Dragon Boats

Witness two thrilling days of dragon boat races on Cockle Bay to celebrate Lunar New Year.

To mark the Lunar New Year, more than 3,000 paddlers will churn the water as spectators line Cockle Bay Wharf to watch the 12m long dragon boats battle it out. Originating in the rivers of Southern China as a way to bring prosperous rains, today’s dragon boat racing has evolved into a fast-paced water sport. Feel your heart race in time with the on-board drummers as the fiercely decorated dragons slice through the water.

In advance of the racing action, Taoist monks perform a blessing of the waters and and a unique eye dotting ceremony from 8.30am on Saturday 5 February. Dabbing red paint onto the eyes of each boat is said to awaken the dragons.