If you have clients headed to Australia's Northern Territory this summer (or winter Down Under), there are some fun-sounding (and thoroughly Aussie) events and festivals coming up.
June 24 – 27 - Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Alice Springs
Beanie hats in the shape of teapots, ships, birds and flowers become works of art. Music, crafts and fun bring together craftspeople from remote areas across the Northern Territory and beyond. Workshops, craft displays and a gala opening night is all part of the event and beanie wearing is essential for all attendees. www.beaniefest.org.
July 9 - Lions Imparja Camel Cup, Alice Springs
Created in 1970 as an unusual way to settle a bet between friends, camel racing up the dry riverbed of the Todd is a fun day out and includes rickshaw races and camel polo. www.camelcup.com.au.
July 10 - Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, Darwin
Attendees can build a boat from beer cans and sail out into Darwin Harbour aboard their ‘tinny’ vessels. This ever-popular event is great to participate in but even more fun to watch! Darwin Harbour is twice the size of Sydney’s and Mindil Beach area is the perfect spot to watch the action. www.beercanregatta.org.au.
August 11 – 28 - Darwin Festival, Darwin
The Northern Territory’s capital city celebrates the diversity of the region with an annual 18-day celebration which includes a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain. www.darwinfestival.org.au.
August 20 - Henley on Todd Regatta, Alice Springs
One of the NT’s most unusual events is the ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta where teams of people race their bottomless boats up the dry Todd River, Alice Springs (think Fred Flintstone's car). In 2011 this iconic territory event will celebrate its 50th anniversary. www.henleyontodd.com.au.