Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival

The day begins with a traditional Buddhist blessing for the fleet and competitors and during the day lion and dragon dances will entertain the crowds. During the lunch break, the Breast Cancer Network Dragons Abreast teams participate in the very moving 'Petals on the Water' ceremony, honouring those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.

Teams will converge on Docklands from throughout Australian and Asia. The Australian teams are from corporate, defence service, club and community groups. The event is in its 24th year and flourishes with the support of its major sponsors City of Melbourne, Crown and Parks Victoria and with the assistance of groups such as  the SES (Doncaster & Templestowe) and the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne. Community groups who participate in the excitement of the actual racing include the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne, Uniting Church, Dragons Abreast, Camp Quality and the Epilepsy Foundation.