Enjoy the scenery
The 11th annual 7.2 km Head of the Goulburn will be held this Saturday.
It’s the only regatta in the world to finish at a winery; the race starts at the historic Chinaman’s Bridge in Nagambie (from 10 am until noon) and finishes at the equally historic Tahbilk Winery’s Cellar Door, with the last boat arriving about 12.45 pm.
Along the way competitors will enjoy the scenic Goulburn River, passing the birthplace of champion racehorse Black Caviar.
To avoid congestion at the finish and so the river can be opened to other users in the afternoon, organisers have agreed to cap the number of competitors at 1000 this year.
There will be male, female and mixed events for eights, octo-sculls, fours, quads and single sculls in open-elite, novice, intermediate, schoolgirl-boy and masters categories.
Prizes include commemorative medals featuring bas relief images of Chinaman’s Bridge and the Tahbilk tower, wine for masters winners and perpetual trophies in selected events.
This year a new perpetual trophy will be added for the fastest octo-scull (eight rowers, each with two oars).
At the finish, competitors and spectators will enjoy the carnival atmosphere featuring acoustic rock band The Blue Earth, while choosing something to eat from a variety of gourmet food stalls and sampling/buying wine from local vineyards.
Canoes and kayaks will be available to rent at Tahbilk for those who didn’t race, or raced so hard they couldn’t see much of the scenery, to have a leisurely exploratory paddle either up or downstream.
Phone River Country Adventours on 5853 1133 to book or just ask on the day.
The Head of the Goulburn is a great opportunity for eights crews planning to race in the Head of the Yarra to have a go at a longer distance just five weeks out from that event, and for non-rowers to experience a fun regatta and post-race carnival atmosphere.
Spectators are welcome with no admission fee.