Australians love festivals. You name it and we've got a festival to celebrate it. From the Mardi Gras to countless comedy and music festivals, there's something on for everyone.
But with so many great events to choose from, how do you make sure you don't miss out on the best? Well, big festivals aside, we've found some of the more quirky options from around the country that are worth thinking about.
ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival
Elvis lovers, slip on your blue suede shoes and head to the Elvis capital of Australia for this yearly tribute to the King. Each year more than 5000 people travel to Parkes to see hundreds of Elvis look-a-likes and celebrate his music.
The five-day event features enough Elvis mania to keep even the biggest of fans happy. Why not start the day with a plate of Hunka Hunka Pancakes and then check out the Elvis street parade, look-a-like and sound-a-like contests, the plethora of Elvis memorabilia and the Elvis gospel church service? And if you're after some physical activity to work off your breakfast, you're invited to take part in a game of lawn bowls at Elvis on the Green or enjoy a round of golf at the Hoteliers Elvis Golf Classic.
And if all of that isn't enough, couples can renew their wedding vows at the Love me Tender Archway with Dean Vegas, Australia's only official Elvis marriage celebrant.
| When |
9-13 January 2008 |
| Where |
Parkes, Central NSW |
| Entry |
Free |
www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
Kondinin Hoonavation
Calling all petrol heads. On the second weekend in March, hoons from all over Western Australia descend on Kondinin for the annual Hoonavation Burnout Competition. With almost $6000 in cash up for grabs, Hoonavation is fast becoming one of the richest burnout competitions in the state.
Hoonavation caters to the needs of the state's biggest hoons with freestyle motocross, stunt shows and jeep rides
in addition to the burnout competition.
| When |
8 March 2008 |
| Where |
Kondinin, WA |
| Entry |
Adults – $20
Children 13-17 yrs – $8
Children under 13 – Free
Drivers – $45
Pit Crew – $30
|
www.hoonavation.com.au
Compass Cup
Looking for something a bit different? Well how about a cow race? Set among the hills of Mount Compass is Australia's only cow race, the Compass Cup. Yes, that's right, a cow race. Each year cows with colourful names are auctioned off. People in teams of four then push, pull, urge and bribe their four-legged friend to the finish line in a race to the winners trophy.
And if the cow race isn't enough to keep you occupied, there's also a ute competition, farm animals, arts and crafts, sideshows, monster cars, a shooting gallery and a concert. If nothing else, it's a day you can't have anywhere else in the country!
| When |
Generally held around Australia Day. However the 2008 date won't be confirmed until August |
| Where |
Mount Compass, SA |
| Entry |
Adults – $5
Children & Seniors – Gold coin donation
|
www.compasscup.com.au
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
As the name suggests, the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival pays tribute to the humble pumpkin. The festival kicks off with a traditional country dinner dance and is followed by a jam-packed day full of pumpkin rich activities. There's pumpkin bowls, a decorated pumpkin competition, a pumpkin patchwork challenge and for those true pumpkin lovers, a pumpkin pageant.
There's also food galore with everything from pumpkin soup, to scones and pies. Those with more adventurous tastebuds should try the pumpkin fudge. But the highlight of the day is undoubtedly the legendary "Great Australian Pumpkin Roll". At two o'clock, competitors from far and wide roll pumpkins of all shapes and sizes down Policeman's Hill, each vying for the coveted winners crown
and prize money.
| When |
25 May 2008 |
| Where |
Goomeri, Kilkivan, QLD |
| Entry |
Free |
www.goomeri.org.au/pumpkinfest
Henley on Todd
In 1962, Reg Philips and his mates at the Alice Springs Meteorological Bureau discussed the possibility of holding a regatta similar to London's Henley-on-Thames (the world famous boat race between rival universities Oxford and Cambridge). With the help of the local Rotary Club, the Henley on Todd was born. This, despite the fact that Alice is 1500 kms from the nearest large body of water. Instead, the Henley on Todd is the world's only dry regatta and is cancelled if it rains!
The boat race is the Northern Territory's single longest running event and attracts participants from all over the world. In true Australian style, competitors race bottomless boats through a dry riverbed. The regatta is a unique opportunity to do something outside of the norm with all proceeds donated back to the local communities.
| When |
25 August 2007 |
| Where |
Todd River, Alice Springs, NT |
| Entry |
Adults – $10
Children & Seniors – $5
Family Pass – $25
|
www.henleyontodd.com.au
Harveydale Rodeo & Family Day
The Harveydale Rodeo gives all those closet cowboys and cowgirls an excuse to dust off their boots for some Australia Day fun. The Rodeo began more than 27 years ago and has become an annual community event that celebrates all things Australian, Tasmanian and local to the Meander Valley region.
The day includes a full open and junior rodeo, complete with bull riding, barrel racing, bronco riding and steer wrestling (just to name a few). There are also exhibitions, demonstrations, craft stalls, pony rides, jumping castles and a range of children's activities.
| When |
26 January 2008 |
| Where |
The Harveydale Property
Birralee, TAS |
| Entry |
Adults – $12
Concession – $5
Children over 12 – $5
Children under 12 – $2
Family Pass – $25
|
www.harveydalerodeo.bravehost.com
Floriade
Floriade (from the latin word meaning 'to design with flowers') is Australia's leading annual spring festival. First held in 1988 to commemorate Australia's bicentenary and Canberra's 75th birthday, the festival showcases more than one million blooms each year.
This year's theme – Aussie icons, myths and legends – is sure to attract a crowd as it celebrates everything that is uniquely Australian. But Floriade is more than just a flower show. It also showcases the best in local and international performers, workshops, exhibitions, children's activities as well as a craftman's corner, featuring Australian made gifts, crafts and produce.
| When |
15 September – 14 October 2007 |
| Where |
Commonwealth Park
on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, ACT |
| Entry |
Free |
www.floriadeaustralia.com
The Great Vanilla Slice Triumph
Former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett loves vanilla slices. So much so that in 1998 he announced that there should be a competition to determine the best vanilla slice in the country. And so the annual 'Great Vanilla Slice Triumph'
was born. Each year bakers of all skill levels descend upon Ouyen in the hopes of winning the title of the 'best vanilla slice in Australia'. With hundreds of deserving entrants, the only true winners of the competition are the judges.
In recent years, the Triumph is held to coincide with the Ouyen leg of the Tour of the Murray River, attracting many local and international visitors.
| When |
31 August 2007 |
| Where |
Ouyen, VIC |
| Entry |
Free |
www.ouyenvanillaslice.com.au
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