Dozens of Olympic and world champion rowers will compete at this weekend's Golden Oar regatta on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Organisers say the event features more international stars than before, with prize money of $200,000. Croatia's Martin and Valent Sinkovic, who won three Olympic gold medals, return after starring at the 2025 event. The regatta starts on Friday, 30 October, at Black Mountain Peninsula, near the Red Shed, and runs until 1 November 2026. Twenty-four rowers from the Australian National Training Centre will take part.
Canberra will host the three-day Golden Oar rowing festival at Black Mountain Peninsula, from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November. Organisers say it features more than $200,000 in prizes and athletes including Olympians from Croatia, Romania and Australia. Entry is free, and the festival includes a demonstration of coastal rowing beach sprints, family activities and food stalls. Organisers expect more than 4500 visitors across the weekend, with livestreaming and international media coverage planned.
Guest columnist David Topp argues Rockhampton's 2032 Olympic rowing venue faces airport capacity problems, as the terminal there is purely domestic. He says Victoria Park's stadium site has lost its scenic signage status and that road signs should be changed. He also says the New Farm parkrun course is crowded and narrow in places. Topp notes that Brisbane Lions beat Fremantle Dockers in the 2026 AFL Grand Final, their sixth premiership since 1990.
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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic rowing events. Local leaders from Wyaralong Dam, which was considered as an alternative venue, say they remain ready to support if needed. Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp emphasised the importance of developing Wyaralong as a long-term asset for rowing, regardless of the 2032 Games' venue.
