Australia, Destinations
Another only in Australia moment. A boat race with boats built from beer cans.

10 Unique Australian Festivals

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One of the things I loved most about my time living and working in South Korea was the fact the country had so many festivals.

In addition to the more well-known festivals like Jinju’s Lantern Festival or the Boryeong Mud Festival, there were smaller ones such as the Gwangju Kimchi Festival, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, the Jindo Moses Miracle, and even the Wando Slow Walking Festival.

These festivals were not only a fun diversion after a long week of teaching, but they also offered an insightful and amusing window into Korea’s culture.

Australian Festivals

Australian culture as we know it today isn’t quite as old as South Korea’s, and it’s certainly not as unusual to those from Western backgrounds, but the country’s unique sense of humour and mixed cultural background does present a number of fun opportunities to explore this culture through a variety of festivals.

As I prepare to attend the Australian Celtic Festival this weekend, I thought I’d highlight nine other unique Aussie festivals worth a look while you’re in the Land Downunder.

It should be noted that these are in no particular order.

10. The Australian Celtic Festival, Glen Innes, NSW

The Australian Celtic Festival takes place by the picturesque Australian Standing Stones Monument in Glen Innes. Photo courtesy of Australian Celtic Festival.
The Australian Celtic Festival takes place by the picturesque Australian Standing Stones Monument in Glen Innes. Photo courtesy of Australian Celtic Festival.

If you ever drive the inland route between Brisbane and Sydney, you might notice you pass through quite a few towns with distinctly Celtic names. Names like Glen Innes, Glencoe, Ben Lomond, Armidale, and the inexplicably Welsh, Llangothlin.

Every year, Glen Innes plays host to a celebration of the region’s Celtic roots with the Australian Celtic Festival. Each year a different Celtic ‘nation’ is selected, with Wales getting the nod in 2015 and the Isle of Man having had the honour in 2014.

The festival not only includes plenty of live music and traditional Celtic foods, but also such adventurous fare as sword-fighting demonstrations, an annual strongman competition reminiscent of the famous Highland Games, show dog trials, and all against the backdrop of Glen Innes’ often mist shrouded Standing Stones.

I’m excited to be attending this year as a guest of the Celtic Council, and can’t wait to share some photos and stories from the trip with you.

9. The Camel Cup, Alice Springs, NT

Australia actually has a huge (non-native) camel population, so it stands to reason we'd race them.
Australia actually has a huge (non-native) camel population, so it stands to reason we’d race them.

Horse racing is big business in Australia. Look no further than the way the Melbourne Cup brings the country to a standstill each November for evidence of this.

The folk out in dry and dusty Alice Springs (most famous for its proximity to Uluru) do things a bit differently, with the annual Camel Cup featuring (you guessed it) jockeys riding camels and fighting for the right to lift the Camel Cup.

It’s not just about watching the race though. The festival has food, live entertainment, and a few other fun activities (the rickshaw race sounds particularly fun to me) to keep you entertained between heats.

8. Tunarama, Port Lincoln, SA

A festival for tossing fish. Makes sense. Image courtesy of Port Lincoln Times.
A festival for tossing fish. Makes sense. Image courtesy of Port Lincoln Times.

The name might give it away, but Port Lincoln in South Australia is a big tuna fishing town and it’s proud of it.

Tunarama is a four day celebration of the region’s tuna fishing industry held each January, but it’s most famous for the Tuna Toss. Brave men and women can try their luck at hurling tuna as far as humanly possible, with the current record standing at an impressive 37m.

For those who find that all a bit fishy, there’s also fireworks, food, live music, and an annual Beach Bod competition to check out.

7. Golden Gumboot Festival, Tully, QLD

T.I.A. This. Is. Australia.
T.I.A. This. Is. Australia.

As Australia’s wettest town, Tully is so proud of the claim that they hold an annual festival to celebrate the fact.

The Golden Gumboot Festival takes its name from the oversized gumboot monument the town erected in 2003 to celebrate their wetness (there’s a sentence I never thought I’d type) and includes live music, cultural performances from the local indigenous people, a parade, and the usual festival bells and whistles.

Their website is about two years out of date, so I’d call ahead if you were planning on attending…

6. The Beer Can Regatta, Darwin, NT

Another only in Australia moment. A boat race with boats built from beer cans.
Another only in Australia moment. A boat race with boats built from beer cans.

