Head of the Yarra: Australia's Rowing Classic

Competing for the title of fastest 2026 Head of the Yarra crew, 2700 athletes will take over the Yarra River, which will be closed for the day from Princes Bridge to Hawthorn. A field of over 300 rowing eights from clubs from all over Australia and New Zealand will race the 8km course.

The Head of the Yarra race has been an annual Yarra River spectacle since 1957. Racing starts at 8am, with the elite female and male crews setting off to race between 1pm and 2pm.

Join in all the activity from your favourite vantage spot along the Yarra's banks – bring a picnic and use the riverside BBQ facilities.