The Victorian Wooden Boat Festival is being hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the Labour day long weekend, 7th - 9th March 2026. This bi-annual event holds a unique place in the culture of our city, celebrating Australia’s maritime heritage and local history through the wonderful world of wooden boats.

View our largest ever exhibition of wooden boats including historic tall ships along the Geelong waterfront and on Corio Bay.

Enjoy incredible local food, live entertainment and demonstrations. In 2026, the festivities include boat races, cultural displays, free family activities and more.

Fancy yourself as a boat builder? Take part in the ‘Rough and Ready’ boat-building competition where participants design and build a ‘rough’ wooden boat with a carbon neutral propulsion system before putting them to the test in a race around the marina.

With something for everyone, we welcome you to join us in celebrating wooden boats over the Labour day long weekend on
7th - 9th March 2026