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Creep On Over To The Cockroach Races on Australia Day

Published on January 10, 2012 by Mona Rae, Writer

Country: Australia

The Experience

Australia Day Cockroach Races can literally bring the nation to a halt, largely because they aren't necessarily the fastest little guys. It happens every year on the 26th January at the ornate 19th century pub Story Bridge Hotel, located at the Kangaroo Point by the Brisbane River. Cockroach racing may seem like a modern sport, but it comes with a distinguished historic tale. The Australia Day Cockroach Races started in 1981. The suburbs alongside the Brisbane River were home to a large infestation of cockroaches, which were also known to be some of the biggest cockroaches found in the world. There was an argument one day as to whose house had the biggest cockroach, and so each person caught a cockroach from their house and brought it to the pub. They then decided to race these cockroaches, and hence the tradition was born.

The Australia Day Cockroach Races are held on land that is adjacent to the Story Bridge Hotel. A stadium is erected, and the annual event even attracts corporate sponsorship. The race is held in a large box, and spectators can get a good view of the race through live televised footage if they aren't in the front rows. The cockroaches crawl over 'the Olde Canvasse', and the first one to the edge wins. Anyone can enter, you can bring your own roach or buy one there.

Like all Australian events, expect to find a lot of beer at the Australia Day Cockroach Races. Sometimes a panic can be heard when someone finds one of the competing cockroach on themselves, because it escaped from the race. In true Aussie style—it’s all good fun!

There is plenty of food available along the main street, including Australian favourites (meat), and salads.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Cockroach Races

The Australia Day Cockroach Races are held annually on January 26 at the Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane. The date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788.

Odds n' Ends

January is the height of the Australian summer, with temps ranging from 70°F to 79°F. Wear T-Shirts and shorts, and use Take UV protected sunglasses. Don't underestimate the power of the Australian sun.

Recommended Places to Stay

Story Bridge Hotel

More Experiences Nearby

Cuddle a Koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary really lives up to its name. Located in Brisbane, Australia, it is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas. It is filled with cuddly creatures to hug. Koalas are not the only creature you will find at the sanctuary. From kangaroos to lorikeets, platypuses to Tasmanian devils, you will find all the Australian wildlife you could want. Every day is packed with wildlife shows and presentations. Whether you are interested in a sheepdog performance or a bird of prey flight show, you will find it at the Koala Sanctuary. The highlight for ...6 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

300 Unmissable Events and Festivals Around the World
Australia Country Travel Guide
Once in a Lifetime Trips: The World's 50 Most Extraordinary and Memorable Travel Experiences

Elsewhere on the Web

Australia Day - AustraliaDay.org
Australia Day Cockroach Races - CockroachRaces.com

Media References

Australia Day cockroach racing - Travel.Ninemsn.com (blog)

Language Guides

Italian , Japanese , Lao , Spanish , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in Australia. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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