by Jules Reid de Grosbois (
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I'm a fit mother of 2, living near Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. On the weekends we explore and during the week I coach Wellness. You can visit my blog at www.facebook.com/fitblondemum/
Looking for a full day of family fun? The Banglow Billycart Derby is just that. This annual event, in its 19th year, sees upwards of 200 billycarts racing full speed down the hay bale-lined main street of Bangalow. The event is always fondly supported by the local community and equally by visitors to the region. All excitedly cheering on the myriad of carts and their drivers as they hit speeds of up to 35 kph.
Full speed at the Bangalow Billycart Derby
The day starts with registration of the billycarts at 7am in the Bangalow Hotel and racing begins at 9am. It's free to watch but if you'd like to race your own cart entry fees are $20 per person. The racing is split into Billycart types; traditional, homegrown, professional and novelty all race. Entry types are also varied, ranging from school challenges, parent/child teams, mothers, seniors and age groupings from 5-7, 8-11 and 12-15, all vying for the coveted bragging rights and trophies.
The Grand Parade featuring a pipe band
There is even a Grand Parade. It commences at 12.30pm featuring both pipe and samba bands as well as vintage cars, local schools and clubs.
To cap off a full day of family fun make sure you also take in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party held on the same day in the Bangalow Public School's grounds. It's the school's biggest fundraiser of the year, with jumping castles, a ferris wheel and other show rides as well as art, craft and local food stalls.
Family fun for all
Bangalow is a short drive into the Byron Bay hinterland and an easy day trip from either the Gold Coast or Brisbane. The Bangalow Lions Club and Bangalow Chamber of Commerce host the Billycart Derby with support from a generous list of local sponsors. To download an entry form or for more information on the race and its rules you can contact the event organisers via the
Facebook page here
