The beloved Aussie Day Duck Race is splashing back into action, with thousands of rubber ducks set to take over Morialta Recreation Reserve for one of Adelaide’s most feel-good summer events. It’s time to dust off your lucky duck, grab a ticket, and join in the fun, with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs this year.
Now in its fourth year, the event is once again run by the Rotary Club of Morialta, and it’s grown into something truly special. This year, 3,000 ducks will hit the water, 2,000 classic yellow ducks raising funds for local charities, and 1,000 pink ducks racing in support of Cancer Council SA.
In fact, Rotary Club member Paul Haylock said this is the only pink duck race in the Southern Hemisphere.
“The yellow ducks support a range of local initiatives, while the pink ducks raise vital funds for cancer research and support services,” he said.
Due to the extreme temperatures, the event, traditionally held on Australia Day, has now been moved to February 1st. Even if you can’t attend on the day, you’re still in the running to win. Duck numbers are emailed directly to participants after purchase, and all winners will be contacted following the race.
Each duck costs $5, and every ticket sold goes directly toward Rotary-backed community causes.
“All ducks are carefully reused year after year, with Rotary accounting for every single one to ensure none are lost and none enter the waste stream.”
The races will take place along the winding channel at Morialta Recreation Reserve. The narrow channel winds through the park before opening into the lake, making it perfect for spectators, especially kids, who can run alongside the ducks as they race downstream.
Yellow ducks will compete across five heats, with the first 20 ducks from each heat advancing to a high-stakes final, where $1,000 cash is on the line. Pink ducks will race in two heats of 400, with again the top 20 progressing to their own final.
While the race itself is the headline act, the day is designed as a full family celebration.
“There’ll be a barbecue, coffee van, fairy floss, popcorn, donuts, ice-cold zooper-doopers and duck-themed merchandise,” Paul said.
“They’ll also be prizes for best dressed male and female, whether that’s duck onesies, themed outfits, or matching family looks.”
With a fundraising goal of $15,000, every duck truly counts. Let’s see who’s duck crosses the line first.
Aussie Day Duck Race
Where: Thorndon Park, Hamilton Terrace, Paradise SA 5075
When: February 1, 2026
Price: Ducks start from $5
For tickets, click here.
