ANA’s annual Head of the Swan race is held in October each year, spanning 8.6kms from Barker’s Bridge to ANA at Garratt Road Bridge, offers a challenging course reminiscent of the Head of the Yarra.
Boat classes include coxed 8+ and 4x+, welcoming entries from both recreational and racing members. This event is also ideal for junior rowers.
2025 Head of the Swan Race Summary
Despite a bit of rain, we had a great morning for the 2025 Head of the Swan on 25 October 2025. Congratulations to all competitors who raced over the 8.6km or 3km distance!
Check out the official race results here: https://rowingmanager.com/regattas/6883/results
2024 Head of the Swan Race Summary
The Head of the Swan 2024 took place on Saturday October 19th under perfect rowing conditions, with warm weather and calm waters providing an ideal setting for the 23 participating crews. The event featured both the traditional 8.6km course from Barker’s Bridge to ANA, and a shorter 3km option for social crews.
A highlight of this year’s event was the strong participation from school rowing programs, with crews from Guildford Grammar School, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Hale School, and All Saints taking on the challenge.
The Hale crew, stroked by Sam Bredell, posted the fastest men’s time of the day (29:37), while PLC’s crew stroked by Olivia Pearcey delivered an impressive performance in the women’s division (33:07) and was the fastest women’s crew.
Adding to the spectacle were two K4 kayak crews from the WA Institute of Sport, whose participation alongside the rowing eights and quads showcased the Swan River’s appeal for different types of racing craft.
Crews competed across multiple categories including men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions in both 8+ and 4x+, with the shorter 3km course providing an accessible option for newer crews.
The successful format and perfect conditions made for an enjoyable day of racing for all participants, from school crews to experienced rowers.
