Exciting Updates for Golden Oar 2026: An Extra Day, New Mixed Double Sculls Showcase & Club Mixed Eights Join the Action!

The Golden Oar is returning to the iconic waters of Lake Burley Griffin in 2026 – and we’re making it bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever. After a stunning debut last year, we’re excited to announce three major enhancements to this year’s program that will deliver even more world-class rowing, extra thrills for spectators, and fresh opportunities for clubs and elite athletes alike.

An Additional Day of Competition – Friday 30 October

We’re extending the regatta into a full three-day festival. Friday 30 October now joins Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, turning the weekend into a true lakeside rowing celebration. The extra day also means more action for fans, with the festival atmosphere at Black Mountain Peninsula firing up earlier.

Brand-New Mixed Double Sculls Event – Friday Afternoon Sprint Eliminator

Making its debut on the new Friday schedule is a standalone Mixed Double Sculls event featuring elite international and national team rowers who are already entered in the Open Mixed Quad Sculls event. This will be run as a high-energy sprint eliminator on the 450m course at Tarcoola Reach. Pure power, head-to-head racing, and no time to blink – this format is designed to showcase the world’s top rowing talent in an exciting, fast-paced showdown that spectators will love.

New Club Mixed Eight Category Added to the Omnium Format

We’re also expanding the Club program with a brand-new Club Mixed Eight category. These crews will compete in the full Golden Oar omnium – the same proven multi-distance format that has already become a favourite. It’s the perfect addition for clubs looking to field their sweep rowers in the ultimate team boat.

These changes build on everything that made the inaugural Golden Oar so special. Whether you’re a club rower, elite athlete, spectator, or just love great sport and great times by the lake, 2026 is shaping up to be unmissable. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history at Canberra’s premier regatta festival.