Every year at Moomba, a group of very brave Melburnians strap on homemade flying machines and hurl themselves off a platform into the Yarra River — and 2026 is no different.
The Birdman Rally returns on 8 March as part of the Moomba Long Weekend, running from 11am at Alexandra Gardens. This year’s lineup of competitors includes a three-metre-long grumpy caterpillar, a giant winged sanitary pad, a papier-mâché flying pig, a cash flow glider inspired by a $100 note, and Moomba Monarch Sammy J, who will be taking a very public swan dive into the Birrarung.
Competitors raise money for their chosen charities in the lead-up to the jump, with fundraising totals factoring into their final scores. New for 2026, the platform has been relocated to the middle of the Yarra River, meaning the rally will be viewable from both the north and south banks for the first time.
Moomba Birdman Rally
- 8 Mar
- Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne – 11am to 1:30pm
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Among the other competitors this year are a litigation lawyer piloting a flying pig for Animals Australia, a Girl Guides Victoria representative raising funds for Djirra, a student from Parkes Christian School debuting a biplane-style contraption, and a City of Melbourne-themed superhero called Captain Amenity who will apparently also be singing. Entry is free and no bookings are required.
The Birdman Rally has been a Moomba fixture for decades, with some competitors like Scott Pollard racking up more than 20 years of consecutive entries. The event is part of the broader Moomba Festival running 5 to 9 March, which also includes nightly fireworks, a carnival and the Moomba Parade on 9 March.
For more information, head here.