Another unorthodox race out of Australia’s most famous non-state, the Beer Can Regatta is a fancy name for a competition in which people must construct boats out of beer cans and race them along a picturesque Darwin beach.

Competitors construct inventive boats and then pray they’ll stay afloat as they hit the surf. Thankfully, the beaches of Darwin are saltwater crocodile free.

Like all of the other festivals on this list, it also has markets, food, and live entertainment for those not participating in the races.

Click below to see #5 to #1!
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Destinations, Perth
Perth skyline

7 Different Things to do in Perth

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Perth skyline
Photo by Ole Relder Johanson

A few years ago, I started a ‘Different Things to do In…’ series, highlighting the more off the beaten path things to do in popular cities and countries around the world.

I’m of the belief that to do a city justice you need to attack it from both angles.

When you’re in Sydney, of course you want to see the Blue Mountains and the Harbour Bridge – but you don’t get the full picture until you do some of the less touristy stuff as well.

Exactly a year after I wrote my Different Things to do in London, I found myself spending 24 hours in London.

In hopes that will happen again here, I’ve put together a list of Different Things to do in Perth. Let’s see if the trend finds me in sunny Perth in April of 2016.

Different Things to do in Perth

While it’s not quite as popular with the backpacker set as Melbourne, Sydney, or certain areas of the Queensland coast – Australia’s westernmost capital is fast developing a reputation as a worthy addition on any itinerary.

Famous for its beaches and the beauty of the surrounding land, there’s also no shortage of museums, galleries, or shopping opportunities in the Western Australian capital.

With an eye towards highlighting a few different things to do in Perth, I’ve put together the following list.

I’ve yet to make it there myself, so I’ve relied on my own research here. If you’ve got some of your own suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Try Your Hand at Supa Golf

Supa Golf is a variant of golf that is easier to play without being quite as silly and irreverent as an old fashioned game of mini golf.

Incidentally, Oasis Supa Golf & Adventure Putt offers both bastardised forms of the game.

Using larger balls, larger holes, and clubs with larger heads – the game is aimed at being more accessible than the popular Scottish sport that some have described as ‘a good walk ruined’.

For a golfing disaster such as myself, the opportunity to play a few holes without feeling quite so thoroughly emasculated would be pretty awesome.

Pay a Visit to Crown Perth

I’ve written before about Australia’s gambling culture and how, bizarrely, casinos don’t play nearly as big a part in it as they do elsewhere in the world.

While the masses choose to play the pokies, play online casino games, and bet on sports, casinos have become something for those wanting something a little fancier along with their flutter.

Places like Crown Perth give people an excuse to dress to the nines, eat at some of Australia’s premier eateries, and catch a show. Disney’s Lion King stage musical is headed there this year, and that’s one I’d thoroughly recommend to fans of the film or musical theatre.

Photo courtesy of Crown Perth.
Photo courtesy of Crown Perth.

Catch a Perth Glory game

AFL might be the state’s favourite sport, but if you’re looking for something a little different, why not join the fans in ‘The Shed’ and catch the Perth Glory playing in the nation’s national football competition, the A-League?

Photo courtesy of NIB Stadium.
Photo courtesy of NIB Stadium.

With players such as Robbie Fowler, Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey, Dwight Yorke, Romario, David Villa, and Benito Carbone having graced the fields over the last year years, it’s a fun way to catch legends of the international game playing against Australia’s rising stars.

The A-League runs from September/October through until April/May of each year.

Ride a Rail Trail

I first tried my hand at rail trail riding when my ex-girlfriend and I tackled the Route of the Hiawatha in northern Idaho back in 2009.

Rail trails are former railway lines that have been converted into cycling routes, and Western Australia’s status as a mining state means there are quite a few to be found.

The most intriguing of these is the aptly named Zig Zag, a 3km long switchback climb (or descent) that offers up some pretty stunning views.

Riding the Route of the Hiawatha, a famous rail trail in Idaho.
Riding the Route of the Hiawatha, a famous rail trail in Idaho.

Take a Tour of Little Creatures Brewery

One of Australia’s finest emerging small scale breweries, Little Creatures is a Western Australian brand that is producing some great beers.

While it’s not quite as cool as saying you’ve toured an iconic brewery like that of Tooheys or XXXX, you’re going to be sampling some infinitely superior beers.

Take an Underground Prison Tour

Located in nearby Fremantle, the Fremantle Prison offers up a tour with a difference.

