7 Weird Aussie Sports You’ve Never Heard Of – WTF!
Australia is known for its unique sense of humor, laid-back attitude, and love of sports. But sometimes, Aussies take their passion for competition to bizarre new heights. Forget cricket and footy—this is the land of cane toad racing, cockroach racing, and yabby catching, where the strangest events attract the biggest laughs (and occasional serious bets).
Ready to dive into the wild world of Australia’s most WTF sports? Strap in, mate—it’s going to be a weird ride.
Why Aussies Love Weird Sports
Australia is a country that loves a good laugh almost as much as it loves competition. Throw in some beers, a dash of absurdity, and the spirit of mateship, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for bizarre sporting events.
These sports often take place at local pubs, festivals, or outback gatherings, proving that Aussies can turn anything into a contest—no matter how ridiculous.
Cane Toad Racing: Hop to It
What Is It?
Cane toad racing is exactly what it sounds like: people “train” cane toads to hop their way to glory in a circular arena. The first toad to cross the finish line wins.
Where It Happens:
You’ll find cane toad races in Queensland, where these invasive pests are a part of daily life. Popular venues include pubs, where the races often accompany a good old-fashioned BBQ.
The WTF Factor:
Spectators often give their toads ridiculous names like “Toadally Awesome” or “Hopzilla.” Some even try to bribe their toads with beer (no, it doesn’t work).
Cheeky Commentary:
Finally, a way to make cane toads useful. If only we could train them to mow the lawn.
Cockroach Racing: The Ultimate Bug Battle
What Is It?
Cockroach racing involves—you guessed it—cockroaches sprinting to the finish line. Contestants place bets on their chosen bug, then release them in a controlled arena to see which one’s the fastest.
Where It Happens:
The annual Cockroach Races at Brisbane’s Story Bridge Hotel are legendary, drawing crowds of bug enthusiasts and curious onlookers every Australia Day.
The WTF Factor:
It’s not just about the racing—there’s a whole festival vibe, with costumes, food, and drinks. Also, the fact that people willingly touch cockroaches in the name of fun is pretty mind-blowing.
Cheeky Commentary:
If you’ve ever seen a cockroach in your kitchen, you know they don’t need much training to run fast.
Yabby Catching: Crustacean Chaos
What Is It?
Yabby catching is a traditional Aussie pastime that’s turned competitive. Participants use baited lines or nets to catch as many yabbies (small freshwater crayfish) as they can within a set time.
Where It Happens:
Yabby races and catching contests are common at rural festivals and outback gatherings, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria.
The WTF Factor:
The events can get rowdy, with yabby enthusiasts passionately cheering for their chosen critters. And yes, yabbies have been known to escape mid-race, causing absolute chaos.
Cheeky Commentary:
Nothing says “true Aussie sport” like wrestling a tiny crustacean out of a muddy dam.
Other Oddball Aussie Sports
1. Tuna Tossing (Port Lincoln, SA):
Think shot put, but with a frozen tuna. Competitors hurl the fish as far as possible, and the winner gets bragging rights and fishy hands.
2. Beer Can Regatta (Darwin, NT):
Boats made entirely of empty beer cans race across Darwin Harbour. It’s equal parts engineering marvel and Aussie ingenuity.
3. Bog Snorkeling (Tasmania):
Snorkel through muddy bogs in a race against time. It’s as gross as it sounds, but apparently, people love it.
4. Gumboot Throwing (Tully, QLD):
In this tropical town, people chuck gumboots (rubber boots) for distance. Because why not?
What These Sports Say About Aussie Culture
Australia’s love for these weird sports reflects its laid-back, “have a laugh” attitude. They remind us that competition doesn’t always have to be serious—sometimes, it’s just about bringing people together for a good time.
Plus, these events often highlight Australia’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Whether it’s catching yabbies in a dam or racing cockroaches at a pub, these sports are a celebration of the quirks that make Australia one of a kind.
Conclusion
From cane toad racing to yabby catching, Australia’s weirdest sports prove that anything can become a competition if you add a bit of creativity and a lot of humor. They may not make it to the Olympics, but they’re undeniably Aussie—and worth checking out for a good laugh.
So next time you’re at an outback festival or pub, keep an eye out for a bizarre sporting event. Who knows? You might discover your new favorite pastime—just don’t forget your sense of humor.
Disclaimer: No cockroaches, cane toads, or yabbies were harmed in the making of this article (but some egos might have been bruised).
See Also: Outback Heat Experiments: Can You Really Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk?
