Historical information

In 1977 a group of Mount Beauty cross country skiers formed the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. In 1979, a version of the famous Birkebeiner race, the first Australian Birkebeiner was held at Falls Creek. In June 1990 representatives from Australia put their case for a southern hemisphere race in the series. Following a trial event in 1990. Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet in the winter of 1991, with the first Kangaroo Hoppet. In 1991 a parade and commemorative torch lighting ceremony were organised in Mt Beauty as part of the celebrations to mark the first official Kangaroo Hoppett with participation from local community groups and commercial organisations, the Chamber of Commerce, local government representatives and individuals.

Significance

Kangaroo Hoppet caters to diverse interests by offering a 42km and 21km event. It also offers a 7km event that attracts skiers, ranging from elite juniors to parents, grandparents, babies and first time skiers. It is recognised on the world cross country ski race calendar. It brings large numbers of participants and spectators to the area which support tourism, local businesses and employment. The 2018 event will be the 28th Kangaroo Hoppet, with cross country skiers travelling from across the country and overseas to compete.

Physical description

PHYSICAL: Set of 22 colour photographs of the street parade to celebrate the first
Official Hoppet race run at Falls Creek in 1991. Participants from a range of local community groups
are traveling along Kiewa Cres. Photos are taken near the corner of Maddison St
1&2 – Horseman & accordion player leading the parade Sign reads ‘Falls Creek The Happy Mountain’
3-4 Birkbeioner Nordic Ski Club with Chinese Nordic ski representatives
5 & 6- Girl Guides & Brownies
7, 8 & 9- Mt Beauty Primary School & Netball team
10 & 11- UKV Calisthenics Club
12- Lawn Bowls Club
13- Junior Football Club
14- Mt Beauty High School Band (on Wodonga Timber & Hardware truck)
15, 16 17 & 18- Mt Beauty Kindergarten
19,20, 21 & 22- Local Community Vehicles including Community Transport and Fire Brigade
23 & 24- Mt Beauty High School Band
25- Fiat 500 Topolino Vintage Car

Inscriptions & markings

No markings