A time-honoured bush skill is being brought back into the spotlight with the launch of the inaugural Billy Boiling Championships at the Peel Inn Hotel in Nundle.
Set to take place on Saturday 9 August, the new event invites locals and visitors to test their bushcraft, have a laugh, and celebrate the heritage of the Australian campfire tradition in a fun, competitive format.
“We’re so excited to bring a brand-new tradition to Nundle with the first-ever Billy Boiling Championships held at the Peel Inn Hotel,” said Events and Function Manager Jodi Swain.
“It’s all about celebrating bush skills, having a laugh with mates, and creating a fun community event that everyone can enjoy.”
The concept is simple, but the execution is all in the skill. Competitors are each given a lump of pine, a tomahawk, a box of matches, a cardboard box, and a billy filled with water. The goal? Get the water in the billy boiling faster than anyone else.
Registrations open from 2pm, with the first round kicking off at 3pm. The contest is open to those aged 16 and over, with 14 to 16-year-olds allowed to compete with parental assistance and a signed waiver.
The rules are as practical as they are strict. Contestants can use as many matches as they like, but burning the matchbox is grounds for disqualification. The billy can be placed on the fire at any time, and wood can be added as needed. Cardboard may be used to fan the flames, but not as fuel. Any water spilled or a billy knocked over ends the round immediately. And it’s not just about speed — water must be deemed boiling by the judge, not the timekeeper. The fastest competitors will move through to the finals, and the judge’s decision is final.
Adding a crack of excitement to the day’s program is a whip cracking demonstration by 18-time Australian champion Daniel Wicks, sure to draw a crowd.
Organisers are hoping this becomes a fixture on the Nundle calendar, encouraging friendly rivalry, fire-lighting finesse, and plenty of laughs.
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