Rather than simply looking at dusty cells and administration blocks (although you can do that there too), the Fremantle Prison offers a spooky tour of a network of underground tunnels beneath the prison.

The highlight? Taking a raft through the dank, dark water as part of your tour!

Photo courtesy of Fremantle Tourism.
Photo courtesy of Visit Fremantle.

Ghost tour in York

On the subject of the macabre, the nearby town of York is purported to be one of Australia’s most haunted spots.

Whether you’re checking it out for the colonial architecture or are hoping to do a little ghost-hunting within the town’s abandoned streets, you’re bound to find it an intriguing day trip away from the modern city.

Your Say

Have you been to Perth? What would your recommendations be for less orthodox things for people to do?

 

Destinations, Dubai
About as graceful as I get.

An Aussie Surfing in Dubai

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About as graceful as I get.
About as graceful as I get.

An UnAustralian Confession

I’m just going to put it out there: I’m a terrible Australian in some regards. I think Victoria Bitter tastes like muddy water, I think lamb tastes like feet, and I can’t surf.

You read that right.

I grew up in Australia and spent every summer on the coast, but I never learned to surf. I’m a decent swimmer, a certified scuba diver, and I love a good boogey board – but try and get me upright on a board and I’m hopelessly out of my depth.

And this is even after learning to surf in Sydney back in 2010.

So, when the Hidden Dubai team suggested I go surfing in Dubai I had two thoughts:

  1. “Oh crap, they’re onto me! They’re going to think I’ve been lying about being Australian” and;

  2. “You can surf in Dubai?”

Daunted though I might have been, I’m nothing if not game to give anything a go once.

 

Jumeirah Surf Beach

Jumeirah Surf Beach, located in the shadow of the stunning Burj Al Arab, is a long stretch of white sand that was literally swarming with people on the Friday I visited. With Friday and Saturday being the ‘days off’ in Dubai, everyone and their dog was out to soak in the sun.

Far from the uptight image some might have of a Middle Eastern country, the beach in Dubai felt no different to South Beach in Miami, Bondi in Sydney, or the beaches of Phuket. There was surf. There was sand. People in bikinis played beach volleyball. Kids ate ice cream.

Heck, there was even a groovy little hippy festival going on with acoustic music, long hair, and a coconut water promotion.

Singing political songs and making me want to go all Animal House on him.
Singing political songs and making me want to go all Animal House on him.

I hadn’t expected to find this little slice of cruisy beach paradise amidst all of the hustle and bustle of the city. It was as if I’d left the glitzy city and traveled to a cruisy beachside town without having had to travel more than 10-15 minutes from the city.

Perhaps most surprising, for me, was seeing dozens of people out in the surf riding waves.

I had no idea Dubai had such a big surf culture.

Learning Surfing in Dubai

My teacher for the day would be Maria, a Tunisian born Dubai resident who learned to surf in Australia.

Despite me being her first ever pupil, she was a fantastic teacher. She was encouraging through my many (many) falls, and confided in my that I wasn’t surfing in ideal conditions.

I’ll say. It felt like I was in a washing machine. Waves were coming in at weird angles, and even the hardened locals weren’t having the best time of it.

As you can see below, I was awful.

In my defense, I did actually get upright and catch a wave in at one point, but my long-suffering cameraman got caught from behind by a breaker and unceremoniously washed ashore like a wet dog.

Sorry, Ed!

This is the best footage of me actually surfing. I swear, I did actually do better than this!
This is the best footage of me actually surfing. I swear, I did actually do better than this!

While I took a beating and didn’t manage to master the art, it was a fun re-introduction to a discipline I haven’t attempted since 2010.

Dubai might not be a destination that is synonymous with surfing, but it’s good to know that the option is there. The nearby Surf House offers rentals on surf boards and stand up paddle boards, as well as doing a mean coffee.

It was a bruising, but awesome encounter. I’ve since given some serious thought into taking some lessons back here in Coffs Harbour.

I can’t be the only Aussie not able to surf…

Defeated, I head back to Surf House to return my board.
Defeated, I head back to Surf House to return my board.

Your Say

Have you tried your hand at surfing before? Where did you learn?

My surfing experience was paid for as a part of the Hidden Dubai campaign in conjunction with Yahoo, Emirates, and Dubai Tourism. All opinions are my own.

Destinations, Theme Park Review
Quite a view from atop the Jumeirah Sceirah!

