Darwin, NT · Winter
Darwin Beer Can Regatta
One Sunday in mid-July
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.
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
- Free entry
- When
- One Sunday in mid-July
- How often
- Every year
- Venue
- Mindil Beach
- Crowd
- Estimated 15,000
- Entry
- Free
- Setting
- Outdoor
Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Darwin.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.
