Travel
9 totally weird Aussie events to see for something different
These weird and wonderful events are a bit of fun and will leave you with plenty of stories to tell.
By Carolyn Tate
One thing you have to love about Australia is that it’s home to some of the most unique and entertaining events in the world. From racing camels to celebrating Elvis, these quirky events offer unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else – and it says something about Queensland that over half of our favourites take place in the Sunshine State.
Here are some rather whacky events to add to your bucket list - because who doesn’t want to try these at least once?
1. Elvis Festival in Parkes, New South Wales
Who says the king is dead? The Elvis Festival is a lively celebration of everything Elvis Presley. Randomly held in the town of Parkes, this festival attracts 25,000 fans each year for tribute concerts, parades, and Elvis-themed competitions. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of Elvis outside of Memphis. If you love the man and the music, you’ll definitely enjoy the infectious energy and enthusiasm of this seriously quirky event.
When: Second week of January (to coincide with Elvis’s birthday, naturally)
More info: Parkes Elvis Festival
2. Chinchilla Melon Festival, Queensland
If you haven’t heard of Melonfest, you can probably figure it out from the name alone – this fun-filled event is dedicated to all things melon. You might think there isn’t much you could do with melons, but you’d be wrong. Activities include melon skiing, melon bungee and the famous melon ironman competition. It's a unique celebration that highlights Chinchilla's status as Australia's melon capital, and it offers plenty of laughs and excitement along the way.
When: February (biennial)
More info: Chinchilla Melon Festival
3. Celtic Festival in Glen Innes, New South Wales
The Celtic Festival in Glen Innes celebrates Celtic culture and heritage over four days with traditional music, dance, and highland games, set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian Standing Stones National Celtic Monument. It's the only festival in Australia to recognise different Celtic nations each year, and it is a vibrant and colourful festival that attracts visitors from far and wide for its pipe bands, dancers, markets, food and beverage stalls, competitions, official ceremonies, live-action performances and re-enactment groups.
When: May
More info: Australian Celtic Festival
4. Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, Queensland
The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is a fun and off-beat event that celebrates pumpkins in all their glory. Highlights include pumpkin rolling competitions, pumpkin-themed games, cooking demonstrations and a pumpkin street parade. This charming festival brings the small town of Goomeri to life with a whole lot of orange-coloured fun.
When: May
More info: Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
5. Mary Poppins Festival, Maryborough, Queensland
Come to the Mary Poppins Festival to be transported to a world full of play and imagination. This event celebrates the town's connection to Mary Poppins author PL Travers, who was born in Maryborough in 1899. This whimsical (and free) festival features costume parades, chimney sweep challenges and literary events, bringing the beloved character and her magical adventures to life.
When: July
More info: Mary Poppins Festival
6. Boulia Camel Races, Queensland
The Boulia Camel Races, known as the "Melbourne Cup of camel racing," is an exhilarating event held in the isolated outback Queensland town of Boulia. Come for Australia’s richest camel race - run on a red dirt track – and stay to enjoy the entertainment and a variety of outback-themed activities.
When: July
More info: Boulia Camel Races
7. Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
The Henley-on-Todd Regatta in Alice Springs is one of Australia's more unusual sporting events. This dry riverbed boat race sees participants "sailing" in bottomless boats along the sandy Todd River, touted as “the most fun you can have without water at a boating regatta”. Don’t let the fact that this is the world’s only dry river boating event put you off – in fact, it’s really its greatest drawcard. Don't miss the "Bring Your Own Boat" races and the exciting "Battle of the Gun Boats" water fight.
When: August
More info: Henley-on-Todd
8. Birdsville Races, Queensland
The Birdsville Races are a legendary outback spectacle, drawing crowds from all over Australia to the tiny town of Birdsville. This 2-day horse racing event features not just thrilling races but also a lively carnival atmosphere with food, music, and entertainment. It's an iconic celebration of outback spirit and camaraderie – and much more relaxed than the Melbourne Cup.
When: September
More info: Birdsville Races
9. Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin, New South Wales
The multi-award winning Deni Ute Muster is a quintessentially Australian event celebrating the great Aussie ute and country lifestyle. This festival features ute competitions, live music, and a range of activities that embody the rugged and fun-loving spirit of rural Australia – with free camping on the flattest plains on earth for all 20,000 attendees.
Love camping? Check out Australia's best coastal campsites.
When: October
More info: Deni Ute Muster
Feature image: iStock/CUHRIG
You might like these too: