The beer can regatta turns 51 years old in 2025. Photo: supplied by NT Govt
What started as a clean-up event that has since morphed into a Northern Territory tourism icon returns to the waters this weekend.
The Darwin Beer Can Regatta will be held on Sunday (June 8).
Major Events and Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby says the regatta celebrates the Territory’s lifestyle.
“It’s time to put the finishing touches on your boats,” she says.
“This well-established Territory tradition brings people of all ages together at Mindil Beach to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and most importantly, to have fun.”
Regatta chairman Connell Brannelly is back this year with a raft built from 32 office water containers, capable of holding up to 250kg.
“This raft took a beating last year and it’s back for more – it’s earned a place in most races. We’re hoping for the same this year,” he said.
“All winners on the day will walk away with lots of prizes, the more you enter, the more you walk away with.”
“This event is great for Darwin. It brings people from all over the world, just for this day – come let your hair down, relax and have fun.”
Boothby has words of thanks for those who organise the regatta: “Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers and the members of the Nightcliff, Casuarina, Palmerston and Litchfield Lions clubs who make this event so great each year.”
Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta secretary Delma Swan had a simple message: “Gather your mates, cans and plans and build a boat that floats.”
ABOUT THE REGATTA
The regatta began in 1974 as a clean-up initiative. It featured 63 homemade boats and around 22,000 spectators, about half of Darwin’s population at the time.
Participants build boats out of cans, plastic bottles and milk cartons and compete for race titles including the Best Beer Can Boat, Best Novelty Boat, and the grand finale, the Battle for Mindil.
Spectators can participate in activities such as thong throwing, sandcastle building, Ironman and other races.
Spectator entry is free. Teams can still register at beercanregatta.org.au.