Taking the Plunge at Wild Wadi Water Park

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Review: Wild Wadi Water Park

When it comes to theme parks, I’m basically a big kid.

There’s something about the pageantry, the unhealthy food, and the opportunity to scream like a girl that just really speaks to the Peter Pan in me.

So, while I was in Dubai recently on location with the Hidden Dubai campaign, I leaped at the opportunity to visit the famed Wild Wadi Water Park on Jumeirah Beach. In the shadow of the stunning Burj Al Arab, it’s definitely a park with one of the more impressive views out there.

Quite a view from atop the Jumeirah Sceirah!
Quite a view from atop the Jumeirah Sceirah!

If you’d rather not read a full blown review, Hidden Dubai have been kind enough to create this video introduction starring yours truly. Enjoy!

About the Wild Wadi Water Park

The Wild Wadi (Wadi is Arabic for fortress) is the older of Dubai’s two large water parks, but you couldn’t tell from looking at it. It’s a slick, professional quality water park with all of the bells and whistles.

As I said, it’s located on Jumeirah Beach, putting it conveniently close to the city centre and the more popular beach areas.

Entrance to the park is 275 AED ($96 AU) for Australians and a little less for children. This is rather steep given what you’re getting for your dime, but in line with the general cost of visiting Dubai.

Entrance to the park is free, however, for guests of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Thrill Factor

I wouldn’t have thought water slides could be made to be particularly thrilling, but Wild Wadi was a pleasant surprise in this regard.

The park boasts two (three at a stretch) slides that could be considered thrill rides.

  • Jumeirah Sceirah
  • Tantrum Alley
  • Burj Surj

The last was not something that got my heart racing, but I can imagine those with less of a thirst for terror than I might find it quite enjoyable.

The jewel in the park’s thrill crown is most definitely the aptly named Jumeirah Sceirah (sounds like scarer, get it?). This 32m high, 120m long slide sees you standing in a pod and waiting with increasing tension for the count-down to complete. When it does, the floor drops out and you take a near vertical fall that sees you accelerate to up to 80kms before you reach the end.

Ready for...uh lift down?
Ready for…uh lift down?

I’m not a guy who scares easily, but the first run on this was just a bit frightening. It’s dark, you’re traveling fast, and water is hitting your face the whole time. It’s intense and immensely enjoyable.

Tantrum Alley is the next best thing, The newest ride in the park sees you and three others tube through three pretty radical whirlpools that tumble you about likes clothes in the washing machine. It’s a real laugh provided you’re not accidentally losing your GoPro.

(Don’t worry, one of the helpful staff found it for us).

Those extra kebabs at lunch time really show on the Burj Surj.
Those extra kebabs at lunch time really show on the Burj Surj.

The final thrill ride is the relatively tame Burj Surj, which sees you raft down the slide and through a series of spins and bowls. It’s fun, but not particularly frightening.

Thrill Factor: 6/10

Family Factor

In past theme park reviews, I’ve had separate sections for families and kids. As I have no kids and have not been one since before Justin Bieber’s infancy, I’m just gonna roll them into one catch-all category.

Obviously, water parks are pretty much perfect for families. The majority of the attractions at the Wild Wadi are family friendly, with only the Jumeirah Sceirah being something I wouldn’t recommend for a young whipper-snapper.

In addition to the obligatory wave pool and faux beach, there are a few slides and attractions that are great for families or those less thrill-inclined.

  • Master Blaster
  • Juha’s Journey
  • Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon
  • Flood River
  • Wipeout & Riptide

Of the above, the only one I had the time to try was the very cool Master Blaster. Stretching over 360m from the bottom of the park to the top, this ‘reverse waterslide’ has jets that literally blast you up slopes. It’s a great way to get around the park, and you can hop off at a number of stops to get to whatever attraction you’re looking for.

Of course, you can also just take the ‘Tunnel of Doom’ once you get to the top. This gets you all the way back to the bottom in utter darkness. Pretty groovy.

The reverse slide action of the Master Blaster (and my hairy legs).
The reverse slide action of the Master Blaster (and my hairy legs).

Juha’s Journey is a lengthy lazy river, while Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon is a children’s play area boasting over 100 different water activities including slides and water guns.

Flood River is a lazy river with a difference, with waves periodically surging along its length to make it a bit more exciting. It’s still fun for all ages, but would probably need parental supervision.

The Wipeout and Riptide are flow rider style boogie boarding or surfing challenges.

