Get ready for a brand new level of colour and excitement as Dragons on Darling returns in 2026!
Join us on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the iconic Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, for a spectacular day of dragon boat racing.
Experience the thrill of fierce competition as club, social, and corporate crews battle it out on the water, with high-energy DJs, dazzling drag performances, vibrant race commentary, and fast-paced festival races adding to the atmosphere.
Bring your mates, soak up the festival vibes, and cheer on your favourite crews – it’s a day not to be missed!
Start your paddling engines, and may the best crew win!
Racing begins: 8:00am sharp (finish time may vary based on entries and conditions)
Team size: 16–20 paddlers per team (plus up to 4 reserves)
Sweep Level: Level 3 or higher
Format: 180m straight-line sprints (Standard Boat/20s), plus 500m turns racing
Categories For Straight-line sprints (no age divisions):
Mixed 20s – Australian Clubs
Opens 20s – Australian Clubs (Subject to entries)
Women 20s – Australian Clubs (Subject to entries)
Mixed 20s – International/Public
Mixed 20s – Corporates / Social / Charities / Cancer survivor groups
Categories For 500m Turns (no age divisions):
This category is limited to a set number of entries and requires a Level 3 or higher sweep with a minimum of four 2km turn-race experiences at national or international level.
Mixed 20s – Corporates / Social / Charities / Cancer survivor groups
All races follow DBNSW race rules. Gender is based on self-identification at the regatta.
Special festival races include the legendary DRAG-ON Boat Race and the Best Dressed Crew competition!