Australian Outback Rowing Bush Kids Program

Rowing belongs everywhere – and this 2, 3 and 4 day program makes it happen for children in grades 6 - 12.

The Bush Kids Rowing Program is an initiative of Outback Rowing Australia designed to give children in regional and remote Queensland the chance to experience rowing in a fun, safe, and community-focused environment. Rowing is more than a sport, it’s teamwork, fitness, confidence, and connection to the water. For kids who may have never rowed before, this is a unique opportunity to try something new and exciting, in their own community.  For those that are rowing at school and returning home for holidays, this is a chance to connect with others and row and race together in a fun environment.

In many parts of regional Australia, access to rowing as a sport does not exist.   Outback Rowing changes that by bringing boats, equipment, and coaching to remote waterways.  We’re able to:

• Create new opportunities for kids to be active and outdoors
• Building resilience, teamwork, and confidence through sport
• Connecting regional communities with the wider rowing network
• Laying the foundation for future participation in local, state, and even national rowing events

The program also introduces kids to a sport offered in many boarding schools, giving them a head start if they pursue rowing during their schooling, while also providing an outlet to keep enjoying the sport when they return home.

• Kids (Grade 6 - 12) in regional and remote towns who want to try a fun, team-based water sport.
• Parents and carers looking for safe, structured, and exciting activities for their children.
• Schools and educators interested in introducing students to unique sporting opportunities and active outdoor learning.
• Rowing schools and coaches who want to contribute to the growth of rowing beyond their schools.

The New to Rowing program runs over 2 full-days, giving participants the chance to learn, practice, and play on the water in a structured and supported environment.

2 Day Program: Learn to Row & Explore the Water

• 8:30 am – Meet  for a welcome and safety briefing
• Morning Session – Land-based introduction: rowing machines (ergos), parts of the boat, handling oars, and safe lifting
• Morning Tea – Refuel and prepare for the water
• Mid-morning Session – First on-water session: learning basic movements and working as a team
• Lunch Break – Relax and connect with new teammates
• Afternoon Session – Back on the water for more rowing, games, and confidence-building activities
• 2:30 pm – Program concludes for the day

The Can Row program runs over  3 or 4 full-days, and includes 2 days of coach led "fun" training plus 1 or 2 days of racing in the Outback rowing Regatta in Barcaldine and Longreach. 

2 Day Program: Can Row

• 8:30 am – Meet  for a welcome and safety briefing
• Morning Session – Land-based introduction: rowing machines (ergos), parts of the boat, handling oars, and safe lifting
• Morning Tea – Refuel and prepare for the water 
• Mid-morning Session – First on-water session
• Lunch Break – Relax and connect with new teammates
• Afternoon Session – Back on the water for more rowing
• 2:30 pm – Program concludes for the day

The Bush Kids New to Rowing Program is $80 per person for the 2-day program, $255 for the Can Row (with 1 day of racing), and $435 for the Can Row (with 2 days of racing).

Families may also be eligible to use a FairPlay Voucher to cover the fee, these can be applied for through the Queensland Government website: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay.

With thanks ...

In collaboration with Distance Education networks, the Isolated Children’s and Parents’ Association, Bush Kids Charity, Local Queensland Schools, Rowing Queensland, Morgans Foundation The Big Dry, Port of Brisbane  and Teach Outback, this program offers kids from the bush a unique opportunity to experience rowing in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Interested in coaching at the Bush Kids Program in Barcaldine? 
Click here to apply – applications close 1 September 2026