It’s a festival, not just a regatta
Grab your friends and family, bring a picnic blanket or chairs, and find a spot on the foreshore of Black Mountain Peninsula as you settle in for a jam-packed weekend of thrilling action and good-time vibes. The best part? Entry is free!
Garden-party vibes on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin
Hand craft markets featuring hand-made trinkets, clothing and local artists
World class rowing action featuring Olympic gold medalists and international athletes
Activities for kids including arts and crafts
Local wine, beer & food stalls
Cardboard Boat Regatta
Live music & entertainment featuring local artists and DJs
Plus plenty more
What’s On
World-class rowing
See mixed elite crews made up of men and women from around Australia and the world power across Lake Burley Griffin – including Croatian Gold Medal Olympians Martin and Valent Sinković, Australian athletes Tara Rigney and Harriet Hudson and local rising stars.
Live music and entertainment
Enjoy live performances from local artists and laid-back afternoon DJ sessions as you soak up the lakeside action and summertime vibes.
Food, wine and good times
No need to pack a picnic when you can sample your way through Canberra’s best mobile food vans, breweries, and local producers – from street eats to craft brews and fine wines.
Family zone
Keep the kids happy with hands-on activities, face painting, games, and a front-row view of the action.
YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta
Watch creativity (and a little chaos) unfold as teams of young paddlers race their handmade cardboard boats across the lake. Sink or swim, it’s all in good fun and a true crowd-pleaser.
To register for the Cardboard Boat Regatta, click here
The Golden Oar Pro-Am
A festival favourite in the making – watch Olympic legends team up with community rowers in this high-energy, short-course showdown. Expect laughs, close finishes, and a whole lot of heart.
The Wild Swim
Start your day the Canberra way with a refreshing dip in Lake Burley Griffin. Hosted by the local Wild Swim crew, it’s a relaxed, feel-good swim open to all ages and abilities.
GOLDEN OAR GALA
And the fun doesn’t stop there! The Golden Oar Gala is taking place on the evening of Saturday 1 November with entertaining guest speakers including gold medal Olympians, cocktails, canapes, local wines and beers, music and entertainment.
A destination worth The trip
From the lake to the laneways, Canberra offers everything you need for a memorable getaway. Recently ranked the world’s most liveable city*, it’s clean, safe, easy to explore, and buzzing with activity.
- Easy access from Sydney, Melbourne & international airports
- Lakeside walking trails and nearby nature reserves
- Local wineries, award-winning restaurants, museums and more
* Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025
Accommodation Partners for the Golden Oar
From boutique stays to family-friendly hotels, our accommodation partners have you covered. Enjoy special rates and packages designed just for Golden Oar participants and spectators.
Offer:
15% Discount (from 27 Oct to 3 Nov)
Breakfast included per room per night for 2 guests (valued at $52 per day)
Promo Code:
GO2025