Dragon boats are back!

Next Chinese New Year in Docklands, locals will be treated to even more than lanterns, dancing lions, food stalls and fireworks along the waterfront.

In 2019, these festivities will be even more iconic with the addition of a Chinese New Year dragon boat festival!

In 2019, non-profit group CNY United will join forces with Dragon Boat Victoria (DBV) to organise the annual Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Festival in Victoria Harbour, Docklands. The event will be a two-day regatta over the weekend of February 16-17. 

Dragon boats are becoming a common sight in the harbour as long boats powered by crews of dedicated paddlers, striving in unison to perfect their performance in an incredible teambuilding sport.

This is the first time the event is including a corporate race and DBV is currently seeking expressions of interest from corporate, community, university, registered charities and social groups for participation in the event. 

Starting each day with a unique eye-dotting ceremony to awaken the dragons, and the blessing of the boats and water to ensure safe racing, the festival is a blend of tradition and heart-stopping action as the spectacular dragon boats race along the harbour to the beat of the drums. 

This event is open to the public and watching the event is free, but if you would rather be involved in the excitement of racing through the water to the pounding drums then DBV would love to hear from you.

Regardless of physical fitness or skills, dragon boating can offer a valuable experience for everyone. No experience is required and team entry into the festival includes a two-hour training session with a seasoned coach and steerer – including safety briefing and insurance. 

For more information, please visit the DBV website: www.dragonboatvictoria.com.au/events/

For those wishing to spectate rather than compete or cheer on friends and family, there will be a variety of market and food stalls, and entertainments along Victoria Harbour Promenade.