Let’s face it; once you’ve been to one event, you’ve been to them all. Travelling around any country can get boring after a while. I mean, there are only so many bungy jumps and beaches you can experience before they all start to look alike.
For those of you looking for something a little different, something a little out of the norm, something that makes you go “WTF?” there’s nothing, and I mean nothing like the NT.
Below you’ll find Central Australia’s 3 most out there events and activities to turn your holiday to the sandy desert into an event you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
What are you waiting for? Get readin’, then get packin’. We can’t wait to CU in the NT!
3 Unforgettable Events and Things to See in the NT
1. The Henley on Todd Regatta
Have you ever wanted to see a nautical battle? To part of the excitement when ships go to war, hearing the cannons fire as pirates look to steal bounty from their rivals. Do you also think that the ocean is over rated and always wondered why these navy types couldn’t just clash on the hot red sands of a dried up river bed?
Mate! Talk about great timing. Have I got something for you!
The idea for this central Australian spectacle was originally conceived, like most great ideas between mates, over a few hundred beers.
The Henley on Todd Regatta is a charity event held in the Central Australian town of Alice Springs each year on the third Sunday of August. There are a number of boat themed races, games and even a parade that the whole town takes part in.
The main event of the ….event, features a battleship….battle. Large battle boats, constructed over 4WDs, are manned by members of the rotary club, who fire mortars of flour and water cannons to destroy their rival’s ship in a fun filled, messy battle – stand back if you’re gluten free.
Other competitive events in the Henley on Todd involve boat races, where competing vessels row in the sand or propel their mighty ships by foot. Remember the Flintstones? Yeah, just like that.
These and many other events include:
- The Tour d’ Todd
- Rowing 4’s
- Mini Yacht Race
- Surf Rescue
- Boogie Board
- Sand Skis
- Anchor the Boat
- Oxford Tubs
2. Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a bag in a cup of crocodile tea?
Who hasn’t dreamed of being surrounded by 5 meter plus crocodiles and thought, “Hey, why not me?”
If you’re a little upset because it’s been a while since you’ve wet your pants, take a trip to Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove and dive right into their very own Cage of Death!
The Cage of Death isn’t just for singles, as it can easily contain two meals – sorry, people, I meant people – making it the perfect day out for honeymooners and tinder dates. Let your loved one share a confined space with you as you soil your undies while a monster crocodile named Chopper (yes, that’s his name) devours chunks of meat suspended by a fishing line above you.
3. Camel Cup
If swimming with prehistoric animals isn’t quite your thing and you prefer a more sophisticated activity like the sport of kings, why not check out Alice Springs’ very own Camel Cup.
This hallmark event started out as a duel between two Territorian rivals that would soon develop into the Melbourne Cup for Camels.
Picture the majestic horse in a speedy dash for greatness surrounded by champagne glasses and colourful fascinators. Now, exchange this image in your mind with sand, ill-tempered spitting camels, thongs and VB stubbies – Now that’s Australiana!
