FAQ About Tinny Rally
Is this a guided tour?
No — it’s not a guided tour. It’s self-navigated and you must be self-sufficient for remote travel. Event support (sweep boat / overland recovery) is available.
Participants operate their own registered vessels and remain responsible for navigation, compliance and on-water decisions.
In order to prepare for your journey you are required to:
- Read our “Field Manual: Rally Readiness” which has planning and route information to help you prepare for your journey.
- Ensure that a person in your boat has a phone on the Telstra network as Telstra has service most of the way.
- Travel in small Convoys (we allocate them for the first section)
How far do we travel each day?
About 100km.
Will there be enough water in the river?
Yes.
I have hit sandbanks in the middle of winter when the water is at its lowest, however I did not sustain any boat damage and I have still got through just had to hop out and float my tinny across. When the rally is run in March and October the water level is normally 200-600mm higher. One year in the last 20 years it was no higher which would mean getting out and floating/dragging your tinny across these short sections if we had a low water level year like that.
Can I come in something that is not a tinny?
Refer here for Boat Requirements: https://tinnyrally.com.au/boat-requirements/
What types of boats are suitable?
We suggest a minimum of 12ft and 25-40hp for 1 person and 4.2m and 40hp for two people.
Manual trim motors are ideal because you can leave them unlocked and they can pivot if you encounter a low sandbank. But people take houseboats up the Murray so electric trim is also fine, just be more careful of water depth.
You need to be able to go a minimum of 35kph fully loaded in order to make the distance and still have time for fun each day.
Can I have more than 2 people in a team?
Yes
How much fun will I have?
Enormous amounts. We value the fact you want to make the most of 7 days off work and gone to a lot of effort to test and design the routes, stops and suggestions we make so you have an awesome time.
What will finishing the rally be like?
You should feel a big sense of accomplishment and achievement, it is one heck of an undertaking.
Will I have to help other people if they break down?
You don’t have to but you should.
What happens if I breakdown?
If you break down: first, seek help from other participants. If you can’t resolve it, you can request assistance via the sweep boat / overland crew /rally mechanic.
Will I meet the most amazing new friends?
Yes
Do I have to camp the whole way?
No. Some nights there is easily accessible accommodation in riverside caravan parks. Most nights are remote bush camping.
Can I hire Tinnys anywhere locally?
See here: Tinny Hire
I am coming from another state. Can I use my boat and boat license in SA and NSW?
Licensing/registration rules vary — participants must confirm requirements with the relevant state authority.
What is your cancellation & refund policy?
You can find our Cancellation & Refund Policy here : Tinny Rally Terms
Should I come on this rally if I have never been camping before?
No. 7 days camping in a remote location carrying your own toilet is not the way to start your introduction into camping.
Is this like other “rallies”?
We haven’t been on other social rallies, or fundraising rallies, but from what we understand they can be more structured than the Tinny Rally. The Tinny Rally has a lot of freedom to explore, camp where you want and stop where you want. And that’s how the sort of people that come on the Tinny Rally like it. We do not provide food or scones and morning tea at each stop, you are responsible for all your own supplies. We do not provide structured social activities and events each evening. You’ll need to bring your own bingo.
When I book spots can I book and pay for my mates as well?
Yes, as long as you have their details to enter on their ticket (name and email).
Can I have one or three people in my boat?
You can have as few or many as you like. We get a few people come solo each rally, and a few guys bring their kids and put 3 in a boat.
How many boats come?
Approx 100 boats (180 people)
Can I fish/ Is there time to fish?
Yes, last rally some guys caught a 87cm cod and a total of 200 carp.
Do I need to apply to get a spot?
No, it’s first in best dressed to get a spot when we release them.
What’s the weather like in March and October?
Generally low 20s and sunny. Pack rain gear in case (unlikely but good to be prepared), and cold weather gear for the mornings on the water. We could get unlucky with a frost and sometimes we get a mid 30s day or two.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not permitted.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes we have kids come every rally.
Is it suitable for women?
Yes. We have had women enter solo, enter as a team and as a husband and wife team. The rally is currently about 80% blokes, 10% women and 10% kids.
If my 16 year old has a boat license can they drive?
On the Tinny Rally under 18s need to be accompanied in the boat by their parent/guardian at all times. If they can legally drive the boat they can drive it during the tinny rally.
Is there a support vehicle to carry my gear?
You carry everything in your boat with you.
Where do you park your cars and trailers?
We have parking organised on a property close to Mannum.
My tinny is more than 60hp or more than 5m, can I have a special exemption to bring it along?
No.
Most people bring a 4.2m and 40hp so 60hp and 5m is big enough already.
We run a hard 60hp & 5m limit because it keeps the rally fair, manageable, and true to the tinny spirit.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes — as long as they’re ready for the outdoors.
Can I drink and drive the boat?
No. Have your beers after you tie off.
Do I need a proper toilet?
Yes. And if you don’t bring one, you’re not coming.
Can under 18s come?
Yes definitely. Under 18s (Youngbloods) must be accompanied by their guardian on the Tinny Rally (not just an older brother). Under 18s must always be accompanied by an adult in the boat.
Is Tinny Rally just a piss-up?
No.
Tinny Rally is a social river expedition. There are pub stops, campfires, beers, stories, and plenty of laughter — but it is not a drink-driving event and it is not a free-for-all.
We have zero tolerance for unsafe behaviour on the water. Anyone who ignores the safety rules or culture rules can be removed from the rally.