2022 is off to a truly bonkers start. Oversized and energised Australian animal puppets have been spotted roaming around Docklands, looking to have some fun. Created by Snuff Puppets, these bizarre creatures are ready to meet you. Before you see the Docklands drone show, find this Beasts of Oz puppet troupe on select days this January.
Snuff Puppets – Beasts of Oz
Feel amazed (and a little bit terrified) of these six Australian animals. See a crafty magpie, a bloodthirsty mosquito, an egocentric lyrebird and a truly skittish frilled-neck lizard. There’s also a koala that you definitely shouldn’t hug and the last thylacine left alive.
This free, family-friendly experience is a part of the $1.75 million City Activation Grants program. The program aims to bring visitors back to parts of Melbourne that were strongly impacted by COVID-19.
On top of the puppets, there will also be live entertainment from Street Performance Australia. These buskers will fill the streets of Docklands with surprise and delight, with a vast array of magicians, acrobats, clowns and balloon artists.
“I am thrilled to see the first round of events come to life as we soak up everything marvellous Melbourne has to offer in 2022,” said Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
Other summer activations include roving performers in Carlton, a Korean street food festival in the CBD and an art installation and food tour in North and West Melbourne.
As for the wacky Beasts of Oz, the Snuff Puppets roaming performers are providing a taste of their upcoming show SWAMP, which will premiere in May this year. Joining the puppet troupe later in the year will be a hopping cane toad and a 22-metre red-bellied black snake.
When can you see the Beasts of Oz?
See the six puppets roam around Newquay Promenade, Docklands at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm on:
- Friday 21 January
- Saturday 22 January
- Sunday 23 January
- Thursday 27 January
- Friday 28 January
These creatures will also return on Sunday February 20, with the exact times to be confirmed in the future.
Click here for more information.