The Australian Boat Race returns to Sydney in 2026, with the rivalry between Australia’s two oldest universities headlining an expanded program featuring six races.
New to the program this year are the Sydney Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Australian Boat Races, bringing another generation of rowers into the event alongside the university and college crews.
Racing begins at 9:30am with the University College Women’s Boat Race, as Trinity College (University of Melbourne) takes on St Andrew’s College (University of Sydney). The University College Men’s Boat Race follows at 10:00am with Trinity College facing St John’s College (University of Sydney). Both races will cover 2,700 metres. Starting from the Longueville Wharf and finishing at the Figtree Bridge.
The inaugural Sydney Schoolgirls Australian Boat Race starts at 10:30am, with Pymble Ladies’ College taking on St Catherine’s School. At 11:00am, The King’s School and St Joseph’s College will contest the Sydney Schoolboys Australian Boat Race. Both schools' races will cover 3,500 metres, starting at Greenwich Wharf and following the Gold Cup course to Figtree Bridge.
The University rivalry then takes centre stage, with the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne contesting the Australian Women’s Boat Race at 11:30am, followed by the Australian Men’s Boat Race at 12 noon. Both crews will race over the same 3,500 metre course from Greenwich Wharf to Figtree Bridge.
Trophy and Medal Presentations
Presentations will take place at Sydney University Boat Club’s Thyne Reid Boathouse, Burns Bay, at the following times:
10:40am: Women’s College Boat Race Trophy
10:45am: Men’s College Boat Race Trophy
12:30pm: Sydney Schoolgirls Australian Boat Race Medals
12:40pm: Sydney Schoolboys Australian Boat Race Medals
12:50pm: Australian Women’s Boat Race Medals and Bella Guerin Trophy
12:55pm: Australian Men’s Boat Race Medals and Trophy
A post-race reception will follow from 1:00pm to 2:30 in the Chris Noel Club Room at Thyne Reid Boathouse, Burns Bay.