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Same beach. Same spirit. Just done differently.Darwin's historic 1918 beach races are back - slower, cheekier and more Territory than ever!
More than 100 years ago, Darwin locals gathered on Mindil Beach for horse races, picnics and a moonlight concert, raising funds for soldiers returning home from the war. In 2027 that spirit returns with Go Slow Beach Races, a reimagining of one of the Territory's earliest and quirkiest social traditions.
Expect a full day of live entertainment with six delightfully unpredictable beach races featuring retired racehorses and ponies with big personalities, Fashions on the Sand, food trucks and a sunset DJ set by The Potbelleez.
THE RACES
Set against the iconic backdrop of Mindil Beach, forget everything you know about racing! With no whips, no prize money and no pressure – this isn't about speed or high stakes. It's about atmosphere, personality and a great day out with mates.
Race 1 – Fat Ponies: Ponies with Personality
Character over competition. Expect big attitude and a healthy disregard for anyone's race plan but their own – some will amble, some will stop for a look around, and one or two might just decide they're done halfway. Peak Go Slow energy, and a reliable crowd favourite.
Race 2 – The Percy Brown Galloways
Named for Percy Brown, the photographer behind the only images we have of the original 1918 "Our Day" races. A century on, the Galloways carry his name back onto the sand, run by horses with a bit more get-up-and-go than most of the field.
Race 3 – Inflatable Race
Zero horses, maximum chaos. A beach full of grown adults wobbling toward the finish line in oversized inflatable costumes, dignity optional. No tactics, no technique, no hope of looking cool – just good-natured Territory mayhem.
Race 4 – Mindil Mile Sport Horses
The polished end of the program. Dressage and showjumping horses bring big floating trots and a touch more class to the sand. Still Go Slow, so no one's taking it too seriously – but it's the most stylish movement Mindil Beach has ever hosted.
Race 5 – Go Slow TRNT Off The Track
Run in partnership with Thoroughbred Racing NT's Off The Track program, celebrating ex-racehorses finding a second calling – from the track to the sand, for a well-earned trot in the sun. A feel-good field for a feel-good cause.
Race 6 – Gallipoli Mile (Stockhorse)
Borrowing its name from the original "Gallipoli Mile" run at "Our Day" in 1918, this time carried by stockhorses – tough, capable and built for distance. The closest thing Go Slow has to a heritage feature race.
FASHIONS ON THE SAND
No formal dress code here – think tropical chic, Darwin casual, floral, or lean right into the historical 1918 theme if that's more your style. Dress for a dry-season day on the beach: comfortable clothing, practical footwear, and sun protection is a must.
Fashions on the Sand will run throughout the day, with prizes up for grabs across five categories: Best Dressed Family, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Male, Best Dressed Female, and Crowd Favourite.
A word to the wise: sinking heels are not recommended for a beach event.
BUY TICKETS NOW
General Admission – $60 Adult | Kids under 16 free
Beach-level access to the event precinct, race viewing areas, food vendors and entertainment, plus The Potbelleez sunset DJ set. Unlicensed area, open to all ages. Limited shade available, so bring your own. Kids under 16 free with a paying adult.
Licensed General Admission – $80 | 18+ only
Everything in General Admission, plus priority access to the licensed beachside precinct with shaded seating, tables and bars. Strictly 18+, valid photo ID required. Capacity is limited.
VIP Experience – $310 | 18+ only
The ultimate Go Slow experience: a shaded beachfront marquee overlooking the finish line, a 3-hour premium food and beverage package, and an exclusive horse and rider meet-and-greet before each race. Includes all General Admission benefits. Limited capacity, so get in quick!
Mindil Beach, Darwin
11:30am – 8:00pm
goslowbeachraces.com.au
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Mindil Beach, Darwin, Australia
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Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
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