The countdown is on! With the 2026 Townsville Turnaround set to take place on 18 October, there are now just a few months to go until crews take to the scenic Ross River for one of North Queensland's premier head races.

Now is the perfect time for clubs, coaches, and athletes to start discussing crew combinations and planning their training programs. Whether you're aiming to race in a single, double, quad, or eight, early crew selection provides valuable time to develop rhythm, cohesion, and race strategy ahead of the event.

The Townsville Turnaround is a 7.5 km time-trial race, with crews starting at intervals and competing for the fastest overall time and the coveted prognostic honours. The unique format rewards both speed and smart pacing, making crew preparation particularly important.

We encourage all clubs to begin conversations around crew nominations and ensure athletes have the opportunity to train together in the lead-up to the event.

We look forward to welcoming competitors from across the region to the Ross River on 18 October for a fantastic day of racing.