The 50th Anniversary of Darwin Lion’s Beer Can Regatta Sunday 18th August 2024 bringing more fun, more cans, and the legendary Slappas Thongs Throwing competition. 

Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds – a regatta for boats made from beer cans – and yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds too. The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is an iconic local event where participants build boats from empty beer cans, soft drink cans, and milk cartons to race at Mindil Beach. 

It’s a fun-filled family day featuring creative boat designs, family-friendly activities, and plenty of laughter, all for a good cause, raising funds for local charities. This year’s Beneficiary will be Northern Territory Legacy. There’s more than just the main regatta event too, including sandcastle competitions, live entertainment, and our highlight, the Slappas thong-throwing contest. It’s a vibrant celebration of community spirit and creativity in the Northern Territory, and if you really want to call yourself an Aussie, it’s time to show up with your beer can boat-building skills and enter. 

Every year, Slappas sponsors the thong-throwing competition, and every year, a new record is set. If you fancy yourself a skilled thong-thrower, there’s a cash prize and a fresh pair of thongs waiting for the crowned thong-throwing king or queen this year, and plenty of laughs for the runner-up. 

You can find your beer can boat construction guide here (link https://beercanregatta.org.au/boat-construction/), and if you’re looking for the full day’s schedule or more details on the Slappas thong-throwing competition, visit the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta website here (link https://beercanregatta.org.au/the-event/). 

And if you’re in training, you’ll need a fresh pair of Slappas to prime yourself for the perfect throw. Get them here (link https://www.slappasthongs.com.au/).