Garden-party vibes on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin icon

Garden-party vibes on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin

Hand craft markets featuring hand-made trinkets, clothing and local artists icon

Hand craft markets featuring hand-made trinkets, clothing and local artists

World class rowing action featuring Olympic gold medalists and international athletes icon

World class rowing action featuring Olympic gold medalists and international athletes

Activities for kids including arts and crafts icon

Activities for kids including arts and crafts

Local wine, beer & food stalls icon

Local wine, beer & food stalls

Cardboard Boat Regatta icon

Cardboard Boat Regatta

Live music & entertainment featuring local artists and DJs icon

Live music & entertainment featuring local artists and DJs

Plus plenty more icon

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.

What’s On image

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.

East Hotel
Hotel Realm
Alivio Tourist Park
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Tall Trees Motel
Punt Hill Apartment Hotel
Vibe Hotel Canberra
A by Adina
Hotel Kurrajong
Leumeah Lodge

Offer:
10% Discount

Promo Code:
REDSHED

BOOK NOW

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

BOOK NOW

Offer:
10% Discount

Promo Code:
GOAR

BOOK NOW

Offer:
15% Discount

Promo Code:
OAR15

BOOK NOW

Offer:
20% Discount

Promo Code:
REDSHED

BOOK NOW

Offer:
15% off fully flexible rate

Book via special link below

BOOK NOW

Offer:
15% off fully flexible rate

Book via special link below

BOOK NOW

Offer:
15% off fully flexible rate

Book via special link below

BOOK NOW

Offer:
10% Discount

Promo Code:
REDSHED10

BOOK NOW