The Iconic Darwin Beer Can Regatta Sets Sail Again

From Cans to Craftsmanship, the 51st Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta returns to Mindil Beach this Sunday, 8 June 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm, for another unforgettable day of ingenuity, comedy and community spirit.

One of the most unique events on the Northern Territory calendar, this is the ultimate test of brains and brawn as teams take to the seas to battle it out in vessels made from thousands of cans, bottles or milk cartons.

The inaugural event began on 16, June 1974 as a simple clean-up initiative, featuring 63 homemade boats and around 22,000 spectators, roughly half of Darwin’s population at the time, and has since grown into one of Australia’s most beloved backyard regattas.

Competitors of all ages will be vying for various racing titles including the Best Beer Can Boat and Best Novelty Boat, with races culminating in the annual highlight of the day, the Battle for Mindil.

Drawing huge crowds each year, the regatta is a fun-filled day for the whole family. If not participating in the boat races, spectators can enjoy a range of activities on the beach including thong throwing, sandcastle building, ironman and other races.

The “only in the Territory” event is organised by the Darwin Lions Clubs with support from the our Event Funding Program.

For spectators it is free to attend. Find out more information at beercanregatta.org.au.