A day of thrills, spills and community spirit! The Bangalow Billycart Derby is a beloved annual event hosted by the Bangalow Lions Club — bringing families, schools, tinkerers and daredevils together to race homemade carts down Bangalow’s Main Street.
What & When
Date: The event runs in May – exact dates advised every year
Location: Byron Street, Bangalow, NSW
Schedule:
- Registration & scrutineering: from 7:00 AM
- Practice runs: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
- Races start: 9:00 AM
- Parade & lunch break: 12:30 PM
- Awards and closing events in the afternoon
Who Can Join / Race Categories
Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re racing yourself, cheering from the sidelines, or building your cart, there’s a category for you.
Categories include:
- Kids (5-7, 8-11, 12-15 years)
- Parent & child teams
- Schools & community groups
- Mothers’ Challenge
- Open / professional build carts
- Novelty and tag-team entries
Carts must meet certain safety and design requirements (weight, braking, steering, dimensions etc.) to pass scrutineering.
What Else Happens
It’s not just racing: the Derby is a full community celebration. Expect:
- The Pit Stop Fair at Bangalow Public School — food stalls, carnival-style rides, games, cake stalls and more.
- A Grand Parade around 12:30 PM featuring local bands, vintage cars, community groups, schools etc.
- Spectator fun, local vendors, good food, festive atmosphere.
Why It Exists
- Started in 1994/95 as a celebration following the bypass of the main road through Bangalow.
- It has grown into a major highlight for the community — celebrating creativity, local spirit, fun, and the joy of competition
How to Participate & Attend
- Register your billycart early, or on the morning from registration time.
- Make sure your cart passes scrutineering (safety checks) before you race.
- Spectators are very welcome — come early to grab a good spot, enjoy the stalls and take part in the side-events.
- Keep an eye on the official site for the rules, ticketing details, and any updates : Official Website bangalowbillycart.com.au
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- It’s pure fun — for kids, adults, makers, racers and spectators alike.
- A wonderful way to meet neighbours, see creative engineering in action, and enjoy a spirited community event.
- The Derby helps support local causes and is run by volunteers, so your participation and attendance make a difference.
