The Australian Boat Race is the annual rowing match race between the Universities of Melbourne and Sydney. Held for men’s and women’s Eights, the race venue alternates between the Yarra River in the heart of Melbourne and on the Sydney Harbour. It encapsulates the long-standing rivalry between two great cities and two great universities. The Australian Boat Race is a showcase event on each of the respective cities’ iconic watercourses and is the new chapter of a 150 year old rivalry between Australia’s two oldest universities and boat clubs.
The 2020 Australian Boat Race will be held on Sunday 18 October in Sydney. Crews will be selected by an independent panel, coaches and the University of Melbourne's Sport Performance Coordinator Tom Lutwyche. Crew coaches are currently being finalised. Opportunities for, and expectations of selected crew members will be:
§ On-water and Strength & Conditioning availability from August through to race day
§ S&C will be provided by the University’s S&C Elite Athlete Program
§ Australian Boat Race availability for travel and Media Call (Fri 16 Oct-TBC) and Race-day (Sun 18 Oct)
§ University of Melbourne student must be enrolled in Semester 2 2020
§ Crew members will receive a commemorative Australian Boat Race zootie and other inter-varsity representative kit
§ A squad of 10 to 12 will be selected for both men’s and women’s Eights at the discretion of the selection panel.
Become part of the University of Melbourne’s rich and long rowing tradition. Complete the 2020 Australian Boat Race Expression of Interest here.
Expressions of Interest will close at 5pm, Friday 31 July
For more information, please contact Sport Performance Coordinator Tom Lutwyche (
tlut@unimelb.edu.au or 8344 5409)