popular that the Blatherskite Park arena has even been kitted out with judging towers and betting pits. Between races, the action never stops; there are belly dancers, sideshows, food and drink stalls and camel souvenir shops to keep the punters entertained.
Find out more: the Camel Cup
Cockroach racing
Where: Brisbane, Queensland
To many they are a loathsome pest, to others, a finely-tuned athlete capable of making them a mint at the track. At least, that's the case every Australia Day at Brisbane's Story Bridge Hotel, where an entire street is taken over to host the cocky races. When the sun's out, more than 7000 punters will show up and the pub's car park is even turned into a makeshift racing arena, complete with tiered seating and corporate boxes.
As the crowds cheer on their roaches (you can bring your own prospective champion or buy one at the pub) live bands provide the soundtrack from stages lining the street.
Find out more: Cockroach races
Crab racing
Where: Sydney, New South Wales
In an eccentric-looking inner-west Sydney pub packed full with knick-knacks and memorabilia, crowds gather round tables to witness the weekly crab racing event which has now become the stuff of legend. For about $5 you can buy your own crustacean, dream up a name and set it off racing against around 30 others.
If it makes it through the initial heats, your crab could go on to be a finalist and even bag you a prize should it reap the coveted winner's medal. The pub's atmosphere is raucous and the bar staff can get a little trigger happy with the water hose, so perhaps a flimsy white T-shirt isn't the best choice of attire.
Find out more: Friend in Hand pub
Sheep racing
Where: Booligal, New South Wales
Back in the late 1990s when droughts and low commodity prices had the Booligal locals feeling down, it was of course decided that a few sheep should be dressed up for comedic relief. Gradually the 'Best Decorated Sheep' event evolved to include sheep racing or what is now known as the annual Booligal Cup.
Every year, hundreds gather at the local cricket ground to fire up the barbecue, sink a few cold beers and cheer on their woolly sprinters. As most sheep are not generally regarded as Mensa candidates, it can take some encouragement to get them running in the same direction, but that's half the fun.
Find out more: Booligal sheep races
Greyhound racing
Where: Sydney, New South Wales
It may not be especially wacky but greyhound racing is huge in Australia. Even if you can't pick a winner from a no-hoper, a night at the track is always a blast. At Glebe's newly-renovated Wentworth Park Sporting Complex, greyhound racing takes place every Monday and Saturday evening.
With a form guide in one hand and a cold beer in the other, you can cheer on your dog as he bolts round the track in pursuit of that ever elusive robotic hare. With a decent interval between races, it's a good way to catch up with mates while at the same time doing something a little more exciting than just heading to the same old pub.
Find out more: Wentworth Park
Cane toad racing
Where: Magnetic Island, Queensland
At Magnums on Magnetic, cane toad racing has been a crowd-pleasing favourite for some time now. As the belching toads wait in perspex boxes, punters are encouraged to place their bets while the pre-race tension reaches fever pitch. Picking a winning toad is no easy task, there doesn't appear to be much science behind selecting a prospective gold medallist. Names and size are really the only criteria.
Most toads have been given fairly imaginative titles: there's Red Russian, Irish Green Toad, Pink Pussycat and the Blue Liberal Party Fat Cat to name a few. An appropriately coloured ribbon has been tied round each toad to help differentiate. Only 'Skinny Dipper' is sans ribbon.
Find out more: Magnums on Magnetic (07) 4778 5177
Been to any other ridiculous animal races in Australia? Have your say using the comments form below:
Home