Grab your inflatable rafts and wildest costumes for the Northern Beaches’ wackiest charity event returning to Manly on Sunday, March 30th, 2025!
It’s ‘Piracy on the High Seas’ as Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025 kicks off again to raise funds for Tour de Cure & Manly Adolescent & Young Adult Hospice (MYAH). This beloved community tradition brings together hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators for a day of unforgettable excitement at Manly.
The event is expected to be bigger than ever this year. Registration and pumping of floats will take place at the south end of Manly Beach near the Surf Club, and the race will commence at Shelly Beach. To participate in the race, paddlers need to be confident swimmers, don their favourite fancy dress costume (the crazier the better), pump up an inflatable raft (think rubber duckies, pool ponies and pink flamingos) and make their way around a 1km course from Shelly, out around the Manly Life Savers and buoys and back to the shore.
The race is on for young and old with no rules other than to have fun! Plenty of prizes are up for grabs, including first and last over the line, best fancy dress, craziest boat, wackiest team and many more, all presented at The Boathouse after party.
Since its inception, the race has raised over $450,000 for charity, earning recognition as ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the Australia Day Awards. The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is the most fun you’ll have while making a difference!
Event details
Date: Sunday, March 30th, 2025
Location: Manly Beach – South end near Manly Surf Lifesaving Club
Registration: 7:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Fun Walk to Shelly Beach
Race Start: 10:00 AM sharp from Shelly Beach
After-Party: The Boathouse Shelly Beach – Awards, Prizes & 4Pines Beer
What to bring
- Your inflatable raft
- Your best costume – the crazier, the better!
Proudly raising funds
All funds raised will go to Tour de Cure and the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice. By participating, you’re directly supporting these important causes.
TOUR DE CURE Tour de Cure funds vital cancer research, helping to accelerate progress towards a cancer-free world.
MANLY AYAH is Australia’s first dedicated service for young people and adolescents with life limiting illness providing patients and their families with respite, emotional support and specialised end of life care.
