The Australian Boat Race returns to Sydney on Sunday 25 October, with a new course on the Lane Cove River and an expanded program bringing school crews into the competition for the first time.
The University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne will once again go head-to-head in the men’s and women’s eights, continuing a rowing tradition between Australia’s two oldest universities that dates back to 1860.
This year, the university crews will race over 3,500 metres from Greenwich Wharf to Figtree Bridge. The new course will test their endurance, timing and teamwork as they compete for honours in one of the highlights of the university rowing calendar.
The university college races will follow a slightly shorter, 2,700-metre course, starting at the Riverview Gold Cup start line and finishing at Figtree Bridge. With both courses sharing a finish line, the closing stages will bring each contest to the same stretch of water.
Adding to the occasion, two new school races will make their debut in 2026, taking the program to six races across the morning.
The Sydney Schoolboys’ Australian Boat Race will see The King’s School take on St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, while Pymble Ladies’ College will face St Catherine’s School, Waverley, in the Sydney Schoolgirls’ Australian Boat Race. Both races will be contested over the 3,500-metre course.
Their inclusion brings school and university rowing together on the same program, giving younger athletes the opportunity to be part of the Australian Boat Race and supporters more racing to enjoy.
With college, school and university crews all taking to the water, this year’s event promises a full morning of competition as Sydney and Melbourne renew their annual contest.
Follow the action live, with on-water and drone coverage broadcast on the Rowing NSW YouTube channel.
