Hawkesbury Canoe Classic

Hawkesbury Canoe Classic The Hawkesbury Classic is a 100km marathon paddle race down the Hawkesbury River in NSW, Australia. This has increased over time with $185,000 donated in 2008.

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is an annual marathon canoe race taking place on the Hawkesbury River in Northwest Sydney usually at the end of October. The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic consists of a 111 km paddle downstream starting in Windsor and finishing in Brooklyn. The race is Australia's fourth-longest annual canoe race after the 404 km Murray Marathon, the 208 km Murray 200 on the Murray River between Martins Bend and Morgan in South Australia and the 133 km Avon Descent in Western Australia. The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic has over 600 paddlers each year. John Harmer is the only person who has completed all 35 Classic races.[1]

Around 600 paddlers travel 111km in moonlight, down the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Brooklyn, to raise money for Charity. Over the years the Hawkesbury Classic has developed into a great event. Paddlers, their land crew and hundreds of volunteers converge on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Windsor on the day of the event to enjoy the fun and competition of an overnight paddle, and the now famous camaraderie and spirit of the event. Paddlers leave Windsor between 4pm and 6pm on Saturday and pass 20 safety checkpoints during the night. The fastest craft arrive at Brooklyn on Sunday morning in less than 10 hours, but the average time is closer to 15 hours. The classic began in 1977 and is made possible by volunteers who put in hundreds of hours of time throughout the year, the landowners who allow the use of their land for the weekend and the paddlers and their support crews. The Classic has raised more that $3.3 million for medical research, the major beneficiary for 2011 will be the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation. The 2012 classic will be held on 27-28 October 2012.[2]

Entry fees and sponsorship monies raised by the Classic go towards supporting medical research. The first race in 1977 had 250 participants and raised A$8,500. Over 14 years, approximately $2 million has been donated to the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation.

Will You Be There ??Will you be on the start line for the Hawkesbury Classic on the 24th October ??Secure your spot amon...
08/09/2026

Will You Be There ??

Will you be on the start line for the Hawkesbury Classic on the 24th October ??
Secure your spot among these legends by entering now.
canoeclassic.asn.au

One Sixty and CountingRegistrations have hit the 160 mark and we are pushing to beat last years total of 215 paddlers.En...
07/09/2026

One Sixty and Counting

Registrations have hit the 160 mark and we are pushing to beat last years total of 215 paddlers.
Enter at www.canoeclassic.asn.au

King of the Hawkesbury Jewfish CompetitionThe annual fishing competition will be held over the same weekend as the Hawke...
06/09/2026

King of the Hawkesbury Jewfish Competition

The annual fishing competition will be held over the same weekend as the Hawkesbury Classic Paddle. Paddlers taking on the Classic 100km distance just need to be aware that they may come across craft anchored whilst fishing. Please stay well clear of these boats so as not to become entangled in their lines.
The fishing competition stretches from Wisemans Ferry all the way down to Box Head / Palm Beach.

Drag Racing on the Hawkesbury Join your Dragon Boat friends and take on the mighty Hawkesbury River on the 24th / 25th O...
06/09/2026

Drag Racing on the Hawkesbury

Join your Dragon Boat friends and take on the mighty Hawkesbury River on the 24th / 25th October

30km, 60km and the awesome Classic 100km distances on offer.
canoeclassic.asn.au

Thanks for your support !!The team at Expedition Kayaks are again supplying the "Competitor / Scrutineering" stickers fo...
05/09/2026

Thanks for your support !!

The team at Expedition Kayaks are again supplying the "Competitor / Scrutineering" stickers for this year's Classic.

Enter at canoeclassic.asn.au

Myall Classic - 19th SeptemberHave you signed up for this year's Myall Classic to be held on the beautiful Myall River a...
04/09/2026

Myall Classic - 19th September

Have you signed up for this year's Myall Classic to be held on the beautiful Myall River at Tea Gardens on the 19th September.
Distances offered are 12km, 27km and 47km, the longer courses being a perfect preparation for the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic held in late October.
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=431708

Outriggers - Out There in the ClassicPlenty of outriggers will be lining up in this year's Hawkesbury Classic Paddle on ...
03/09/2026

Outriggers - Out There in the Classic

Plenty of outriggers will be lining up in this year's Hawkesbury Classic Paddle on the 24th October.
Join your paddling mates at canoeclassic.asn.au

Fundraising Hits $25,000Fundraising for this year’s Classic has hit the $25,000 mark and it‘s time to spread the word am...
02/09/2026

Fundraising Hits $25,000

Fundraising for this year’s Classic has hit the $25,000 mark and it‘s time to spread the word amongst family, friends and business associates telling them that you are challenging yourself in taking on the mighty Hawkesbury River and at the same time raising funds for much needed medical research.

Not paddling this year ? You can still support the cause by going to our official page on GiveNow at https://www.givenow.com.au/hawkesburyclassicpaddle26

Paddle the Mighty HawkesburyOctober 24 / 25On Sydney's doorstep is the mighty Hawkesbury River. This is your chance to c...
01/09/2026

Paddle the Mighty Hawkesbury
October 24 / 25

On Sydney's doorstep is the mighty Hawkesbury River. This is your chance to challenge yourself and experience nature at its best. Leaving Windsor late afternoon and paddling into the night, it's an experience you won't forget.
30km, 60km and the Classic 100km distances on offer.
More information and enter at canoeclassic.asn.au

Presentation NightA date for your calendar...Date : Saturday 31st OctoberTime : 6.00pmVenue : 2nd Gordon Scout Hall, 32c...
31/08/2026

Presentation Night

A date for your calendar...
Date : Saturday 31st October
Time : 6.00pm
Venue : 2nd Gordon Scout Hall, 32c Rosedale Rd, Gordon
$10 pay at the door. Enjoy pizza BYO refreshments.
No need to book, just turn up and enjoy catching up with fellow paddlers and hear tales of the mighty Hawkesbury.

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Windsor, NSW

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