Family Factor: 7/10

Atmosphere

As you’d expect in a city where money flows as freely as the water in the Wild Wadi, no expense has been spared on making the park as appealing to the eye as possible.

The place is kept immaculately clean, and the Arabic themed decoration at the park is all quite fetching.

Not sure why I look so angry. I'm guessing my shower wasn't warm enough.
Not sure why I look so angry. I’m guessing my shower wasn’t warm enough.

I was there on a pretty quiet Tuesday afternoon, so I basically had the run of the place. That being said, I was impressed by the number of staff on hand and how friendly they all were. Even on a busy day, I can’t imagine not being able to find a staff member to chat with.

I even had a 10 minute chat with a Pakistani employee about the ongoing cricket World Cup festivities while waiting for my cameraman.

Their staff hail from all over the world, which I think is really cool. I chatted with Filipinos, Pakistanis, South Africans, Kenyans, and even a fellow Aussie while roaming the park.

Atmosphere Rating: 7/10

Food

Time was really a factor when we visited (I had from 4pm until the 7pm closing time), so we didn’t get the opportunity to partake in any of the food on site.

The park offers five restaurants that each boast different cuisines ranging from hot-dogs, pizza, and burgers to health foods and local delicacies.

Their website does not give prices, but I’d imagine they’re in line with ticket pricing. Expect to pay $25 AUD or so for your food.

Best Ride

This one is a straight sets win to the Jumeirah Sceirah.

It’s something I hadn’t encountered at a water park before, so it really stood out to me. The whole idea of standing and waiting to be dropped into the slide is a novelty, and you certainly get a thrilling (albeit mercifully short) ride.

Arriving with a splash at the end of the Jumeirah Sceirah.
Arriving with a splash at the end of the Jumeirah Sceirah.

Overall

I really did enjoy the Wild Wadi. If I were paying for my own ticket, $96 for what amounted to 4-5 slides is probably not something I’d shell out for.

That being said, if you’re staying at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, you love water parks, or you’ve got a bit of disposable income and want to keep your kids entertained – it’s a good bet.

Destinations, Dubai

Bucket List Focus: Swimming with Sharks

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There are some items on my bucket list that I’m less eager to check off than others.

Kiss a girl from every country? Sounds like fun!

Go on a food crawl in Portland? Sign me up!

Go swimming with sharks? … do I have to?

It’s not that I’m adverse to the idea (else it wouldn’t be on the list to begin with), it’s just that it’s on there in the same way that I want to learn how to play Stairway to Heaven on the guitar is.

I love the idea of having done it, but the actual doing of it daunts me.

Swimming with Sharks in Dubai Mall

I’d just arrived on location in Dubai when it was suggested that we head to the Dubai Aquarium to go swimming with sharks.

While I’d known the activity was likely to be on the list, I’d shown up to Yahoo’s 48th floor office in general attire. I certainly hadn’t anticipated being thrust into the shark tank right off the bat.

Still, Australian pride was on the line. I’d joked about how Aussies ride sharks to school and wrestle crocodiles in PE; I could hardly balk at the idea of having a wee swim with some harmless tiger sand sharks, could I?

My boasting only worsened my situation as we drove to the Dubai Mall. I foolishly mentioned I already had my PADI Scuba Certification (I was lucky enough to learn to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef back in 2010) and in doing so talked my way from snorkeling with sharks from the safety of a cage to going right into the aquarium with them.

When will you learn to shut your mouth, Chris!? 

One brief safety demonstration and refresher course later, I was thrust into the spotlight.

Cameras were rolling, my heart was pumping, and the sharks were waiting.

Pre-dive nerves aside, this was such an exhilerating experience. Even knowing that tiger sand sharks weren’t likely to take a bite out of me, it’s still a surreal moment having an open-mouthed shark swim towards you.

Your baser instincts are screaming at you to flee, but there’s really no need. It’s all done in such a professional, relaxing manner that you feel completely safe.

For those who don’t dive (or who don’t want to get up close and personal with a shark), the option is also there to simply snorkel in the aquarium from the safety of a cage.

Would I do it again? Sure.

Will I tackle it in the open ocean someday?

I’ll get back to you.

Your Say

Would you ever swim with sharks?

My shark diving experience was funded by Hidden Dubai, a campaign jointly arranged by Emirates, Yahoo, and Dubai Tourism to highlight adventure travel activities within the city. All opinions are my own.

Featured image by Reedz Malik.