Darwin is reputedly the beer-drinking capital of the world, and all that thirst quenching in the tropical heat has a by-product: empty cans. Naturally, they hold an annual event: Beer Can Regatta, at Mindil Beach in Darwin.
Location
Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
Dates
Every July.
Description
Darwin is reputedly the beer-drinking capital of the world, and all that thirst-quenching in the tropical heat has a by-product: empty cans. In the aftermath of 1974's Cyclone Tracy, construction workers, who came to Darwin from less steamy regions, produced enormous piles of empties as they struggled to deal with the climate. A local resident came up with a solution to the litter problem: build boats out of the tins, and hold a regatta.
Today’s race attracts up to 30 boats, which reach up to 40 feet (12m) in length. Amazingly, given the amount contestants have to drink to source their raw material, crafts resemble Viking ships, crocodiles...and contraptions that appear to incorporate table legs from the pub. Contestants in the Battle of Mindil even have flour bombs, water pistols and other secret weapons.
Other water-borne entertainment includes a soft-drink-can race for children and a dragon boat display by local women's group Dragon Abreast. On the beach, there’s the Ladies’ Thong Throwing Competition and the Henley on Mindil boat-carrying regatta.
Level of Participation
4 – oil your creative cogs and build a ship.
Essentials
Know the local lingo: thongs are flip-flops; a stubbie is a 375ml bottle of beer.
Other Local Attractions
East of Darwin is the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, a 7,722 sq mi (20,000 sq km) wilderness containing plains, cliffs, Aboriginal rock art and the Alligator Rivers.
More Info: beercanregatta.org.au
Related articles
Simple and flexible travel insurance
You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Get a quote
No Comments