Waves of change start with you — let's chart our future together!

A small sample of the 30,000 volunteers, staff, boat owners, business owners and festivalgoers who bring the Festival to life.

Our Value

Did you know that biennially, AWBF injects around $4 million directly into maritime and community organisations, benefiting local businesses, education, artists, and more? This produces a ripple effect: an additional $26 million contributed to tourism and the local economy. Yet the true value of the Festival is unquantifiable — it's seen on the faces and held in the hearts and minds of those who share in its joy.

Our Challenge

Our focus is on spreading that joy, reconnecting the community, inspiring new generations of boat enthusiasts, and ensuring the Festival remains sustainable. As a not-for-profit, we receive some funding from government grants — for which we are incredibly grateful — but this doesn't cover all our needs. It's only with the help of people like you that we can grow and survive.

Donate & Make a Difference

Please support the Festival's essential role in the wooden boats and maritime community by making tax-deductible donations of $2 or more.

Choose from one-time donations to the Festival, regular contributions as a Festival First Mate, or become a major donor through The Captain's Table collective. 

The choice is yours — you make all the difference!

AWBF is on the Register of Cultural Organisations and endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office for deductible gift recipient status.