Camel Racing at the Uluru CupUluru, Northern Territory
It’s hard to get more Aussie than downing an ice-cold tinnie in the red dirt of the outback. Add to that a caravan of camels careening around a racetrack with Uluru looming in the distance and you might just sprout some corks from your hat.
On a May weekend – the dates vary each year – the Uluru Camel Cup lures jockeys, beer drinkers and party goers to the Red Centre for a weekend of genuinely ocker revelry. Kicking off on Friday at the Uluru Camel Farm there’s everything from boot scooting to bidding on your favourite camel at the Camel Cup Calcutta. Don’t go too hard though, as Saturday is a long day at the track if you’re fighting a hangover.
Be sure to dress up on Cup Day for Fashions on the Field – with full post-race presentation – and enjoy all that is on offer. Whip cracking, cold beers, Outback Games (think Aussie Olympics with no Cathy Freeman lycra), more cold beers and, of course, the camel races. You’ll be surprised just how fast those big beasties can run.
A helicopter trip out over the track, Uluru and Kata Tjuta is well worth it, too.
If you’ve managed to pace yourself there’s more fun to be had on Saturday night at the Frock Up and Rock Up Gala Ball.
Qantas has regular flights into Ayers Rock Airport.
It’s only AU$10 for general admission; children under 15 are free. Tickets to the Frock Up and Rock Up Gala Ball is AU$30.
Uluru Camel Racing Club
ulurucamelracingclub.com