6 Australian festivals you need to know about
With some of the best festivals in the world taking place in our backyard, there’s no denying Australia is country that caters for a wide range of interests. And while you’ve probably been to some of Australia’s more popular festivals, we think some of the lesser known ones are just as good. We’ve snooped around and come up with a list contain six of the best little-known Aussie festivals.
1. Deniliquin Ute Muster, NSW (pictured above)
Deniliquin is a small rural town in New South Wales that could legitimately lay claim to being the Ute capital of the world (at least for a couple of days in October). The Deniliquin Ute Muster has a history of breaking Guinness Book of Records standards for the amount of utes and ute owners in one place and offers a range of exciting activities for people of all interests to enjoy.
2. Tunarama Festival, South Australia
In the spirit of festivals like Woodstock and Glastonbury, South Australia has brought the world the Tunarama Festival. Beginning on Australia Day every year, the Tunarama Festival features delicious local produce, wines and musical entertainment, culminating the “Tossing of the Tuna” event. The current record stands at 37.23 metres, set by ex-Olympic hammer-thrower Sean Carlin.
3. Rock, Paper, Scissors Championships, ACT
In additional to being the centre of political life in our country, Canberra is also the rock, paper scissors capital of Australia. Each year the Rock, Paper, Scissors Championships pits competitors up against each other using strategy, wit and ultimately their hands to take out the major prize. Committees, governing bodies and official rules ensure that this is a pretty serious event.
4. Ten Days On The Island, Tasmania
Not enough people make the trek to Australia’s southernmost point, but now you have a pretty decent excuse to do so. Ten Days On The Island is a celebration of Tasmania art and culture, with a multitude of events across 50 locations including music, dances, visual arts, theatres, literature, food and film. Artists and companies come from all corners of the globe to take place in the event.
5. Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland
Over six days and six nights over 2000 performers head to the sunshine state to take part in over 400 events including with concerts, dances, workshops, forums, street theatre, writers' panels, film festival, comedy sessions, acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate. The cream of the crop of Australian performers and international guest perform, culminating in a spectacular fire display.
6. WOMADelaide, South Australia
Adelaide is transformed over three days with WOMADelaide which provides a great way for thousands of people to sit back and relax as they enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Australia in the beautiful sunshine. WOMADelaide provides six outdoors stages with feature performances, intimate workshops and over 100 arts, crafts and international cuisine displays.
Image source: ABC Local: Margaret Burin