Words and images by Tian Li
Can you imagine wood chopping as a sport? Well, it is! I watched my first Sydney Royal Woodchopping and Sawing Competition at Olympic Park in 2023.
It was held in a giant stadium-size hall with tiered seating on all four sides, creating an exciting and fabulous atmosphere.
Competitors mostly came from Australia, but there were some from countries like the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, making it feel like a world championship of woodchopping.
Watching those thrilling competitions made me wonder if wood chopping could one day become an Olympic sport.
If you can’t make the big Easter event, don’t worry – there’s another annual woodchopping festival held in Berowra. While smaller in scale, it has its own unique charm.
You can watch the woodchoppers up close, and the competition is structured differently, with each competitor chopping individually.
This set-up allows you to focus on one competitor at a time, making it a fantastic experience.
I was lucky enough to attend this year’s Wood Chopping Festival Berowra, which took place on Saturday, September 7, from 10am to 4pm at Warrina Street Oval.
The event not only features exciting wood chopping competitions, but also live music, food vendors, games, and many other thrilling activities. Families and friends gathered to enjoy this vibrant festival together.
It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax and have a good time with loved ones. The festival brought joy to all who attended, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
If you can’t make the Easter wood chopping competition next year, you could plan to attend the Berowra one instead. Don’t forget to check the event details on Hornsby Shire Council Events page.
Featured image: An axeman at the Berowra Woodchop Festival 2024. Photo: Tian Li