Thousands of paddlers will battle it out over two days, with more than 100 races running every ten minutes, each carrying 22 rowers, plus a drummer to lead the paddling with a rhythmic beat.

It’s worth heading down just to see these ornately designed boats slice through the water – each 12-metre vessel is carved with the head and tail of a dragon, and sports colourful scales painted down the sides. Races begin with the dotting of the dragon’s eye – a symbolic awakening of the dragon before the races begin.

When: Saturday  9th February  8:00AM & Sunday 10th February 8:30AM

Where: Cockle Bay Wharf , Darling Harbour