Darwin's Beer Can Regatta

Festival Location: Darwin, NT, Australia

Festival Type(s): Bizarre Festivals, Bizarre Sports Events, Parties

Darwin's Beer Can Regatta Media:

by © Paul Dodson 2009

Combine a population of just over a hundred grand with year round temperatures that top 30 degrees Celsius and the unquestionable Australian zeal for a soothing ale or six and the result is one hell of a lot of empty aluminium beer cans. I'm talking Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory and those empty beer cans? Well they're the raw materials on which one of the world's most bizarre events is based.

For the last three decades the Combined Lions Clubs of Darwin have promoted Darwin's Beer Can Regatta held annually on Mindil Beach. The event pits arguably the world's finest beer can boat builders against each other in a battle of seaworthiness. And let me tell you, in this particular case, seaworthiness is a very loosely-bandied term.

Throw in plenty of festivities for the landlubbers - the Henley-on-Mindil bottom-less boat races along the beach, a thong (foot not under-wear) throwing competition, tug-of-wars and bathing beauty contests - and you got yourself one hell of a beach-party mate.

The Beer Can Regatta is fast becoming one of the North's premier tourist attractions as people travel from far and wide to attend the event. So get there early, sample a Darwin stubby or two - at a mere two and a quarter litres a pop, putting back a six pack is a mighty fine effort - and enjoy one of Australia's most unique events.

Darwin Beer Can Regatta - When, Where and More Info Please

When: A Sunday in July or August each year, but check dates and times as the event is dependant on the tide

Where: Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

More Info Please: For the latest information on Darwin's Beer Can Regatta check the Travel Northern Territory web site.

Darwin's Beer Can Regatta Photos:

Darwin's Beer Can Regatta Video

Okay so the Dutch may be French to you but I think the imagery needs no commentary. What began as the result of a recycling drive following Darwin's infamous Cyclone Tracey in 1974 has turned into one of the Top End's most touted events. Each year spectators from far and wide gather at Mindil Beach in Darwin to witness the Darwin Beer Can Regatta - an event that's lager than life. Excuse the pun, it's even left a bitter taste in my mouth.