ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR THE GOLDEN OAR 2026



  • ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR THE GOLDEN OAR 2026

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ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR THE GOLDEN OAR 2026

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to compete at Canberra’s premier rowing festival, this is your moment. Entries are now open for The Golden Oar, returning to the iconic waters of Lake Burley Griffin from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.

After a spectacular debut in 2025, The Golden Oar is back bigger, bolder and more spectacular than ever — with an expanded three-day program, more than $200,000 in prize money, elite international and Australian rowers, and a vibrant lakeside festival atmosphere at Black Mountain Peninsula.Key 2026 highlights include:

  • An extra day of competition — Friday 30 October kicks things off with thrilling action, including the brand-new Mixed Double Sculls Showcase.
  • New Club Mixed Eights category joining the popular Omnium format.
  • The ever-popular RowNation Erg Relay — a high-energy, lakeside crowd favourite that pairs elite athletes with community and school rowers in an exciting team relay on Concept2 RowErgs.
  • High-stakes racing across elite open, club and development events, with world-class rowers battling it out on the 450m sprint course and longer distances.
  • A packed festival precinct featuring live music, local food and drink, handcraft markets, and family-friendly entertainment.

Families are especially welcome, with a dedicated Children’s Activity Zone offering hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, games and a front-row view of the action. Don’t miss the popular YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta, where teams of young paddlers race their handmade creations across the lake in a display of creativity and chaos that’s sure to entertain the whole crowd.

Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing glory and prize money, a club crew looking for the ultimate team challenge, or part of a development squad, The Golden Oar offers the perfect stage to shine.

Entry to the festival precinct is free.

How to enter

Entries are now open via Rowing Manager. Click HERE to enter.

Visit goldenoar.com.au to view the full event program, entry details and competition schedule.

Secure your place early — this is one regatta you won’t want to miss!

 

776BC Performance Tee included with entry