Royal Hobart Regatta 2026 in Australia

Sideshows, rides, and rowing competitions are what can be expected for the crowds who flock to the Royal Hobart Regatta in Australia. Held on the second Monday of February, the regatta is consists of aquatic competitions and is one of Tasmania’s oldest sporting events.

Is Royal Hobart Regatta a Public Holiday?

Royal Hobart Regatta is a public holiday in Tasmania, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

What Do People Do?

The Royal Hobart Regatta is a yearly event that features water sports such as rowing, swimming, yachting and jet skiing. Thousands of people come to the regatta to enjoy the sports, sideshow entertainment, and amusement park rides. People attending the regatta get the chance to watch fireworks, take part in competitions, listen to music and eat from a variety of food stalls.

Public Life

The Royal Hobart Regatta is a day off for all parts of southern Tasmania, including Oatlands and Swansea, but not Bronte Park Catagunya, Strathgordon, Tarraleah, Wayatinah and the west coast.

Background

In 1828 Sir John Franklin, who was Tasmania’s governor at the time, started the Royal Hobart Regatta. It was declared a public holiday and included competitions between local sailors and merchant navy members. Free entry, food and beer were given to the settlers who watched the competitions. It is now one of the oldest public holidays in Australia.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.