The Australian Boat Race returns to Sydney for 2026

On Sunday 25 October 2026, the famous Australian Boat Race returns to Sydney for its 17th edition.

In a rivalry that started in 1860, this race sees the best men and women student-athlete rowers from the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne battle it out for bragging rights.

The 2026 Australian BoatRace will feature a new course, using the Lane Cove River between Greenwich Wharf and the Figtree Bridge.

This will provide a 2,700 metre course for the University College Races, a 3,500 metre course for the Australian BoatRaces between Sydney University and Melbourne University men’s and women’s eights, and a 3,500 metre course for two brand-new races debuting in 2026: The Sydney Schoolboy’s and The Sydney Schoolgirl’s Australian BoatRaces.

The new races for Schoolboys will be contested by The King’s School and St Joseph’s College, and the Schoolgirls will be contested by Pymble Ladies’ College and St Catherine’s College, Waverley.

The full schedule for the day is shown in the regatta program.

The races will be broadcast by on water and drone footage on the Rowing NSW YouTube channel.

Presentations after the events will be held at The Thyne Reid Boathouse of Sydney University Boat Club in Burns Bay.