sea waves crashing on shore during sunset
Community EventDarwin, NT

Darwin Beer Can Regatta

The Darwin Beer Can Regatta is the Top End at its most cheerfully absurd: since 1974, boats built from empty beer cans have raced off Mindil Beach on a July Sunday, alongside thong-throwing contests, sandcastle competitions and the crowd-favourite Battle of Mindil flour-bomb finale.

Get there by bus →One Sunday in mid-JulyFree entry

What to expect

Around 15,000 people line the beach for an afternoon that doubles as a charity fundraiser. Build quality varies from surprisingly seaworthy to gloriously doomed, which is the entertainment. July is Darwin's dry-season prime, and the event flows naturally into the Mindil Beach sunset markets' season.

  • Community Event
  • Family Festival
  • Regional Tourism

Getting there by bus

Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Darwin.

One-way trip

Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.