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
Set of 13 colour photographs of the street parade to celebrate the first
Official Hoppet race run at Falls Creek in 1991. Participants were from a range of local community groups
and local industry representatives. Photos were taken on Holland St. opposite the old hospital building. Following the parade, a market stalls were set up on the green outside the Community Centre on Holland St. as part of the Hoppet celebrations.
1 & 2- Boy Scouts and Cubs
3- UKV Lions Club
4 & 5- Local children representing the history and fauna of the High Plains
6- Ambulance Services
7, 8, 9 & 10 – Representatives and equipment from local forestry industry
11- Vintage truck by Vintage Charms Tours providing tours of the local area for visitors
12 & 13- Market stalls set up on the green outside the Community Centre on Holland St. as part of the
Hoppet celebrations.
