You can watch the Sydney to Hobart (Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race) on free- to-air TV in Australia, via official livestreams, and through online trackers with extra coverage.

Main TV and streaming options

  • Channel 9 / 9Now (Australia) : Channel 9 is the official broadcaster and shows the race start live on free-to-air TV on Boxing Day around 1 pm AEDT.
  • 9Now streaming : If you are in Australia, you can stream the broadcast live and on-demand via 9Now after signing in with a free account.
  • International YouTube stream : The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) provides a live start broadcast on its official YouTube channel, which is usually available internationally.

Official race platforms

  • Rolex Sydney Hobart website :
    • Live race tracker showing each yacht’s position, speed, and progress toward Hobart.
* Additional video clips, interviews, and news during and after the start.
  • CYCA YouTube and media :
    • Extended coverage, explainer videos, and interviews beyond what the TV broadcast shows, including for non-maxi yachts.

Extra online coverage and commentary

  • Sailing-focused creators (e.g., Sail Girl HQ) :
    • Independent sailing channels release in-depth interviews, analysis, and sometimes helicopter and finish-line footage after the official broadcast wraps up.
  • Reddit and forums :
    • Threads on r/sydney and similar communities share live links, commentary, and tips on which streams and replays are best each year.

Watching in person in Sydney

If you’re in Sydney and want to see it live:

  • Harbour and headland viewpoints :
    • Popular spots include South Head, North Head, Nielsen Park, The Gap, and other eastern suburbs headlands to watch the fleet start and exit the Heads.
  • On the water :
    • Spectator boats and harbour cruises position near the start line for close-up views, often with commentary and food packages.

Watching in Hobart

  • River Derwent and Constitution Dock :
    • In Hobart, spectators gather along the River Derwent and around the Race Village at Constitution Dock to watch finishes over the following days.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.