"They're Racing in Manangatang!" Manangatang by tiabunna

Manangatang Travel Guide: 2 reviews and 6 photos

My heading line will, I know, be lost on many Australians from outside Victoria and on my many millions of overseas readers, breathlessly awaiting the latest VT page. Sorry about that, folk!

But those who have lived in Victoria for any period will know of the occasional interruption to Saturday afternoon radio programmes by a shouted “They're racing in Manangatang”, followed by the usual nasal jabber of a horse racing broadcast. Over the years, this became a standing joke and was included in many well-known TV comedy routines.

So VT would not be complete without at least a minimal page on Manangatang: and I feel suitably honoured to provide it! Hands up all those, even in Victoria, who actually know where this legendary destination is to be found. Hmm, I don't see too many.

Manangatang is a small centre in the Mallee district of western Victoria, where the country is flat, rainfall fairly low, and wheat growing is the main activity. If you want more detail, it's about midway on the long and mostly straight Mallee Highway between Tooleybuc and Ouyen, about 16km north of Chinkapook. With that description, I'm confident that all of you now will have no problem locating it!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Famous Mallee township
Cons:The nasal-voiced horse racing announcers
In a nutshell:Parse: “you've just gotta go there”

Last visit to Manangatang: Dec 2008
Intro Written Jun 5, 2009
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Reviews (2)

OTBP options at Mananagatang - Manangatang

Explore further? Off The Beaten Path (1)

Shamefacedly, I must confess that our main ambition was to reach our destination in South Australia. So, although the... more travel advice

Manangatang transit stops Things to Do (1)

After passing through many, many kilometers of rolling nature, by the time you drive through Manangatang, it is entirely... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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TheWanderingCamel Jan 20, 2010 at 6:08 AM

Cute!
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Nemorino Jan 11, 2010 at 12:39 PM

In the States we also used to have a radio horseracing spoof by Spike Jones and his City Slickers, always with breathless music. At the end the music came to an abrupt halt and the last horse was always: Fiedelbaum. (Seemed hilarious at the time.)
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KiKitC Dec 1, 2009 at 3:38 AM

Wonder if the "newish loo" is showing it's age...hehehe. Great tips on what seems a very interesting place.
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lynnehamman Aug 26, 2009 at 7:56 AM

We are planning a road trip to Adelaide between Xmas & New Year. Maybe will stop at this cute loo! Another amusing Tiabunna page.
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JLBG Jul 23, 2009 at 9:48 PM

It is always heartbraking to drive across a wonderful land but your schedule will not allow for a stop ad a visit! I know that to!
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Pawtuxet Jul 1, 2009 at 5:06 AM

So much to see! I'll start saving for my vacation right away. Love the name!! Is there a song?
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nomorewars Jun 30, 2009 at 4:36 PM

George, I was having a bad day until I read your tip on transit stops; it was funny. If I ever find myself in Manangatang in the future, I will remember this tip.
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kokoryko Jun 12, 2009 at 10:21 PM

Yessss! George, the VT community was eagerly waiting for this Manangatang page! You remind us travel is also humour and fun! Good start for my day, merci George.
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Trekki Jun 6, 2009 at 7:52 AM

Oh :-) First :-)) I love the Australian names!! So cute for my ears and eyes :-)) Haha, and this toilet sign is exceptional!! Wish there would be more like this on the planet :-)