MoonDucks Charity Duck Race 2025

The town's annual rubber duck race attracted record-breaking crowds, with more than 10,000 people attending to help raise money for charity. All of the 5,000 ducks released into the water were bought by visitors, making it the first time the event had sold out. Many of the ducks were decorated to represent local businesses and to resemble local celebrities.  

John Russell, race supervisor, credited the event's success to it being "great fun". Before the race start, he remarked: "It is just daft that we're chucking a load of plastic ducks in a river but people love it. And they want to engage, raising money for a local charity... it's great fun on the day!” 

The ducks could be bought for $5 each, with the money raised going to charities chosen by The MoonDucks Wetlands Conservation Fund. The aim of the race was to cheer on your favourite rubber duck as they bob along the canal until one reached the finish line and the person who bought it could win $500. This year's winning duck was number 3743. 

In addition to the coffee concessions, another highlight was the duck race fashion show that featured ducks in costume as an astronaut, cowboy, monorail conductor, mad scientist, and Bob and Doug McKenzie. A fine time had by all!