The Darwin Beer Can Boat Regatta!

The origins of the regatta

It all began with a rather ecological initiative, when three businessmen decided to find a way of dealing with the problem of beer cans littering the streets of Darwin.

The story goes that the waste was so great at the time that you could find your way from Katherine to Darwin just by following the beer cans! In modern-day Little Thumb mode… Practical perhaps, but not really ideal, let’s be honest!

The first event was a success, attracting over 22,000 people – half the population of Darwin at the time!

How the regatta worked

Participants have to build boats using, traditionally, empty beer cans, but they can also use soda cans or milk cartons.

The main thing is that it floats! A single boat can hold 30,000 cans!

In the early years, the boats were fitted with external engines, but today they are all human-powered!

You’ll see the participants, armed with paddles, having to sail around an offshore buoy before returning to the beach.

But the race isn’t the only event of the day – there’s plenty of fun and entertainment on offer, including sandcastle competitions, flip-flop tosses, tug-of-war and more.

It’s a family event, and children have their own games and categories.

What is the Lions Club?

The event is now jointly organised by the Darwin Lions Club.

LIONS, more than the symbol of the king of animals, means here: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations’ Safety

If you don’t know the Lions Club, it’s a bit like Rotary, but less elitist. These clubs are networks, non-governmental organisations that came into being in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century.

It is said that the Lions Club was created by members of Rotary, for their drivers, because they were a little embarrassed to have to make them wait in the cold. Today, the “descendants of these elite drivers” have caught up with the “descendants of the aristocrats”, and there are more than 1.4 million Lions in the world, making it the largest philanthropic, charitable and humanitarian organisation in the world!

In 1945, the Lions Club even helped to draft the United Nations Charter!

As you can see, this regatta isn’t just there to entertain the crowds!

Every year, the event donates its profits to various charities in the Northern Territory.

Where and when does the Lions Club Beer Can Regatta take place?

To attend (or take part if you fancy a bit of adventure) in this regatta, you’ll have to go to Darwin, in north-western Australia, and more precisely to Mindil beach, a 15-minute walk from the Smith Street shopping centre.

The organisation depends on the tide cycles. As a general rule, it takes place in July, although it can be moved to August!

What to do in and around Darwin

The city of Darwin, former border post and gateway to the brilliant Kakadu National Park, is a must-see on your trip to Australia’s Northern Territory.

This tropical city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, magnificent bay, multicultural cuisine and night markets.

The best things to do in Darwin :

• The waterfront, one of the city’s most pleasant with its wave pool, salt lagoon and numerous cafés and restaurants.
• Smith Street Mall, Darwin’s authentic shopping street, filled with Aboriginal art shops.
• Crocosaurus Cove, an interactive animal park dedicated to our friends the crocodiles, the star reptiles of the far north!
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Fanny Bay, a super cultural space, retracing the complexity of Aboriginal culture. Fascinating and necessary.
• George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, 42 hectares of botanical gardens to admire the local tropical flora.

Must-sees around Darwin:

• The Tiwi Islands, to discover the rich culture of the Tiwi people.
• Berry Springs Nature Park, 47 km south of Darwin, with its beautiful picnic areas, rainforest trails and superb natural pools!
• Go jumping crocodile watching, to admire the power of the crocodiles leaping out of the water to munch on the snacks thrown to them by your guide!
• East Point Reserve is one of Darwin’s largest and most popular nature reserves. Here you’ll find playgrounds, an artificial lake and numerous hiking trails.
• Litchfield National Park, a true paradise on earth just 2 hours from Darwin. Fabulous waterfalls, giant termite mounds, unbelievable swimming spots and an impacting natural environment. An absolute must-see that you won’t soon forget!
• Mary River National Park, for lovers of wilderness, wetlands, fishing and birdwatching.
• Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest and perhaps most impressive national park. Indescribable and a must-see.