The Royal Hobart Regatta is a premier regional public holiday celebrated across Southern and Eastern Tasmania, commemorating the historic opening of the state's oldest sporting event first staged back in 1838. While Northern Tasmania continues regular business operations, residents south of Oatlands and Swansea enjoy a dedicated long weekend in February to observe three full days of traditional competitive water sports along the River Derwent.
Tasmania Royal Hobart Regatta Public Holiday Schedule & Australian Aquatic Traditions
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 8 Feb | Mon | Royal Hobart Regatta | TAS |
| 2028 | 14 Feb | Mon | Royal Hobart Regatta | TAS |
Visit australia.com for the original release.
How is the Royal Hobart Regatta Celebrated in Australia?
As a classic Australian mid-summer celebration, the regatta brings tens of thousands of spectators down to the historic Hobart Regatta Grounds to enjoy thrilling aquatic and aerial activities.
Aquatic Competitions
The River Derwent comes alive with a massive schedule of high-energy maritime sports. Spectators line the foreshore to cheer on highly competitive fleets of sailing yachts, rowing sculls, jet skis, and powerboats.
The Trans Derwent Swim
One of the regatta's most grueling and iconic events is the annual Trans Derwent Swim. Hardened long-distance open-water swimmers plunge into the river to complete a demanding 1.5-kilometer race from Montagu Bay over to the western jetties.
Sideshows & Sky Shows
The family-friendly entertainment stretches across both land and sky. The grounds host a vibrant carnival packing nostalgic sideshow rides and local food stalls, while the Royal Australian Air Force performs precision aerial acrobatics overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the Royal Hobart Regatta is a regional public holiday exclusive to the state of Tasmania. Furthermore, it is restricted to southern and eastern parts of the state, including Hobart, Oatlands, and Swansea, while Northern Tasmania observes Recreation Day in November instead.
In 2027, the Royal Hobart Regatta public holiday falls on Monday, February 8. In the 2028 calendar year, the official public holiday shifts to Monday, February 14, following the standard regional rule of landing on the second Monday of February.
Core traditions include watching the historic Trans Derwent swim, tracking premium yacht and rowing races, riding classic carnival attractions on the Regatta Grounds, and watching spectacular military flight flyovers and evening fireworks.