Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Duck Derby 2027

• 02 4441 5433
• Moona Moona Creek, New South Wales, Australia
• marinerescuejervisbay.com.au
• 26 Jan 2027

At a Glance: The Event Information

The Duck Derby transforms the usually quiet creek banks into a functional staging ground for local fundraising. It offers straightforward access to food trucks and community activities while directly funding the region’s emergency maritime services.

Introduction

Late January brings warm mornings and cooler afternoon breezes to the South Coast. At Moona Moona Creek, the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Australia Day Duck Derby transforms the public reserve into a community gathering supporting local marine rescue volunteers. Visitors travelling from Sydney or Canberra can expect temporary event marquees and activity around the creek banks. The event raises support for volunteers who assist with marine radio communications and boat recoveries across Jervis Bay, offering a community-focused way to celebrate Australia Day.

The Deep Dive: Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Duck Derby

The Duck Derby raises funds for Marine Rescue Jervis Bay NSW, a volunteer organization providing emergency maritime assistance and promoting safe boating across the region. The Jervis Bay unit relies on community support to maintain its vessels and radio rooms, monitoring VHF Channel 16 for boaters in distress.

The event layout is practical and organized. Beneath blue and yellow checkered marquees, volunteers in dark blue uniforms manage crowds, sell merchandise, coordinate activities, and handle Duck Races and donations. The event spans the public reserve and beach at Moona Moona Creek, where thousands of yellow rubber ducks enter the tidal flow and race toward a designated finish line, assisted by children and Marine Rescue Members. Timing depends on local tidal conditions.

Nearby, market stalls and food trucks serve attendees, while cultural entertainment, including Aboriginal dance performances on the sand, adds to the program. A large duck mascot provides photo opportunities throughout the morning. Pedestrian movement follows designated pathways, and some beach areas may be restricted during duck releases and collection. Families often arrive early to secure spots on the grass with folding chairs or picnic rugs, while solo visitors and couples can purchase race tickets at the Marine Rescue Gazebo and watch from the creek bank.

The Local Insider’s Edge

Attending a major event in Huskisson during late January can mean congested roads, limited parking, and noise from crowds and event activities. Check official updates for shuttle availability and traffic arrangements before travelling. Portaloos will help ease long queues at the public toilets, while BBQ facilities may be restricted during event setup. As the event takes place outdoors, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle, and prepare for hot weather. Carry cash or a card for food purchases, and wear comfortable footwear suitable for uneven grass and damp sand near the creek.

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear to help minimise the risk of cuts from oyster shells when entering the water.

Accommodation and Coastal Activities

After the Duck Derby, choose accommodation that makes it easy to clean up and unwind. Browse Experience Jervis Bay accommodation for holiday homes with outdoor showers, laundry facilities, spacious kitchens, and decks. Families benefit from multi-bedroom layouts, while boat owners should prioritize secure off-street parking. Couples and solo travelers may prefer quieter properties away from busy coastal roads, while pet-friendly rentals near Huskisson can provide convenient access to town and event shuttle stops. Beyond the Derby, explore quieter national park walking tracks, enjoy a relaxed morning at a local café, or take a boat trip after checking conditions and logging your journey with the Marine Rescue NSW app. If possible, extend your stay through Wednesday morning to avoid peak holiday traffic returning toward Sydney or Canberra.

Practicalities

• Transit: Free shuttle buses operate continuously between the Huskisson town centre and HomeCo Vincentia. Check here for routes on the day https://www.facebook.com/marinerescue.jervisbay. Use this to bypass local road closures.

• Parking: Avoid driving directly to Moona Moona Creek. Street parking in the immediate vicinity is heavily restricted during the event.

• Access: The reserve consists of flat grass and sandy banks, but pathways become congested. Expect queues at public restrooms.

• Direct Links: For more information on unit operations or to support the volunteers directly, visit the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay website.