The historic Cockroach Races at History Bridge Hotel

The most traditional event in Brisbane for an Australia day, the historic Cockroach Races will be taking place in true Australia Day fashion at the Story Bridge Hotel.

The event, where punters from all over the city will race their prized cockroaches, will also feature live bands, a male and female fashion competition, and a Miss Roach modelling competition. 

The event kicks off at 11am with various races throughout the day, and Gringo will provide you with an update as the Australia Day fun continues. 

Race Rules

Racing is simple....the races are held in a circular track and roaches are then let go from an upturned bucket in the middle...first to the edge is a winner. Things are made a little more difficult in the steeplechase events where a circular fence (garden hose) is used to enhance the spectacle and test the roach talent.

Betting

There is no betting as such on the races. Instead punters pay $5 to buy a roach and $5 to enter it or their own in a race.....all roaches are numbered (not an easy job), with first second and third receiving prizes..First gets a pack from the race sponsor and a trophy, second and third get a cash prize.

We do supply Cockroaches, we buy them and fly them up from Melbourne (true. believe it or not), but this is often not enough, so patrons are be encouraged to BYO roach.

For the THE OFFICIAL RULES OF COCKROACH RACING

Please visit this website:  http://www.cockroachraces.com.au/

By Erin Lawson.