Billycart madness on the mountain!

15 April 2026: 

The crisp wintry weather last Saturday did nothing to cool the excitement at the start line of the Buller Billycart Bash with 15 entrants eager to tackle the thrilling course along Breathtaker Road and the Avenue.

Some veterans from the 2025 event were back to defend their titles including Griff Scott Barber in the Red Devil and Lola Geddes in "Lola".

Event founder Neil Geddes captured the upbeat mood on the mountain this morning,

“As soon as we pulled up in the village you could feel the buzz from the kids, the parents and the grandparents who were all setting up the carts and getting in some last-minute test runs,” he said. “We were so lucky with the weather which cleared perfectly after heavy rain and even a little snow last night! Nothing quite like some fresh mountain air to get the racers fired up”

“The idea for this event came about after our family had such a great time at an event in NSW and wanted to bring it to Mt Buller. It’s not so much about the racing as the fun of scrounging up parts from the tip, pulling apart old bikes and working out how to make a cart – even using a pair of rubber thongs as brakes! I’m so pleased in this second year we are starting to attract more locals and visitors who are embracing the fun of billycarting and sharing the experience together.”

“One of the highlights of the day was hearing a huge cheer go up on the first corner as the carts made their way past – a whole lodge of spectators had come out to take in the action and everyone was having a blast,” Neil added.

Harry Quirke in his cleverly made cart - ready to race!

The mix of billycart designs showed a dazzling array of creative ingenuity and engineering skill including billycarts with bike wheels, creative use of pool noodles, wooden frames, sleek aerodynamics and skilfully welded designs. The winners of the novelty category featured a cheerful bubble dispenser in their cart while others sported flashing lights and decorative streamers.

Spectators at the first tight turn on the track commented,

“This is incredible, next year there really should be VIP bandstand seating on this corner! This is as good as Formula 1! We’re going home to start working with the kids on designing a cart so we’re ready for next year”

In keeping with the upcycling theme of the event the spectacular trophies this year were sourced from local charity shops and engraved for the winners.

The Buller Billycart Bash is set to return in April 2027 with expectations for a growing field of entries.