The Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival is on again this October. This annual festival celebrates the Central Coast’s culture, heritage and local character, and provides a fun day out for families and mini transport enthusiasts.
This year the festival has expanded to include three events – with all monies raised going to the Kids with Cancer Foundation.
Jess Stebnicki of the Kids with Cancer Foundation said, “Many putt-putt boats are still in use on Brisbane Water in the Central Coast today – with the Davistown area home to over thirty classics, which can be seen on their moorings. Heritage Ferries and putt putts from Sydney and across NSW travel to the Central Coast to take part.”
The festival includes three events this year. Scroll down to read all about them.
Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival
Held on the Davistown Waterfront, this event is the pinnacle of the festival and will be a family-friendly day celebrating the boating legacy of the Davistown area. From the waterfront festival area, attendees can watch a huge number of wooden boats, Putt Putts and Heritage Ferries on the water, as well as enjoy free main-stage entertainment, kids amusement rides, vintage machinery and motor vehicle displays, 40+ market stalls, a premium food area, marine-related stalls and displays, community-service related stalls, and more.
Date: Sunday 15 October 2023
Time and Location: 9am to 4pm at the Davistown Waterfront
Cost: Entry to the festival is by gold coin donation or card-tap, with all donations going directly to the Kids with Cancer Foundation.
Kids with Cancer Heritage Ferry & Workboat Challenge, plus Putt About
Heritage Ferries, Putt Putts and other Heritage Workboats come together for a “challenge” parading down Brisbane Water. Starting and finishing at the Gosford Sailing Club, the old boats run past Koolewong, along the Woy Woy Channel and return via Paddy’s Channel all while raising money for Kids with Cancer Foundation.
Date: Saturday 14 October 2023
Times and Locations:
11:30am – boats can be viewed at Gosford Sailing Club ahead of Challenge commencing
12pm – the Challenge commences at the Gosford Sailing Club, with the Heritage Ferries and putt putts beginning their parade down Brisbane Water
12pm to 1:30pm – boats run down past Koolewong, along the Woy Woy Channel and return via Paddy’s Channel. Spectators can watch from ashore at vantage points along the route
Approx. 1:30pm – boats arrive back at the Gosford Sailing Club, racing to the finish line of the Challenge
1:30pm – approx. 3pm – Heritage Ferries moored on display at Gosford Sailing Club
Cost: free to watch from the shore!
Putt Putt Charity Dinner
The festivities of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival will wrap up on Friday, October 20, 2023, with the Putt Putt Charity Dinner with monies raised going to the Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia. Click here to learn more.
This feature was created by Playing in Puddles in support of raising money for the Kids with Cancer Foundation.
