The Northern Territory – it’s one of those places we all want to go to, but for some god forsaken reason haven’t gotten around to it (usually money, annual leave and general cluelessness about where to start). I, myself? Guilty as sin.
A lil’ push, a lil’ nudge (and yes, a lil’ pay rise) to justify the ‘Strayan trip of a darn lifetime could be what we’re all so desperately craving. So here, have five event-shaped reasons to get your procrastinating ass off your couch and over to the dreamland.
DARWIN BEER CAN REGATTA
July 22
Mindil Beach
Well slap my head and call me Nancy, this is the sporting event to end all sporting events – peeps line Darwin’s Mindil Beach to cheer on makeshift boats made wholly of tinnies, soft drink bottles or milk cartons as they either sink or swim. How did such a beautiful concept begin?
Well, it was initially an attempt to clean up trash in & around Darwin, and things pretty much took off from there. Entry’s by donation, with the $$$ going to the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. Pretty good stuff right there.
PARRTJIMA – A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT
Sep 28 – Oct 7
This massive outdoor display showcases traditional Aboriginal art through new technologies, creating something visually spectacular and unparalleled. It also helps to build the profiles and opportunities for Central Australia’s Aboriginal artists.
BARUNGA FESTIVAL
Aug 9-28
Barunga
This iconic event celebrates the best of remote Aboriginal Australia, attracting a 4000-strong audience from all over the world. Not bad digits considering it’s in a remote community where attendees camp to get amongst the 3-day long program of choons, sport, traditional art and cultural activities.
DARWIN FESTIVAL
9-26 August
Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts, 56 McMinn St, Darwin City
You know what I love? Festivals that you can attend at your own pace. This one’s an 18-day festival meaning you have a few weekends to pick from, and its packed to the rafters with free events, dance, music, theatre, comedy, pop-up bars and A+ grub that transform the city. There’s absolutely something for everyone, whether it’s chowing down of Darwin’s legendary Asian cuisine or catching an international performance.
ROTARY HENLEY ON TODD REGATTA
Aug 18
Todd River Bed, Alice Springs
Tell you what, the NT know how to do a regatta. This one’s just as wild as the the aforementioned beer can one, because it takes place on bloody land. A boat race on land?! That’s crazy talk! So crazy it’s the world’s only dry river bed boating regatta, easily making it one of the most iconic events of the Oz outback. To make matters better, it’s all an annual fundraiser for the three local Rotary clubs in Alice Springs.
Ain’t that the struth.
